Semi-Air Suspension

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If your vehicle’s suspension suffers under payload, you need Semi-Air, available exclusively from Glide-Rite.

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Semi-Air Suspension Systems for Vehicles

As market leaders in the specialist field of air suspension, Glide-Rite Products have developed a low-cost Semi-Air system to assist the existing steel suspension. Based on the design principle of Glide-Rite’s widely acclaimed full air suspension, Semi-Air utilises the latest technology to enable you to achieve the optimum chassis ride height, regardless of payload.

TBC

Glide-Rite specialises in creating products for the motorhome and campervan markets. With ourhigh-quality products we offer comprehensive air suspension, from a basic Schrader valve set up to our platinum Bluetooth range.

A variety of analogue gauge options are offered in our Silver range, designed to fit vehicles such as Ford Transits, Fiat Ducatos, and Peugeot Boxers, among others.

We now offer Semi-Air suspension kits equipped with digital gauges for the new Fiat Ducato and Ford Transit featuring the new electronic handbrake, along with kits designed for composite springs.

  • With standard steel suspension, the ride height of a vehicle will alter significantly between laden and unladen conditions, a factor which can lead to instability and ground clearance problems, particularly under heavy loading.
  • However, Semi-Air from Glide-Rite works with the existing steel sprung suspension by providing extra regulated support to ensure that the vehicle remains at a constant ride height regardless of payload.
  • By using Semi-Air you not only prevent the rear of the vehicle sagging, but also increase the stability and handling, particularly when fully laden. Semi-Air utilises bespoke Firestone air bags mounted between the existing leaf springs and vehicle chassis.
  • The system is supplied in kit form and is available in a multitude of configurations ranging from manual to fully automatic, dependent on your requirements.
  • Glide-Rite suspension systems are available for a wide range of vehicles. All systems come with a comprehensive warranty as standard and with the support of a network of highly trained technicians.
  • We now have Semi-Air suspension kits with digital gauges available for the new Fiat Ducato that has the new electronic handbrake and composite springs.
  • Citroen Relay
  • Fiat Ducato X244/X250/X290
  • Ford Ranger
  • Isuzu D-Max
  • Iveco Daily
  • MAN TGE
  • Mitsubishi Canter
  • Mitsubishi L200
  • Nissan Cabstar 3.5t
  • Nissan Navara
  • Mercedes Sprinter 3.5t/5t
  • Peugeot Boxer
  • Renault Mascot
  • Renault Master
  • Toyota Hi-Lux
  • Vauxhall Movano
  • VW Amarok
  • VW Crafter

Basic Range

This kit comes with two air bags, along with the necessary brackets, Schrader valves, bolts, and fittings for installation. It features only the bags and brackets.

Our affordable solution includes a Schrader inflation valve, allowing the air bags to be inflated using a standard garage air regulator or a 12V plug-in compressor.

This system is intended as entry-level and is for situations where the pressure of the Semi-Air suspension does not need to be changed often.

Silver Range

The Analogue gauge and compressor setup allows the driver to adjust the pressure in the airbags, enabling customisation of the ride height.

The twin gauge and double paddle switch allows for left and right operations can be adjusted independently, making it possible to correct slight weight distribution imbalances and level the vehicle. As is it oil filled, there is no concern over the needle not reading correctly. The analogue gauge is conveniently mounted in the cab area for easy driver access and is linked to a heavy duty compressor.

Gold Range

The Glide-Rite digital gauge Semi-Air suspension system provides a quick and easy method to inflate and deflate your vehicle’s air bags while you’re on the move, all from the comfort of your cab. This digital gauge eliminates the inconvenience of manual inflation, similar to its analogue counterpart. Designed to fit seamlessly in the cab area, it offers an OEM-like appearance. With just a button press, you can manage the pressure in your air bags, making it incredibly convenient for adjusting to varying loads or changing road conditions.

Platinum Range

The Platinum range features a handheld digital control unit and Bluetooth app control that provides several added advantages.

For instance, you can select the unit to show air pressure or check historical notifications, giving you greater insight into your auxiliary air suspension system.

This system is specifically designed for commercial vehicles, motorhomes
and campervans, where axle loads typically remain consistent but can be occasionally adjusted.

Level & Stable in 90 Seconds
Anodised Aluminium Jacks
Ultra Lightweight
3 Preset Positions
Smartphone App Control
12 or 24 Volt Vehicles
Touchscreen Control Panel
Lifts up to 30 Tonnes
Manual Override

Frequently Asked Questions

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Semi-Air suspension is installed on your vehicle’s chassis to enhance stability and ride quality. The airbags contain pressurised air and automatically adjust the vehicle’s height for a smoother journey. They effectively minimise the effects of bumps in the road or the jolts from speed bumps, making them particularly beneficial for those who often tow heavy loads.
To identify whether your vehicle is equipped with leaf springs instead of the AL-KO chassis, could you check for leaf springs (stacked metal plates) beneath the rear axle or at the suspension connection to the frame. Alternatively, you can review your vehicle documentation for any mention of AL-KO related to your specific model.
 
Leaf springs are a suspension system that utilises a series of curved metal plates (leaves) to absorb shocks and ensure a smooth ride.
We offer a variety of options for Semi-Air Suspension. With the leaf spring chassis, the systems vary from a basic manual Schrader valve inflation to more advanced gauge and compressor choices. Our selection of gauge options includes analogue, digital, and Bluetooth controls.
Semi-Air suspension enhances road protection by providing a significantly smoother ride. The ability to adjust the vehicle’s height allows it to better accommodate the terrain. Additionally, it safeguards other vehicle components, such as the joints, by reducing the shock waves transmitted through the vehicle when encountering bumps in the road.
Semi-Air suspension offers numerous advantages, particularly for larger vehicles or those that tow regularly. By allowing your vehicle to be raised, this suspension system enhances fuel efficiency, improves road stability, and provides better handling, resulting in a smoother ride. Additionally, it can be more environmentally friendly, reducing the potential damage to road surfaces.
The Glide-Rite Semi-Air suspension has two options available: a basic Schrader valve setup or the compressor and gauge setup, which enables the driver to adjust the pressure in the airbags. This means the user can adjust the ride height. Left and right operations can also be adjusted independently, making it possible to compensate for a slightly uneven weight distribution and level the vehicle.
With Glide-Rite Semi-Air suspension, you not only prevent the rear of the vehicle from sagging but also increase its stability and handling, particularly when fully laden. On a vehicle with a leaf spring chassis, the airbags are installed between the chassis and rear axle, which enables the airbag to provide support for the leaf spring.
 
By raising the pressure to 6-bar on the rear of the vehicle, you don’t have to worry about getting over ramps, driveways, or ferry ramps, especially for vehicles with a large overhang. The system allows you to raise the vehicle to 6 bar, providing an approximate 2-3 inch lift. Every vehicle is different, so heights can vary.
With both manual and controlled systems, the user can control the ride height. We recommend that for driving the vehicle, the pressure should be set between 2.5 and 4 bars. Each customer has their own preference, providing approximately 1-1.5 inches of lift. Every vehicle is different, so heights can vary.
The Glide-Rite semi-air suspension systems comes with our 3-year/60,000-mile warranty, including callouts anywhere in the UK, and the airbags are guaranteed for 5 years.

Related Products

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Glide Rite Air Master Controllers

Air Master Controller

Manual or automatic semi air suspension control from Glide-Rite. Explore the Air Master Controller and Air Master Automatic Premium and get a quote today.

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Contact Us

For more information, call +44(0)151 638 8002 or email info@glide-rite.com.

 

What Our Customers Say

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Andrew Pritchard
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A very happy customer having just had rear air assist fitted to our Le Voyageur motorhome, by the team at Glide Rite. From the initial contact with David, all through the booking process and then on the day of fitting this week, everything was professionally handled. Much appreciated was the ability to park outside overnight, complete with hook up, security lights and CCTV, and then the generous use of a courtesy car whilst my installation was done. A great job, and glad to have decided on the day to upgrade to the Air Master Controller, looks great in our Mercedes cab 😁
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bikerarthur27
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The whole process of adding semi air suspension from start to finish was completely stress free; cannot recommend this company highly enough. Was able to stop overnight as had travelled along distance from the Midlands, 3 hours journey. Electric hook up available which was great as the temperature went down to freezing overnight.
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Peter Clifford
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Had air suspension fitted to my Bailey Adamo and very impressed with the system. Extremely impressed by the level of service and support, communication and general ethos of the company. Highly recommended.
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Sally Chatting
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What can I say.... cannot fault the excellent product - semi air suspension and upgraded front springs on Rapido 8096DF....rides like a dream and levels her out a treat. More to the point, David and Carl are the business.... professional, helpful and friendly and couldn't do more. We stayed outside the night before, free electric hook up, free use of courtesy car and a lift to and from the ferry for our sightseeing in Liverpool whilst they completed the work. Top of our list for any future work. Give them a go, you will not regret it! Thanks team Glide Rite!
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jefferson lord (skycamuk)
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Fantastic company, they fitted rear air suspension to my adamo 75-4DL. No fuss no drama , great price and completed in the day
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Abelard Snazz
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This company is one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with all the staff are courteous, knowledgeable and can't do enough to help you. I had the semi air suspension fitted and what a difference it made, it should be mandatory on any camper conversion. The van now handles like it should instead of trying to steer a brick. A big thank you to all the team at glide-rite. John.
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Tina Malone
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From the first contact with Glide-Rite their professionalism was apparent. David and Carl were both extremely helpful and friendly, even giving us a lift to the train station. We had semi-air suspension fitted to our 2008 Hymer A class motor home and new front springs. The difference this made to the drive and stability of the vehicle was incredible. First class professional workmanship, so glad we had this job done many thanks to Dave and Carl at Glide-Rite. Excellent service, definitely recommend this company.
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Chris Bruney
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Edit Nov 2025 I wanted to leave this follow-up review for Carl, David, Alan and the team at Glide-Rite. After having a levelling system fitted almost 18 months ago and then my semi-air suspension 6 months ago, we took our motorhome on an epic journey across Europe, fully laden with everything you need for a long trip (including a motorcycle). Both systems were transformational and gave us speed and comfort on almost every kind of terrain – incredible investments that massively enhanced our experience. While the initial installations were flawless, what truly amazed me was the after-sales service. I had an issue – most likely my mistake – and Carl had also promised a component upgrade last year. It would have been so easy to fob me off, but even after 18 months he treated me no differently to the first time we met: as a valued customer. I’m just staggered! Today they spent almost three hours completing the work and made me comfortable in their office while I waited. The work was completed to a very high standard, and they even replaced a component I had damaged – all free of charge. So when you’re shopping around for cheaper prices, please remember: there are still companies in the UK that remember what proper customer service looks like – Glide-Rite is at the top of the list! ///////////////////////////////////////////// Outstanding customer service end-to-end! From the very first enquiry of our HPC Self Levelling System, to the chauffeur collection at the train station after fitting, this team have been simply amazing. First class, secure facilities and top-notch workmanship where attention to detail is unrivalled. Really happy to recommend Carl, David, Alan and will definitely be back for the air suspension in the future!
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David Ward
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I can honestly say say that there aren’t many companies nowadays that offer the high level of customer service and satisfaction that Glide Rite do. We travelled from Yorkshire to have rear air suspension fitted and was really impressed with our experience! We were allowed to park up our motor home with free electric hook up and stay over night as our job was booked in for the next day. On top of this we were offered the use of a practically new courtesy car with a full tank of fuel to spend the day site seeing around Liverpool. Carl is the nicest and most professional man and he made us feel so valued. 💯% prefect thank you so much 👍🏼 would highly recommend to anyone
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Richard Cooper
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Excellent customer service from start to finish. We had semi air suspension and hydraulic levelling fitted. Extremely pleased with the professional job and the difference it has made to the ride. Thank you David and the team. Would highly recommend 👌 Best regards Richard

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