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!