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, load and travel profile
Long journeys, changing road conditions and varying loads put a strain on a motorhome chassis. Standard suspensions can reach their limits in these situations. AL-KO VT suspension systems increase comfort, road holding and vehicle control. Bumps and uneven road surfaces are noticeably better absorbed. The right components also minimise jolts, vibrations and rolling movements. The motorhome remains more stable and easier to control, even in crosswinds or with an uneven load.
Depending on the system, damping, front axle suspension or ride height is specifically adjusted. This overview shows which solution suits your motorhome and your individual needs:
- COMFORT DRIVE semi-active chassis automatically adjusts damping during the journey to suit the road, driving manoeuvres and load condition.
- ACS front axle strut replaces the standard front axle strut and matches suspension and damping to the respective axle load.
- Air Premium X2 full air suspension automatically regulates the rear axle ride height, regardless of load condition.
- Air Premium X4 full air suspension controls both the front and rear axles and can level the motorhome automatically when stationary.
- Air Plus supplementary air suspension supports the existing steel suspension on the rear axle and allows manual adjustment of the ride height.
Compatibility depends on base vehicle, chassis, year of manufacture, 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 meet different requirements. The following questions provide guidance for selecting, understanding the function and retrofitting of AL-KO VT solutions.
Standard chassis are often designed as a compromise. Additional suspension systems specifically enhance driving comfort, stability and control, especially on long journeys, with varying loads or poor road conditions.
AL-KO VT offers different solutions such as semi-active chassis, air suspensions and front axle struts. They differ in terms of operation, comfort level and areas of application, allowing you to adapt the system precisely to your vehicle and its use.
The choice depends on your base vehicle, chassis, axle loads and the comfort you require. At an AL-KO VT service centre, your vehicle data and installation situation will be checked. There you will receive a recommendation tailored to your vehicle, as well as professional installation if required.
Whether retrofitting is possible depends on the base vehicle, chassis, model year, number of axles and axle loads. The supplementary air suspension Air Plus and the full air suspensions Air Premium X2 and X4 are available for selected vehicle variants. Air Premium X2 operates as a two-channel system on the rear axle, while Air Premium X4 covers both the front and rear axles. We therefore recommend checking compatibility for your individual vehicle at an AL-KO VT service centre.
Optimised suspension systems affect not just comfort. Greater stability, improved traction and a smoother ride can also have a positive impact on driving safety.
If you are planning to retrofit air suspension, you should pay attention to a few important points:
- Make sure 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 information and registration documents.
- Invest in high-quality air suspension from a reputable manufacturer. Quality is crucial for good performance and durability.
- Bear in mind that air suspension will affect the vehicle height. After installation, you should be able to adjust the height to achieve the desired level.
- Additionally, the air suspension must be suitable for your vehicle’s weight, particularly if you carry higher additional loads.
A supplementary air suspension provides additional support for the standard steel suspension and can be manually adjusted to suit the load. A full air suspension carries out the main suspension work and automatically controls the ride height. Air Premium X4 also controls both front and rear axles.
The price depends on the system and the vehicle. A supplementary air suspension is less expensive than a full air suspension with automatic level control. You can obtain a detailed quotation from an AL-KO VT service centre.
ACS, Air Plus as well as the full air suspensions Air Premium X2 and X4 are maintenance-free. Regardless of this, any changes in driving behaviour, damaged pipes or unusual changes in ride height should be checked by a specialist workshop.
The installation time depends very much on the selected product and the vehicle. For example, the supplementary air suspension Air Plus can generally 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.
