Chassis and air suspension for motorhomes
Suspension systems for greater comfort on the road from AL-KO VT
Find the system that matches your vehicle, your load and your travel profile
Long journeys, changing road conditions and different payloads all put demands on a motorhome’s chassis. Standard suspension can reach its limits. AL-KO VT suspension systems improve ride comfort, road holding and vehicle control. Bumps and uneven surfaces are absorbed far more effectively. At the same time, the right components reduce shocks, vibrations and body roll. The motorhome remains more stable and easier to control, even in crosswinds or with uneven loading.
Depending on the system, damping, front axle suspension or ride height can be specifically adjusted. This overview shows which solution is right for your motorhome and your needs:
- Semi-active chassis COMFORT DRIVE automatically adjusts damping while driving according to the road, driving manoeuvres and payload.
- ACS front axle strut replaces the standard front axle strut and matches suspension and damping to the respective axle load.
- Full air suspension Air Premium X2 automatically regulates ride height at the rear axle, independent of the payload.
- Full air suspension Air Premium X4 manages both front and rear axles and can automatically level the motorhome when stationary.
- Additional air suspension Air Plus supports the existing steel suspension at the rear axle and allows manual adjustment of the vehicle height.
Compatibility depends on the base vehicle, chassis, model year, number of axles and axle loads. Air suspension does not automatically increase the permissible gross weight or payload.
Frequently asked questions about chassis and air suspension
Different suspension systems fulfil different requirements. The following questions provide guidance in choosing, operating and retrofitting AL-KO VT solutions.
Standard chassis are often designed as a compromise. Additional suspension systems specifically improve comfort, stability and control, especially on long journeys, with variable loads or on poor road surfaces.
AL-KO VT offers different solutions such as semi-active chassis, air suspensions and front axle suspension struts. They differ in their mode of operation, level of comfort and area of application, enabling individual adaptation to vehicle and usage.
The choice depends on the base vehicle, chassis, axle loads and desired level of comfort. At an AL-KO VT customer centre your vehicle data and installation situation are checked. There you will receive vehicle-specific recommendations and professional installation if required.
Whether retrofitting is possible depends on the base vehicle, chassis, model year, number of axles and axle loads. The additional air suspension Air Plus as well as the full air suspensions Air Premium X2 and X4 are available for selected vehicle variants. Air Premium X2 operates as a two-circuit system on the rear axle, while Air Premium X4 covers both front and rear axles. Vehicle-specific compatibility should therefore be checked at an AL-KO VT customer centre.
Optimised suspension systems not only affect comfort. Improved road holding, better traction and more stable handling can also have a positive impact on driving safety.
If you wish to retrofit air suspension, you should pay attention to several key points:
- Ensure that the desired air suspension is suitable for your specific vehicle model and year of manufacture. You can find the relevant data in your vehicle documents or registration papers.
- Invest in high-quality air suspension from a reputable manufacturer. Quality is crucial to ensure good performance and long service life.
- Please note that air suspension affects the height of your vehicle. After installation, you should be able to adjust the vehicle height to achieve the desired level.
- The air suspension must be suitable for your vehicle’s weight, especially if you are carrying higher additional loads.
An additional air suspension supports the existing steel suspension and is manually adjusted to the payload. A full air suspension takes on the main suspension function and automatically regulates the ride height. Air Premium X4 also controls both front and rear axles.
The price depends on the system and the vehicle. Additional air suspension is more affordable than full air suspension with automatic levelling. You can obtain a specific quote at an AL-KO VT customer centre.
ACS, Air Plus and the full air suspensions Air Premium X2 and X4 are maintenance-free. Regardless of this, any changes in driving behaviour, damaged lines or unusual differences in ride height should be checked by a specialist workshop.
The installation time depends heavily on the chosen product and the vehicle. For example, the additional air suspension Air Plus can be installed within a day, while fitting the full air suspension Air Premium X4 to a three-axle vehicle may take up to two working days.
