Bristol Caravans and Motorhomes

"It feels safer and more comfortable, I really feel in control"

Air Suspension

Motorhome Air Suspension

With rear air suspension, your motorhome will feel more controlled and more comfortable, and you can forget the sway and wallowing you had before.

Rear air suspension means your vehicle is more stable, especially on twisty roads and passing lorries on the motorway. It also means your van will be more level too, compensating for the luggage and kit you’ve packed.

It’s one upgrade that quietly takes care of the hard stuff so you can enjoy the drive without the worry.

Call us to get a Free personal assessment and quotation.

Air Suspension explained

Most motorhomes are built close to their weight limits, especially once you’ve added bikes, luggage, passengers, and water. This extra load will cause the rear end to sag, which affects how the vehicle handles and rides. Rear air suspension helps by adding support exactly where it’s needed, between the axle and the chassis, keeping everything level and stable.

Not only does this improve ride comfort, but it also reduces the risk of scraping the rear, improves headlight aim, and ensures better tyre wear. It’s especially helpful for longer journeys, hilly terrain, or if you tow trailers or carry heavy loads regularly. Even for lighter setups, rear air suspension often brings noticeable handling and comfort improvements.

Rear air suspension enhances how your motorhome feels and performs on the road. It absorbs bumps more effectively, reduces body roll in corners and keeps the vehicle level even when you’re carrying gear, bikes, or towing. That makes driving smoother and safer, particularly over long distances or on uneven surfaces.

By maintaining a level ride height, it also protects your motorhome from bottoming out and misaligned components, like headlights or rear steps. For many owners, it also means less fatigue on long journeys, as the van feels more composed and easier to control.

The majority of modern motorhomes, especially those built on Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, or Ford Transit chassis, are compatible with rear air suspension kits. These kits are designed to bolt onto existing mounting points without the need for structural modifications. However, some older or custom chassis may require additional checks.

Before installation, a specialist like us will assess your vehicle’s layout, weight, and suspension type to ensure the right system is fitted. Some systems are designed for heavy-duty use, while others are ideal for lighter vehicles. Always choose a kit designed for your specific chassis and load conditions.

Rear air suspension works by absorbing more of the road’s imperfections than standard steel springs alone. The air-filled bags offer adjustable cushioning, which reduces the harshness you might feel when hitting potholes, speed bumps, or uneven terrain. It’s especially noticeable in the rear of the motorhome, where passengers or fixed beds are often located.

However, it’s not just about softness, it’s about control. A properly set up air suspension system provides a balance between comfort and stability. It reduces bounce and sway without making the van feel loose or disconnected from the road, giving you more confidence behind the wheel.

The key advantage of air suspension is that you can fine-tune it based on how much weight you’re carrying. With manual systems, you use an in-cab gauge and compressor to inflate or deflate the airbags. More advanced systems even offer automatic self-levelling or smartphone control for added convenience.

This adjustability means your motorhome stays level whether it’s lightly loaded for a weekend trip or fully packed for a long tour. It also helps reduce tyre wear, improve braking balance, and avoid ground clearance issues when entering steep driveways or ferry ramps.

Rear air suspension isn’t just about improving comfort, it’s a long-term upgrade that protects your motorhome, improves handling, and enhances safety. If your van regularly sags at the rear, feels unstable on uneven roads, or you carry bikes, water tanks, or other gear, the system pays off in both performance and reduced wear and tear.

By keeping your vehicle better balanced, you also reduce the risk of costly repairs caused by suspension strain, tyre wear, or underbody damage. For many owners, especially those who tour often or go off-grid, it’s one of the most worthwhile upgrades you can make.

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Our Team

Welcome to the team here at Bristol Caravans and Motorhomes. We’re really proud of the team, and over the years it’s been our pleasure to provide advice and services to our ever-growing loyal customers.

Thank you for trusting us with your investment.

Oakleigh Wood
Director
Eliot Carey
Manager
Tracey Allen
Service Advisor
Nick Marshall
Caravan Technician
Andy Carter
Caravan technician
Nick Clifford
Valeter
Joe Wonnacott
Senior technician
Rob Housham
driver

“We arrived at Llanfyllin, and it was raining so hard it was difficult to find our plot. Once parked up, it took just 90 seconds as we let our automatic levelling system get us level. Thank you, Bristol Caravans, for fitting our amazing levelling system.”

Jake and Carol Smith