Upgrading to Air Suspension: When and Why It’s Worth the Investment

Ride comfort, load stability, and overall vehicle performance are key concerns for motorhome owners, van operators, and anyone managing a vehicle under strain. If your journeys feel rough, your chassis is under pressure, or you regularly carry heavy loads, it may be time to consider upgrading to air suspension.

In this blog, we’ll look at when an air suspension upgrade is the right move—and why it’s an investment that pays off in comfort, control, and long-term protection for your vehicle.

What Is Air Suspension?

For vehicles with leaf spring suspension, air suspension replaces or supplements traditional steel springs with air-filled bellows (or airbags), which are adjusted via an onboard compressor system. These systems allow for variable ride height and load-level control, adapting automatically or on demand to the conditions and weight being carried.

On the AL-KO chassis, the principle is the same, but the design differs. Airbags are mounted between the chassis and the wheel hub, working in conjunction with the factory suspension struts rather than leaf springs. This tailored design provides a seamless upgrade in comfort and ride performance for AL-KO-based motorhomes.

Glide-Rite offers a range of professionally installed air suspension solutions, tailored to suit motorhomes, campervans, and commercial vehicles.

When to Consider an Upgrade

Your Ride Quality Has Deteriorated

If your vehicle feels harsh over bumps, leans when cornering, or becomes unstable at higher speeds, your suspension may no longer be performing effectively. Air suspension provides a smoother, more controlled ride by absorbing road imperfections and reducing vibration.

You’re Carrying Heavier Loads

Motorhomes with additional fittings, or vans carrying tools, stock, or equipment, place extra strain on standard suspension. Air systems are designed to adapt under load, maintaining correct ride height and ensuring even weight distribution.

You’re Towing or Using a Trailer

If you regularly tow, uneven weight distribution can cause rear sagging and poor handling. Air suspension automatically compensates for added weight, offering greater stability and safety during transport.

You Notice Chassis Strain or Uneven Tyre Wear

A vehicle riding low at the back or experiencing rapid tyre wear may be suffering from chassis fatigue. Air suspension reduces that stress by distributing weight more evenly across the axles.

You Want Better Control and Comfort on Long Journeys

Air suspension systems enhance driver and passenger comfort, reduce fatigue, and improve handling, particularly on long-distance trips or across variable terrain.

Why It’s Worth the Investment

Improved Comfort & Handling - Air suspension absorbs shocks and levels the ride, making every journey smoother, especially on rough roads or in crosswinds.
Enhanced Safety - Consistent ride height and reduced sway contribute to better braking, cornering, and general stability.
Protects Your Chassis - By minimising stress on the frame and suspension components, air systems help preserve your vehicle’s structural integrity.
Increased Vehicle Lifespan - Less wear and tear on tyres, brakes, and suspension systems means fewer repairs and lower long-term maintenance costs.
Custom Ride Height & Load Levelling - Raise or lower the rear as needed, especially useful for steep driveways, ferry loading, or achieving a level stance on uneven ground.

Professional Installation Matters

Air suspension upgrades involve integrating mechanical and electrical components into your vehicle’s existing system. Precise fitting, correct calibration, and safety testing are critical for reliable performance.

At Glide-Rite, our approved technicians install air suspension systems to manufacturer specifications, ensuring everything is set up correctly from day one. We offer tailored systems for a wide range of vehicles and provide ongoing support to keep your setup in peak condition.

Ready to Upgrade?

Get In Touch

If you’ve noticed a dip in comfort, plan to carry heavier loads, or simply want to enhance your vehicle’s performance, air suspension is a worthwhile upgrade. With professional installation and ongoing support from Glide-Rite, you’ll enjoy a smoother, safer, and more reliable drive—wherever the road takes you.

Get in touch today to speak to our team or arrange a quote for your vehicle.

What Our Customers Say

Advice, options, price, fitting service and communication were excellent. These people could not be more helpful and they will get my business again without question. I would recommend them to friends and family.

Glide-Rite carried out the annual hydraulics check/service and the installation of an air suspension assist system on our motorhome earlier this year. As always, the work was done to the high standard I have come to expect, and in an agreeably timely manner. This company is easy to deal with, and I commend their products, personnel and level of service to all who have need of these.

Excellent company with fantastic service. The air suspension and hydraulics installed on my vehicle have been tremendous. Carl, David and the team are experienced professionals who are so easy to get along with. Couldn’t ask for a better service.