Common suspension issues
Common suspension issues
Recognise these problems with your loaded vehicle? Find out what causes them and how to solve them.
Ride height & ground clearance
When a vehicle is heavily loaded, whether it's a fully packed motorhome, a loaded work van, or a pickup carrying equipment, the standard suspension is often not designed to support the extra weight continuously. This causes the rear of the vehicle to drop, reducing ground clearance and changing the vehicle's stance. Air bellows can be inflated to restore the vehicle to its correct ride height, regardless of load. This keeps the vehicle level and prevents the rear from dropping.
When your vehicle sags under heavy load, the reduced ground clearance can cause the underside to scrape over speed bumps, steep driveways, or ferry ramps. Air assist allows you to increase the ride height by inflating the air bellows, giving you the extra clearance needed to pass over obstacles without damage. You can adjust the height before encountering an obstacle and lower it again afterwards for optimal stability.
When the rear of your vehicle sags under heavy load, the front tilts upward, causing your headlights to point higher than intended. This blinds oncoming traffic, which is both dangerous and illegal in many countries. By restoring the vehicle to its correct ride height with air assist, the headlights return to their proper angle, ensuring safe visibility for everyone on the road.
Comfort & stability
A heavily loaded vehicle puts extra strain on the standard suspension, which is not designed for maximum load at all times. This leads to excessive bouncing over bumps and swaying in crosswinds or when cornering. Air bellows adapt to the weight of the vehicle. When heavily loaded, air pressure is increased to make the suspension firmer, absorbing shocks and vibrations more effectively. This results in a more stable, controlled ride with less body roll and bounce.
Yes. Unlike adding stiffer springs, which make the ride harsher regardless of load, air assist is fully adjustable. When driving with little or no load, you simply reduce the air pressure in the bellows, making the suspension softer. This means your vehicle rides smoothly over uneven roads when empty, and you only firm things up when you need to carry a heavy load.
Looking for the right product for your vehicle? Browse our extensive catalogue or find a certified reseller near you.
Safety & wear
Driving with a heavy or unevenly distributed load can be risky. When the vehicle sags, the wheels lose proper contact with the road, reducing grip, especially when cornering or at higher speeds. The vehicle may lean to one side, increasing the risk of rollover. Braking distances also increase. Air assist helps by keeping the vehicle level and ensuring even weight distribution across the axles. This maintains proper tyre contact with the road, improving grip, stability, and braking performance.
Regularly carrying heavy loads puts significant stress on your suspension components. Leaf springs, shock absorbers, and torsion axles wear out faster under constant heavy use. Air assist reduces this stress by sharing the load with the air bellows, which absorb shocks that would otherwise be taken entirely by the standard suspension. This extends the lifespan of your suspension components and reduces long-term maintenance costs.
Finding the right solution
Stiffer or additional springs can help support heavier loads, but they make the suspension permanently harder, even when driving empty. This results in a harsh, uncomfortable ride when the vehicle is not loaded. Air assist provides a better alternative: the air bellows absorb shocks and vibrations more effectively than metal springs, and the pressure is fully adjustable. You get the support you need when loaded, without sacrificing comfort when driving light.
Dunlop air assist covers a wide range of vehicles depending on make, model, year of manufacture, and application, including motorhomes, commercial vans, and pickups. The complete range is available from stock. Browse the full catalogue to find the right kit for your vehicle.
Dunlop air assist systems are designed to be straightforward to install. Any car mechanic should be able to fit the suspension kit to your vehicle. Each kit comes with a step-by-step manual explaining the installation process. Looking for a place to get it fitted? Contact a reseller near you for advice on the right kit and installation.
Yes. Dunlop air assist offers a range of control options to suit your preference, from simple external inflate valves for manual adjustment, all the way to a smartphone app that lets you control the air suspension directly from your phone. This allows you to adjust ride height and pressure conveniently without leaving the driver's seat. See the Option 4 product page for details.
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