Thread: Air "Helper" springs.

Mark, like you we have a camper, formerly towed by our D2. Ball weight of the loaded trailer was about 125 kg. Then like you we loaded the rest of the car, including the load space. We installed load levelling air springs in the centre of the rear springs. We found that about 12 psi restored the ride height. The valves were mounted on the rear bumper, arrayed together for convenience. We used air springs from Airbagman in Queensland (maybe Firestone?) for around $200, installed them ourselves. This was about 2008.

The ride and steering will change with these in the rear as the compression and rebound characteristics will be different in the rear compared with before. Perhaps a consultation with a reputable suspension place might give you a bit of guidance, but I'd listen to the people on this forum who have the actual experience. We changed the springing to give a 40mm higher ride standard, with a stiffer rate. It helped with the suspension tending to 'plunge' on corrugations, and we used Bilstein shocks.

It is a cost effective improvement to the towing arrangement and I would recommend it be done before you start the long kms! The vehicle is still doing the kilometres with No3 son and his family and all their stuff, still towing a camper and still with the suspension mods in place.

Cheers
Pete

I have Airbag Man air bags in the standard rear coils of our 110 and run 10psi in them, raised to 15 when towing our camper trailer. They keep the vehicle level. They also firm up the cornering and reduce body roll. I thoroughly recommend them.

I've got the Polyair helper bags fitted to mine. They work a treat, anything from 12-15Psi depending on if I've got the camper on & boot full, just the camper, or just a loaded boot. Normal driving I have them at 4Psi.

Thank you folks. Looks like a call to Morwell Spring Works is on the agenda for tomorrow (Monday).

I did a tutorial on here about how to fit them but I can't find it.

I wouldnt be without them. Only improvement might be an in- cab control system. But that's quite a big deal.

I.

Originally Posted by Markf

Thank you folks. Looks like a call to Morwell Spring Works is on the agenda for tomorrow (Monday).

They are a snap to fit yourself.





I ran the air lines up to next to the tow bar, so i can inflate them with my comp or at servo. With a bit of extra plumbing and a bit of thought you could fit a system where you gould pump them up from the driver's seat. Sure some on here have done that.

My air lines go to a bracket on the rear bumper near the trailer plug, so it's easy to add air.

Remember to deflate them to the recommended min pressure when not towing as it will make the unloaded ride harsher

So for regular everyday driving - ie not towing - let them down to the min 5psi approx.

You don't need a flash install as you will only pump up/let down as many times as you tow the camper (5-6 times a year?). As you will let down after each trip.

I have had them in every vehicle for towing situation (22ft van, 14ft pop top, dual axel salvage trailer with competition 4x4 on back) for last 20 yrs. 2inch lift, decent rear shocks and air bags is my first mod to a truck - and if spring height the same you can take from vehicle to vehicle (done this too).

Makes ride more enjoyable and safer (more positive steering).

Skiboy