Christine

Lead time

AirRide welder

Please note that we are a manufacturing workshop. When it comes to load support kits and bags, we strive to keep our bestsellers on the shelf ready for same or next day dispatch whereas front struts and front and rear lowering kits are always made to order. Air management parts (controller, compressor, tank) are usually in stock or can be obtained within a few days.

Given how much the pace of life has accelerated in the last few years and the rising customer expectations, we dispatch as fast as we can but we’re not Amazon and can’t guarantee a next day delivery. Small items are dispatched with Royal Mail on either 24 or 48 hour service and larger items are shipped with UPS who usually deliver within 1-2 working days. Sometimes we use Parcelforce and, again, select a fast service.

We don’t do drop shipping. When you place an order with us, you get the parts from us. We don’t outsource storage, packaging and shipping to a third party, and we certainly don’t throw together low-quality parts from random sources. We care about quality and safety and only supply parts we would use on our own vehicles.

Manufacturing times vary and we discuss this with our customers before they place an order. Some kits take dozens of hours to make, others take hundreds. Some kits are so complex we quote 16-26 weeks. Lead times are given in good faith and are not guaranteed – in a manufacturing environment, tasks can and do overrun. This is something that is hard to explain as our customers only see the end product and not the dozens of steps and parts that go into making them. We have considered creating “behind the scenes” content for our social media to better explain the work and skills that go into making our products but a generic video wouldn’t show much and a detailed one would a) be too dangerous to film given the steps involved and b) give away too much information about our designs.

To sum this up, our products take time to make but they’re worth the wait: we build products that are built to last and genuinely solve the various problems our customers encounter with their standard suspension.

Posted by Christine

Mercedes Sprinter 4×4

Recently, we've noticed an increase in enquiries about all wheel drive Sprinters so we thought we'd make a quick blog post about this configuration of the famous van. We offer 2 different load support kits for the 4x4, depending on the axle tube diameter. Most 4x4 Sprinters are 400/500 series with a 4 inch axle tube but there is also a very rare 300 series model that has a 3 inch axle tube. We do kits for both. As all our load support kits, both feature heavy duty bags and brackets and are therefore perfect for motorhomes, camper vans and heavily loaded vans, restoring ride height, stabilising your Sprinter, and improving ride quality and handling.

Is your 4x4 is 300 series? Click here. If you have the 400/500 van then the kit you need is shown here.

Need more information? Please call us on 0800 772 0315 or send an email to  ENQUIRIES@AIRRIDE.UK

Mercedes Sprinter van
Posted by Christine

Air suspension for classic cars

Lowered classic Dodge

Kits for classic cars is something we get enquiries about nearly every week. We have good news and bad news: the good news is that it's possible. The bad news is that, unless it's a Merc from the 1960s onwards, it's very unlikely to be bolt on.

For most classic cars we can supply universal parts. There are kits for some classic American cars that we can import from the US, but they tend to involve at least some fabrication as this is what our cousins across the Pond are accustomed to. Also, American pricing for air suspension parts is in an entirely different league as many of you have discovered yourselves...

When we say 'universal' we don't mean 'will magically bolt onto every vehicle'. No, it's universal as in 'won't fit any vehicle directly'. Universal kits will require fabrication by the customer or their installer. YOU, the customer, need to tell us what you need. Now, this is the bit where a misunderstanding tends to occur. The typical reply tends to be: "I need bags and other parts to put my car on air."

That’s like phoning up a garage and saying you need a new tyre instead of asking for price and availability on 185/65 R15. Airbags, just like tyres, have sizes. So, for us to supply the bags, we need to know how much available space the vehicle has for airbags: the outer diameter of the front spring and clear area around the front spring. Also, all airbags require at least a 1-inch clearance all the way round. Any less and the bags will likely touch, fail and need replacing (not a warranty issue!!).

To sum this up: you need to tell us exactly what you need from us to get you started and then fabricate the rest yourself/have your installer to do that for you.

We’ve mentioned it in another post, but we’ll mention it again… Designing an air suspension kit involves far more than just putting parts together. It requires a certain amount of engineering and trial and error. On some vehicles, clearances are really tight, and it might be tempting to use a smaller bag that is easier to fit instead of the bag that is right for the job – don’t do that as it renders the whole project pointless when it has a terrible ride quality. Choose the right bag for the job, not the easy bag for the install.

Another common mistake after wrong parts and installation errors is skimping on quality. Yes, air suspension is expensive to set up but if the cost is a turn off then it’s better to leave the car as it is than buy cheap, unreliable parts. When air is the sole suspension of a vehicle you absolutely need the best quality parts. We’ve had an increase in enquiries recently where people complain that their compressor has failed or their manifold/remote is not responsive anymore. Just because the (cheaper) compressor or controller looks similar to that of a reputable brand it doesn’t mean they’re the same quality! To draw a comparison: Apple users know full well that they pay a lot for the brand but, in return, they’re getting great products and excellent customer service. It’s the same with air suspension parts: buy the original, buy quality. Don’t try to save money going for a knock off or, even worse, a knock off of a knock off – sooner or later any savings will be eaten up by repair bills and the cost of replacement parts.

OK, back to the main topic….

Please note that air suspension is not a magical solution to all problems and no kit can do everything. Therefore, it must be decided from the very beginning what is the main thing you want air suspension to do. Is it to improve comfort? Slam the car to the ground? Increase clearance to avoid speed bumps and tackle steep driveways? All these requirements can usually be met, but not at the same time or by the same kit.

As for controlling the ride height, air management packs are not vehicle specific so any can be installed – whether it’s the Manual Paddle Controller or the 3P Digital Controller pack is a preference thing, just as having 1 or 2 compressors.

The universal parts for cars are available here.

Need more information? Please call us on 0800 772 0315 or send an email to  ENQUIRIES@AIRRIDE.UK

We are happy to offer you a quote but you need to supply information on sizes, designs and pictures. Don't expect us to be able to put  a package together for a 195x model xyz without some input from you.

Posted by Christine

Happy Easter 2025

The Sales Office will close at 5 PM today and reopen at 9:30 AM on Tuesday April 22. Our call centre staff will also be on an Easter break so there will be no phone service during the Easter weekend. You're welcome to email and we'll respond to general enquiries next week.

Automated in stock orders placed via our website during this time may be dispatched over the Easter period. Please note that some courier companies, whilst accepting shipments, will not deliver them on public holidays.

We know that many customers install products on weekends and bank holidays so if you require technical assistance then please email us at  ENQUIRIES@AIRRIDE.UK  using the subject ‘Technical’ and we will endeavour to reply to your query within 24 hours.

Easter eggs
Posted by Christine

We can supply any TA Technix/AirLift Performance kit

Can’t see the kit you’re interested in on our website? Get in touch as we can supply any TA Technix kit! When it comes to our website listings, we add the most popular kits first although we recently added the Trabant kit for fun.

We can also supply TA Technix kits with adjustable damping - prices on request.

TA Technix offer Germany quality and reliability at a budget friendly price. Their kits are designed to slam the car to the ground and offer a sporty ride. They also do some van kits, but they’re designed for lightly laden Transporters. Contact us if you need air suspension for a camper as that would require a heavy-duty kit.

Likewise, we can supply AirLift Performance kits that are not on the website provided they’re still being made. The company has been streamlining their production in recent years and quite a few kits have been discontinued. As the name suggests, these kits focus on performance but they’re more adjustable than TA Technix and generally use bigger bags.

Please note that car kits or any spares are not held in stock and would need to be ordered in.

Need more information? Call us at 0800 772 0315 or send an email to ENQUIRIES@AIRRIDE.UK!

AirRide Banner small
Red Trabant
Lowered Audi
AirLift Performance logo
TA Technix - logo
Posted by Christine

Can you repair 3P?

We receive enquiries about this on a regular basis and therefore decided to put together a blog post.

One of the most commonly asked questions is whether we can repair manifolds. We can’t. If we receive a warranty claim we simply send the manifold to the manufacturer, and they supply us with a new one. AirLift Performance does not offer any 3P repair kits either. If the manifold is not working and is under warranty it needs to be sent back to ALP. Sometimes people open the manifolds to try and establish the problem themselves. This invalidates warranty and there are no spare parts available.

AirLift Performance used to offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty, but this was not recognised under UK law for being too ambiguous and in 2021 the company updated it. Starting from 03/09/2021, 3P/3H/3S will have a 2 year warranty if purchased without AirLift Suspension and a 4 year  warranty if purchased with a front and rear suspension kit from AirLift Performance.

The warranty, pre or post 2021, only applies to the original buyer.  This is one thing to keep in mind when buying vehicles with aftermarket air suspension to help determine whether it’s a vehicle for you. 3P spare parts range from £12.50 for a special USB cable (a regular one won’t work) to £1500 for a new manifold.

A user guide, if you don’t have one, is available on ALP’s website or we can email you a copy.

Occasionally we get asked about parts for Autopilot V2, ALP’s air management option before 3P/3H was launched in 2015. AirLift Performance does not sell any spares for V2 anymore and, since we never sold this controller option ourselves, we have nothing available for it. It was a great product for its time and 3P is its massively improved version. Depending on the condition and make of the compressor and tank they could be reused but the manifold and the remote would need replacing with 3P.

If you need more information, call us at 0800 772 0315 or email us at ENQUIRIES@AIRRIDE.UK

AirLift Performance 3P remote and manifold with AirRide thread sealant on blue background
Posted by Christine

Kits for Ford campers and motorhomes

Just a few years ago campers were dominated by VW Transporter and Mercedes Sprinter whereas Fiat Ducato reigned supreme when it came to motorhomes. These days we see more and more Ford based campervans and motorhomes. Are you among the owners of these vehicles? We can help!

Ford Transit Custom / Swift Monza

Whether you want to equip your camper with a front and rear lowering kit or  just a rear load support kit, we've got you covered! The load support kit is a cost effective solution to improve ride quality and lift the camper up and is installed in addition to the leaf spring.

These kits only fit Gen 1 Transit Custom based campers, contact us if yours is Gen 2.

Ford Transit campers and motorhomes

Swift and Chausson are among companies that have added Ford based motorhomes to their range. If you have one of those, the first thing we need to know is whether your vehicle is RWD or FWD as they require different bags and brackets. RWD vehicles with a single rear wheel have several slightly different chassis designs and we would need a picture of the rear axle/bump stop area to identity which variant of the kit fits your Ford. The twin rear wheel kit is available here.

Load support for FWD is available here.

Please note that these are load support kits and they can only lift the camper/motorhome up and lower it back to the original height. Load support kits cannot go any lower than the stock height.

Require air suspension for the front? The front struts are available HERE.

Key Features:

  • Heavy Duty Double-Convoluted Boss Air Bags: Standard in every kit for exceptional durability and performance. Rated to 1100 Kg per side per side above axle capacity - more than you'll ever need in real life! Depending on the vehicle, they will be either Boss Extreme Series 2500 or Boss 2600. 
  • Heavy-Duty Steel Brackets: Ensures a secure, reliable installation. Made by us here in Norwich using British steel.
  • Schrader Valves: For easy inflation and deflation.

If you wish to have an in cab controller, various onboard air management options are available from the drop-down menu. Please note that air management is required if your camper/motorhome has air on all four corners.

Why Buy From Us?

  • 25 years industry experience: Our staff were first introduced to air suspension just as it became known here in the UK in the early 2000s, learning, growing and evolving with the industry. Some of our products have been on the market for almost as long as the vehicles they were made for (VWT5) or don't have a bolt on equivalent on the market (Vauxhall Vivaro/Renault Trafic).
  • High quality, durable, air suspension grade parts:  We only sell parts that we would use on our own vehicles. We want you to enjoy many happy trips in your camper/motorhome, not worrying about strange noises, rapidly dropping pressure, malfunctioning compressor or cracked or bent brackets - all of which we've seen on people's vehicles when they came to us for help.
  • Family owned: By supporting us, you're supporting an independent local business.
  • Local manufacturing:  We design and make our products here in Norwich. For instance, the brackets are made from locally sourced steel and welding is done on site.
  • Tech support: Since we've been selling air suspension products for so long and design a lot of them ourselves, we can offer quality technical support. We know our products unlike some of our competitors who write on their website that they cannot provide any more information beyond what's already on the product page. Most people who buy air suspension are not industry specialists, they have questions and want to speak to someone who can answer them.

    Get in Touch

    If you need more information, or are looking for a lowering kit, we’re here to help! Call us at 0800 772 0315 or email us at ENQUIRIES@AIRRIDE.UK - our team is always happy to assist.

Posted by Christine

Truck and Industrial Airbags

Every now and then we get enquiries about truck, bus and industrial airbags. Our company specialises in airbags for road use and vehicles up to 4.5t:cars, pickups, vans, campers and motorhomes. The only exception is Iveco Daily, we have a kit that suits Daily Cs up to 7.2t. The biggest airbag that we have in our range is the 7 inch Boss 2600. The bulk of our business is load support kits and van struts and, currently, we don't have plans to extend our product range any further. Therefore, we are unable to help supplying truck, bus or industrial airbags.

 

Posted by Christine

Christmas closure

2024 has been a very busy year for us and there's still plenty left to do so this year our festive break will be rather short. Our Christmas/New Years opening hours will be:

December 23 - business open as usual

December 24 - CLOSED (calls will be answered by our call centre staff 9am - 3pm)

December 25 - CLOSED (no calls, you're welcome to email 😊)

December 26 - CLOSED (no calls, you're welcome to email 😊) 

December 27 - CLOSED (no calls, you're welcome to email 😊) 

December 30 - business open as usual

December 31 - business open as usual

January 1 - CLOSED (no calls, you're welcome to email 😊) 

January 2 - business open as usual

Please note that our call centre staff cannot assist beyond taking messages and we won't be able to do any callbacks before Dec 30. Emails will not be monitored between Dec 24-26. There will be limited email support available on Dec 27.

What if you want to place an order? Automated in stock orders placed via our website will be dispatched over the Bank Holiday period but if something is needed urgently please email us beforehand. If you need to pay by bank transfer (trade customer, ordering from abroad) and require an invoice, please let us know which product/-s you require, you would also need to email us your contact details (phone number and delivery address). Made-to-order items will be manufactured in the New Year.

We know that many customers install products over the festive period so if you require technical assistance then please email us at  ENQUIRIES@AIRRIDE.UK  using the subject 'Technical' so we could spot and get back to you quicker.

We would like to thank all our customers and hope that you're thoroughly enjoying your genuine AirRide products. As for those customers whose orders we're currently manufacturing... we're looking forward to dispatch them to you soon! In the meantime, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

 

 

Decorated air spring with AirRide business card in front of a custom air suspension build
Air spring with a Christmas hat in front of a cusom build
Posted by Christine

Bags for Coilovers

Bags for Coilovers: Can We Help?

We’ve recently noticed a surge in inquiries about air bags for coilovers. While this is a question we’ve been asked occasionally in the past, the recent spike in interest appears to have coincided with the closure of a competitor that previously supplied these products.

The Short Answer

Can we help? The short answer is no. In most cases, it’s easier, more reliable, and more cost-effective to invest in a dedicated air suspension kit rather than trying to adapt coilovers with air bags.

The Longer Answer

Air bags for coilovers present several challenges that make them less than ideal for road use:

  • Ride Quality Issues: Coilovers paired with air bags often have spring and damper rates that are too stiff or unsuitable for comfortable road use. Our focus has always been on achieving excellent ride quality alongside adjustability for lowering, which coilover setups rarely achieve when combined with air bags.
  • Threaded Coilovers and Reliability: Many coilovers have threaded bodies for height adjustment, which can be problematic when paired with air bags. Over time, these threads can become unreliable, leading to leaks or alignment issues.
  • Space Constraints: Vehicles often lack sufficient space for the proper diameter air bags that would provide a comfortable ride. Narrow or undersized bags may fit, but they won’t deliver the performance or durability needed for real-world driving conditions.
  • Universal Air Bag Option: While we do sell a universal air bag that doesn’t rely on sealing to fragile coilover threads, this option is highly limited by space constraints. It’s rarely a practical solution for heavy vehicles, and although 6 inches in diameter does not perform like a 6 inch bag. It works brilliants on lighter vehicles when no direct fit application is available. Available HERE.

Our Recommendation

If you’re considering adding air bags to your vehicle, we strongly recommend converting to a full air suspension system. Air suspension kits are purpose-built, offering benefits that retrofitted systems with threaded bodies cannot match.

  • Matched Air Bags: The air bags are specifically matched to the application, ensuring the correct size, durability, and performance for the vehicle.
  • Calibrated Damper Rates: The damper rates are designed for air bags, not coil springs, providing optimal ride quality and adjustability.
  • Compatible Mounts: The bag mounts are designed to seat securely against the damper body, ensuring compatibility and proper function.

By contrast, retrofitting air bags to coilovers is often a hit-and-miss process. The original components were not designed for air bags, leading to unreliable sealing and inconsistent performance. In addition, the limited compatibility of bag sizes can compromise both ride quality and safety.

Converting to a purpose-built air suspension system delivers superior ride comfort, reliable performance, and full adjustability for both height and handling.

Need Help Choosing the Right Kit?

Our team is here to guide you in selecting the best air suspension solution for your vehicle. Call us or email us - we’ll be happy to assist you!

AirRide being fitted to coil over
coil overs are not as good as air suspension
yellow and black coil overs
Posted by Christine

O rings

Air suspension systems are known for their exceptional reliability, and under normal circumstances, O-rings typically don’t require replacement unless the struts have been disassembled or the vehicle has been stored for an extended period. In such cases, servicing the air suspension components, including replacing O-rings, is essential to ensure optimal performance.

At our online store, we offer a range of high-quality O-rings specifically designed for our own brand of air suspension struts, as well as for TA Technix struts.

You can find a selection of these O-rings in our shop HERE.

If you're looking for a specific size that isn’t listed, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We may be able to source other sizes to suit your needs. Feel free to give us a call at 0800 772 0315 or email us at ENQUIRIES@AIRRIDE.UK, and our team will be happy to assist you.

A selection of TA Technix and AirRide Custom O rings
Posted by Christine

Ford Ranger Raptor load support

Ford Ranger Raptor
2019+ Ford Ranger Raptor load support kit shown installed on the vehicle

Navigating the Unpredictable Air Suspension Market

The air suspension market can be unpredictable, especially when it comes to demand for specific products. Take load support kits, for example. We keep plenty of stock for the most popular vans in the UK, but even with careful planning, demand can surprise us. Some kits may go unsold for a while, only for us to suddenly receive a surge of inquiries for a product we hadn’t anticipated. Trends, especially for pickups, shift rapidly, making demand difficult to forecast.

For instance, our 2015+ Toyota Hilux Load Support Kits were flying off the shelves for a while. Then, with the launch of the new Isuzu D-Max, interest shifted dramatically, and we sold countless D-Max kits instead. Now, the spotlight has turned to our latest bestseller: the Ford Ranger Raptor Load Support Kit (Gen 1 and Gen 2, 2019 onwards). It’s one of our most sought-after products, and we’re already wondering which vehicle will take centre stage next. It’s always exciting to see how customer needs evolve!

About Our Load Support Kits

Our load support kits are designed to complement your vehicle’s standard suspension, providing additional support when carrying heavy loads. They help keep the vehicle level, reduce sag, and improve ride quality under load.

Key Features:

  • Double-Convoluted Air Bags: Standard in every kit for exceptional durability and performance.
  • Optional Triple-Convoluted Upgrade: For even greater load-carrying capacity.
  • Heavy-Duty Steel Brackets: Ensures a secure, reliable installation.
  • Schrader Valves: For easy inflation and deflation.

If you’re looking to enhance functionality, you can add onboard air management options via the drop-down menu. These systems allow you to control your suspension on the go, providing maximum convenience and flexibility. Check out the ‘Options’ tab for more details.

Unmatched Quality

At the heart of our kits are Boss Air Bags, some of the toughest on the market. Rated to an astonishing 1100 Kg per side above axle capacity, these bags provide far more strength than you’ll ever need in real-world applications. They’ve been rigorously tested to ensure durability and performance you can trust.

The brackets, made from heavy-duty steel, are designed to handle the demanding loads of vehicles like the Ford Ranger Raptor. Together, these components ensure you’ll enjoy years of reliable performance and peace of mind.

Available Now for the Ford Ranger Raptor

The Ford Ranger Raptor Load Support Kit is available for purchase now. Whether you’re preparing for heavy-duty work or just looking to improve ride stability, this kit delivers everything you need.

The Ford Ranger Raptor Load Support Kit is available for purchase HERE.

Get in Touch

If you have questions, need more information, or are looking for a kit for another Ford Ranger model, we’re here to help! Call us at 0800 772 0315 or email us at ENQUIRIES@AIRRIDE.UK - our team is always happy to assist.

 

Posted by Christine

How Much Do Front Motorhome Air Struts Weigh?

What's the weight of air suspension?

One of the most common questions motorhome owners ask us about front struts is regarding their weight. This concern is completely understandable - many motorhomes operate near their maximum weight capacity for much of their life. Owners are naturally cautious about adding extra weight, particularly when it comes to modifications or upgrades.

Comparing Weights: Original vs. Air Suspension Struts

The original Fiat Ducato front struts, commonly found on motorhomes (and its variants, the Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Relay, and RAM ProMaster, produced from 2014 onwards), weigh approximately 14.5 kg each. In comparison, our air suspension struts for these models weigh just 12 kg each, resulting in a weight saving of 2.5 kg per side.

This weight reduction can provide flexibility, allowing you to install other upgrades like a Viair compressor or additional accessories, without worrying about exceeding your vehicle’s weight limits.

Lightweight Air Suspension Components

Air suspension components are surprisingly lightweight, making them an excellent choice for weight-conscious motorhome owners. For example:

  • Aluminium Air Tanks: Weigh less than 3 kg.
  • Airlines, Fittings, and Controllers: Add negligible weight.
  • Rear-End Load Support Kits: Typically add 10 - 15 kg to the vehicle's weight, depending on the air bag and bracket size. These kits are designed to work alongside the existing suspension for better load handling without significantly increasing overall weight.

Our complete rear conversion kits, which fully replace the leaf springs with air suspension, generally add 30 - 50 kg to the vehicle’s weight, depending on the vehicle and setup.

Special Cases: Kits That Add Weight

There are two key exceptions where air suspension kits add weight to your motorhome:

  • AL-KO Load Support Kit: Our AL-KO load support kit for Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Relay, and RAM ProMaster (2014 onwards) motorhomes is installed in addition to the existing suspension. This kit adds approximately 35 kg to the vehicle’s weight, as no components are removed during the installation. While this adds weight, it delivers substantial benefits, including enhanced load support and significantly improved ride quality - making it an excellent upgrade for many motorhome owners.
  • Leaf Spring Conversion Kits: Our leaf spring conversion kits, which replace the original suspension and allow the vehicle to lift and lower, typically add 30 - 50 kg to the overall weight. These kits provide enhanced functionality, such as improved ground clearance, better ride comfort, and easier loading and unloading, making them a popular choice for motorhome enthusiasts.

High-Quality, Custom-Made Struts

Our air suspension front struts for the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Relay, and RAM ProMaster (2014 onwards) are custom-made to order in our workshop in Norwich. Each strut is built to the highest standard of quality, precision, and attention to detail, ensuring it meets the unique needs of your vehicle.

For more details or to purchase, visit our shop's dedicated page for the Fiat Ducato Air Front Strut.

If you own a motorhome, camper, or van based on a different chassis, we also offer struts for a range of other makes and models. Be sure to check out our full selection for compatibility with your vehicle.

Get in Touch

Need more information? Our team is here to help!
- Call us: 0800 772 0315
- Email us: ENQUIRIES@AIRRIDE.UK

Close up of Ducato struts
Mercedes sprinter in front of air suspension kit
New Fiat Ducato load support kit on blue background
Posted by Christine

Old AL-KO kits

AL-KO Suspension kit

 

Important Information About AL-KO Chassis Kits

We often receive inquiries about air suspension kits for the “old shape” Ducato, Boxer, and Relay motorhomes with AL-KO chassis numbers starting with X230/X244. Unfortunately, our AL-KO kits are only compatible with the newer X250/X290/X295 chassis.

Identifying Your Chassis

While the changeover year for the new chassis was 2006, it’s important to note:

  • Motorhomes, especially A-class models, take time to build and may remain unsold at dealerships for years.
  • If your motorhome was first registered in 2006 or 2007, it might still have the older chassis.

To determine your chassis type, check the chassis number. If you’re unable to locate it, feel free to send us photos of the vehicle’s front. However, for A-class models, photos may not be sufficient to confirm the chassis type.

Why We Don’t Offer Kits for Pre-2006 AL-KO Chassis

Older motorhomes—some now over 25 years old—may need a suspension upgrade as they age. We understand these vehicles hold sentimental value, but unfortunately, we cannot provide an AL-KO kit for pre-2006 (ish) chassis due to significant design limitations:

  • Space Constraints: The old shape chassis doesn’t have enough room for our air bags to function effectively.
  • Performance Issues: Tiny 3-inch air bags used on older designs provide minimal lift and negligible ride quality improvements. These setups are inadequate for tackling common challenges like ferry boarding or rural site access.

We use Firestone 9000 air bags in our kits—the same bags trusted in ambulances and heavy-duty vehicles. These bags require at least one inch of clearance to expand fully and deliver noticeable benefits. Unfortunately, the space on the old chassis isn’t sufficient for these high-performing bags.

Why We Don’t Sell Alternative Kits

While other manufacturers produce kits for the older chassis, they typically rely on undersized air bags that fail to provide meaningful improvements. These kits are too lightweight to resolve grounding issues or improve ride comfort and, in our view, do not offer good value for money. At AirRide, we only supply products that meet our high performance standards.

The Good News

For post-2006 AL-KO chassis (X250/X290/X295), our kits offer superior support and ride quality. Benefits include:

  • Enhanced Comfort: Smoother rides even on uneven roads.
  • Improved Clearance: Lift capability to handle ferries and rough rural sites.
  • Proven Durability: Reliable components built for heavy-duty use.

If you’re unsure about your motorhome’s compatibility or need advice, our team is happy to help. Call us or email us today!

Posted by Christine

Kits for Pickups

We offer a wide range of pick-up kits on the website, they are all load support kits and are therefore installed in addition to the existing suspension - usually leaf spring (although some vehicles do have coil springs). As the name suggests, the kits are designed to support heavily loaded vehicles. Load support improves stability and handling, reduces roll, lifts sagging vehicles to reduce or prevent grounding and assists with towing. They are rear-only kits.

If you wish to add front struts, these are not readily available and would be made to order. Prices start from £1999 depending on customer requirements.

We also receive a few enquiries about lowering kits for pick-ups. That is not something we currently offer as bolt on kits because there isn't enough demand. We can supply universal parts, prices start from £1900. Universal parts do not fit any vehicle directly and will require cutting/welding/grinding on your end to install on the vehicle, and is highly labour intensive.

We supply quite a lot of kits for commercial use pickups, some with fifth wheels and some converted to demountable campers. The load support kits we offer do a wonderful job in these specialist areas, and if you need more information then please call us on 0800 772 0315 or send an email to  ENQUIRIES@AIRRIDE.UK

VW Amarok Air Conversion Kit
Posted by Christine