Air Bag Suspension

Air Bag Suspension

Here is another approach that could be used to stabilise your towing vehicle and level the ride. Several types are on offer with several levels of complexity. They are sometimes referred to as "load helpers" One works very similarly to the system which comes as standard on the Subaru Forester - it levels the car automatically as you drive along. The inset above shows how the unit can be adapted to spring suspension. This approach seems to be extremely popular in the USA. Most major tyre manufacturers such as Firestone have a system. Lots of info on www.airbagman.com.au particularly on Ride-Rite helper springs. These are installed between the frame of the vehicle and the suspension. See the inset picture above. Installation takes about an hour. The load carrying capacity is up to a massive 2,500 kgs! This is an excellent, easy to navigate site with fairly complete information and quite a few links.

Although the air springs are capable of lifting a great deal of weight, they are intended to maximize the vehicles load capabilities within the recommended Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

A fairly comprehensive article appeared in Caravan and Motorhome, September 2001, page 29. This has some good pictures of the methods used to adjust ride as you drive along. Expect to pay at least $1000.00. Be aware that this method does NOT get rid of the high ball load problem as your tow vehicle rear axle MUST be capable of carrying the full load. The manufacturers guide lines must be adhered to, otherwise eventually the wheel bearings will fail or at worst the axle will break. This is an area where one should consult an expert rather than simply buy from a catalogue or on-line.

Bob Eustace