11 Air Suspension For Motorhome Facts and Statistics (2024 Update)
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Air suspension kits are getting more and more popular these days, and a motorhome owner can really benefit from having air suspension. It can help make your drive easier, safer, and more comfortable, which is essential when traveling to far destinations. Usually, motorhomes carry heavy loads and can be extremely difficult to maneuver. On top of that, if the road is bumpy, you might struggle to keep everything under control.
Air suspension can help you overcome these obstacles. If you’ve been thinking about getting air suspension for your motorhome, continue reading to find out more about it! Here, we’ll cover 11 facts on air suspension for motorhomes.
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Top 11 Air Suspension For Motorhome Statistics
- Air suspension is air-operated.
- There are two different types of air suspension; full air suspension and semi-air suspension.
- Full air suspension is an adjustable suspension system that fully replaces the regular suspension system that motorhomes have.
- Semi-air suspension is an added support to the conventional suspension system of motorhomes.
- Air suspension can be set to accommodate different weights.
- Air suspension will make your ride smoother and reduce vehicle body roll.
- Air suspension will improve comfort while driving your motorhome.
- With air suspension, the driver can always choose between softer and harder drives, regardless of the terrain.
- Air suspension is difficult and expensive to install.
- Air suspension is not as durable as other suspension systems.
- Air suspension can suffer from a lot of mechanical issues.
What is Air Suspension?
1. Air suspension is air-operated.
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Air suspension, as the name suggests, is operated by air. Air suspension technology is more improved and high-tech than the technology regular suspension systems have. This is the only suspension system that is entirely air-operated, and it brings a variety of benefits to your motorhome. It’s primarily used in motorhomes and bigger, heavier vehicles to provide a smooth ride relaxing ride.
2. There are two different types of air suspension; full air suspension and semi-air suspension.
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Air suspension is divided into two types: full air suspension and semi-air suspension. They don’t have the same function so it’s best to research both before you decide which one to go for. If you just need basic support for your vehicle, opt for a semi-air suspension system. On the other hand, if you want a fully automatic solution, then full air suspension is the best choice.
3. Full air suspension is an adjustable suspension system that fully replaces the regular suspension system that motorhomes have.
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Full air suspension is fully adjustable and completely replaces the regular suspension system your motorhome has. You can set your vehicle high or low by changing the pressure depending on the obstacles and the road. Full air suspension also allows you to tilt the vehicle, both front to back and side to side.
4. Semi-air suspension is an added support to the conventional suspension system of motorhomes.
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Semi-air suspension doesn’t act like full air suspension, and instead, it just acts as a support to a conventional suspension system. Semi-air suspension simply helps your vehicle gain a higher driving height and is mostly used on heavily loaded vehicles. In order to raise vehicle height, an air bellow is mounted between the rear axle and the chassis.
Benefits of Air Suspension
5. Air suspension can be set to accommodate different weights.
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Air suspension can be set to accommodate different weights and is thus a great way to support vehicles that drive heavy items, reducing risk and making the drive more pleasant. Another convenient aspect is that you’re able to change the air pressure at the push of a button.
6. Air suspension will make your ride smoother and reduce vehicle body roll.
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Air suspension technology is designed to help you have a smoother ride with a reduced vehicle body roll. Air springs are softer and more compliant than other stiff springs. That’s why, with the same degree of control, your ride will be softer and more manageable. The easy, push-of-a-button vehicle raising and lowering is also very helpful on harsh terrain.
7. Air suspension will improve comfort while driving your motorhome.
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As mentioned above, you’re able to change the height of your motorhome with one press of a button, and since it allows the motorhome to tilt on every side you’ll barely feel the vehicle cornering because the air suspension makes it feel effortless.
8. With air suspension, the driver can always choose between softer and harder drives, regardless of the terrain.
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When using air suspension, the driver has all the power and can easily decide between a soft or a hard drive according to their preference. You will be able to choose the pressure on the go and set up the air suspension to adjust to the road you are on.
Air Suspension Disadvantages
9. Air suspension is expensive to install.
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Air suspension is very expensive to install. Their prices can vary depending on what you’re looking for, but the overall costs can get quite high. If you are planning on buying air suspension, you’ll want to compare the price and quality of each manufacturer before you commit. If you’re handy enough, you can take on the project and install them yourself to lower the costs.
10. Air suspension is not as durable as other suspension systems.
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While air suspension provides a more comfortable ride, it’s not as durable as other suspension systems. This also depends on the manufacturer, but it’s a fact that metal coils and leaf springs will last longer. If you do regular maintenance, you should be able to expand their lifespan.
11. Air suspension can suffer from a lot of mechanical issues.
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An air suspension system’s biggest flaw is that it can suffer from a lot of mechanical issues. The most common problems occurring on air suspension systems are air dryer, compressor, air-line, and air spring issues. Never drive your motorhome if your air suspension is malfunctioning and if you have any problems it’s best to visit a mechanic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is air suspension worth it on a motorhome?
When you consider all the pros and cons of an air suspension system for motorhomes, it’s definitely worth it. It is pretty pricey but well worth the extra cost since it improves stability, reliability, and comfort. Some motorhome vehicle companies are adding air suspension as a standard addition to the motorhomes they create. This shows how highly valued air suspension is, and it’s well worth having on your motorhome.
How does air suspension work on a motorhome?
Air suspension systems are powered by a compressor or an electric pump that pumps air into textile/rubber bellows. Air is inflated into bags that act like springs, and it’s the only suspension system that is air-based. In addition to that, air suspension works as a replacement for the coil spring or leaf suspension system.
What pressure should my air suspension be?
One of the best features of air suspension is that it’s totally adjustable. That means that there is no wrong or right pressure. Depending on the road and other factors, you can set it up to your preference. There are a couple of rules that need to be followed, though, and for motorhomes, you should start with around 90 to 100 PSI, and then you can adjust from there.
How much does it cost to install air suspension?
The price of installing air suspension depends on which manufacturer you go for and if you are getting full air suspension or semi-air suspension. The purchase prices vary between $500 and $2,000, or sometimes more. Once you have purchased the air suspension, you’ll need someone to install it for you, which could be an additional $500 to $2,000. You’ll also need to think about maintenance costs, which can be over $2,000 on an annual basis.
How long will air suspension last?
Each air suspension setup is different, so some might last longer than others. Still, the approximate lifespan of air suspension systems is from 6 to 10 years. A suspension design made from good-quality components will significantly impact their durability. Cheaper air suspension kits will not last as long and be prone to needing a lot of maintenance.
Does air suspension affect performance?
Air suspension does affect performance—but in a good way. Your motorhome will still go at the same speed, but your comfort while driving will be significantly improved. The rides will be less noisy and bumpy but more stable and reliable. It is something every motorhome owner should at least try out so they can experience all the benefits air suspension brings for themselves.
Can I install air suspension myself?
If you’re so inclined, you can install air suspension yourself. You do not have to have any special skills, but you do need to know at least a bit about mechanics. If you are unsure about your skills, always visit a professional since you could endanger your vehicle’s safety by installing them improperly.
Related Read: 9 RV Accident Statistics and Facts
Conclusion
Air suspension kits can help make your drive easier, safer, and more comfortable, and are a great addition to motorhomes. While air suspension is a little more pricey than traditional suspension, the benefits are certainly worth the extra costs.
Featured Image Credit: VictorMacGill, Pixabay
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