Full air suspension

Air suspension systems are used for heavy payloads, varying payloads, when extra comfort is required (passenger transport) or when the ride height needs to be adjustable. The difference between semi air suspension and full air suspension is that semi air suspension is an additional suspension system, alongside or in the original suspension system, while full air suspension is or will be the basic suspension system. The difference between these systems:

Semi air suspension:
A semi air suspension system is installed additionally to the existing suspension system of vehicles. The purpose of semi air suspension is to provide additional support when carrying heavy or varying payloads. In doing so, comfort is improved and driving characteristics remain optimal, which also contributes to vehicle safety. The air spring bellows are fitted in the original coil springs, or on or next to the original leaf springs. They can be inflated manually or by using a compressor to adjust the vehicle's ride height. An additional advantage of semi air suspension is that the vehicle remains driveable in the event of a failure of the air suspension system.

For filling e/o operating, MAD offers:

• Basic: manual with fill valve(s)
• Comfort: manual via control panel and compressor
• Automatic: fully automatic height control. Using height sensors, the set ride height is automatically kept constant at all times. The height sensors are contactless, making automatic height control completely interference-free.

Full air suspension:
Full air suspension is a more advanced system that is or completely replaces the vehicle's original suspension system. This type of system is often used in passenger transport, ambulances and wheelchair transport. This is because it offers ultimate comfort for driver and passengers. You set the desired ride height once using the height sensor(s) and the system ensures that the vehicle remains at this ride height under all circumstances. Optionally, it is possible to operate the system manually (Dual Control) or add a kneel-down function (Low Entry Control). This allows the driver to manually control the ride height temporarily, making entry easier or adjusting the ground clearance.

In short, semi air suspension is an additional suspension system that provides additional support to a vehicle's existing suspension system, while full air suspension performs the suspension function completely independently. Choosing the right system depends on the vehicle's technical capabilities, the original suspension system and the end user's needs and budget.

Learn more:

• Semi air suspension
• Full air suspension

Although manufacturers of passenger cars and commercial vehicles provide an excellent base, sometimes this is not enough. Specific deployment of a vehicle often require more from a vehicle's chassis, in which case we offer the solution with our suspension systems. Full air suspension stands for ultimate comfort, with optimum driving characteristics in all conditions, so you are always safe on the road. A full air suspension system is often fitted in case of the following requirements:

• Heavy or regularly varying loads
  Vehicles that are heavily loaded, such as service vehicles or motorhomes, can benefit from a full air suspension system. The air suspension ensures that the vehicle remains (automatically) at the ideal ride height, even with varying payloads, resulting in increased comfort and optimal driveability.
• Adjustable ride height (automatic e/o manual control)
  A full air suspension system offers the possibility to adjust the vehicle's ride height. This can be useful, for example, for adapting to different loading conditions. Of which automatic height control offers even more convenience, as the system always maintains the set height. Ideal for varying payloads or drivers.
• Improving comfort
  Air suspension can provide a smoother ride and reduced vibrations, especially on uneven or poorly maintained roads. This is especially sought after in ambulances, minibuses and taxis where passenger comfort is key.
• Protecting bodywork, interior and cargo from vibrations
  Reducing vibrations has other benefits. It can protect the bodywork, as well as the interior and the cargo. Also consider reducing backgroud/interior noises.
• Specific applications
  Vehicles with specific deployment, such as emergency vehicles, mobile medical units or certain industrial vehicles, may benefit from a full air suspension system because of the requirements for stability, comfort and adjustability.

Need advice on which suspension system best suits the vehicle and specific needs? Then get in touch with us:
Call + 31 318 58 61 00
Mail info@mad-automotive.com

MAD develops complete air suspension systems for light commercial vehicles and motorhomes. It is compatible with vehicles where ex-factory coil springs are fitted to the rear axle.

Examples of situations or vehicles are:

• Towing a trailer or caravan
• Parcel services and other distribution vehicles
• Vans with a tail lift, truck-mounted crane or EasyLoad
• Service vans
• Minibuses and taxis
• Ambulances
• Motorhomes
• Alternative types of bodywork

Full air suspension systems by MAD offer the following advantages:

+ Prevents sagging (static)
+ Constant ride height in all payload situations
+ Prevents hanging crookedly when loaded unevenly (left/right)
+ Absorbs irregularities in the road surface
+ Provides ultimate comfort to driver and passengers
+ Provides protection to interior and cargo in case of vibrations/impacts
+ Prevents hitting the end stops of suspension system
+ Prevents bottoming out (tow bar/rear end on speed bumps)
+ Reduces interior- e/o background noises
+ Reduces side wind sensitivity and body roll when cornering
+ Improves road holding, stability and leads to more direct steering behavior
+ Optimum traction with front-wheel drive
+ Ideal driveability in all loading situations
+ Prevents swaying of trailer or caravan
+ Quick installation thanks to plug-and-play system
+ Reduces damage to the undercarriage
+ Contributes to safety
+ Long lifespan: metal parts are electrolytically galvanized

Our suspension systems are developed and tested on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis. Has a vehicle entered the market fairly recently? Then the set may still be under development. In addition, a suspension system may not be technically possible on a vehicle. In that case, we offer alternative suspension systems.

Want to check whether a set is under development or can still be developed? Then please contact us:

Call + 31 318 58 61 00
Mail info@mad-automotive.com

Our suspension systems can all be installed by a specialist. Our full air suspension systems come complete and pre-assembled. This saves a lot of installation time.