Full vs Semi Air Suspension: What’s the Difference?

Upgrading your vehicle’s suspension can transform the way it handles, feels, and performs. But if you’ve started looking into the options, you’ll soon find two main choices: full air suspension and semi air suspension.

Both offer impressive improvements over standard springs, but they work differently, suit different needs, and come at different price points. Here’s everything you need to know before deciding which is right for you.

How Air Suspension Works

Air suspension replaces or supports traditional springs with flexible air bags (or air springs) filled with compressed air. An onboard compressor and valve system adjust the air pressure to change the ride height, improve stability, or maintain a level stance under load.

The idea is simple: air is more adaptable than steel. By adjusting the pressure, you can fine-tune your vehicle’s suspension for comfort, handling, and load capacity, all without changing any mechanical parts.

What Is Semi Air Suspension?

Semi air suspension works alongside your vehicle’s existing suspension, most often supporting the rear axle. Air bags are installed between the chassis and axle, and these can be inflated or deflated to change the ride height and firmness.

It’s a popular option for drivers who regularly carry heavy loads, tow trailers, or deal with uneven weight distribution, but who don’t need a full replacement system.

Reduces rear-end sag when carrying heavy loads
Improves stability when towing or transporting equipment
Helps balance uneven loads for smoother, safer handling
Adjustable using manual valves or in-cab controls
More affordable and quicker to install than full air suspension

What Is Full Air Suspension?

Full air suspension replaces the vehicle’s existing springs with air springs. This system is managed by an advanced electronic control unit that can adjust pressure automatically based on load, road surface, and driving style.

The result is a ride that’s smoother, more controlled, and consistent, even when the vehicle is heavily loaded or driving over uneven terrain.

Maintains a consistent ride height regardless of load
Automatically levels the vehicle for maximum stability
Adjustable for different terrains, from motorways to rough tracks
Significantly improves ride comfort and handling
Ideal for ambulances, patient transport, and specialist commercial vehicles where safety and passenger comfort are critical

Common Applications

Air suspension systems are used across a wide range of vehicles.

Semi Air Suspension is often fitted to:

Motorhomes and campervans – for stability, comfort, and rear load management
Commercial vans – for improved handling and reduced wear on components
Horseboxes – to protect animals during transport with a smoother ride
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles – for easier loading and a more comfortable journey
Recovery and utility vehicles – for better performance under heavy loads

Full Air Suspension is often fitted to:

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Semi Air Suspension	Full Air Suspension
Works with original suspension?	Yes	No – fully replaces it
Adjustability	Manual or basic electronic	Fully automatic, advanced controls
Cost	Lower	Higher
Comfort & control	Improved	Significantly improved
Installation time	Quicker	Longer, more complex
Best for	Motorhomes, campervans, vans, horseboxes, WAVs	Ambulances, patient transport, specialist commercial vehicles
Maintenance	Minimal	Requires occasional system checks

Which Option Should You Choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but asking yourself these questions can help:

What’s my typical load? If you only carry heavy loads occasionally, semi air suspension is often enough. Specialist vehicles in constant heavy use may require full air.
What type of vehicle do I have? Semi air suspension is the ideal upgrade for motorhomes, campervans, vans, horseboxes, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles, giving noticeable improvements in ride quality, handling, and load management. Full air suspension is suited to ambulances and other specialist vehicles, where automatic levelling and consistent ride height are critical.
Do I need automatic levelling? For most road users, semi air suspension delivers all the comfort and control required. For vehicles that must maintain a perfectly level stance at all times, such as ambulances and patient transport, full air suspension is the solution.

In short:

Choose semi air suspension if you want a proven, cost-effective upgrade that improves stability, comfort, and load support on motorhomes, vans, campervans, horseboxes, or WAVs.
Choose full air suspension if you operate ambulances, patient transport, or specialist commercial vehicles where automatic levelling and maximum stability are essential.

Why Choose Glide-Rite?

With decades of experience in air suspension design, supply, and installation, Glide-Rite is trusted by drivers across the UK for:

Chassis-specific solutions – tailored to your exact make and model
Expert installation – carried out by trained specialists
Long-term reliability – with strong warranties and aftercare support
Proven track record – working across motorhomes, commercial fleets, and specialist vehicles

Our goal is to help you choose the right suspension system for your needs, ensuring you get the most from your investment.

Ready to Upgrade Your Suspension?

Get In Touch

Choosing between full and semi air suspension is easier with expert advice. Our team can assess your vehicle, talk you through the options, and recommend the perfect setup for your needs.

Speak to a specialist today.

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.