+ MAD suspension system
+ KONI shock absorbers
The MAD Special Duty Kit offers maximum stability, optimum driving characteristics, roadholding and ride comfort - whatever the driving conditions. These kits have been specially developed for light commercial vehicles, special vehicles and motorhomes driving under extreme conditions, such as with heavy loads. Or when there is a raised centre of gravity or in rough terrain.
In these extreme situations, the original shock absorber cannot adequately control the improved suspension system. This can lead to an undesirably large compression and rebound suspension travel and long rocking after uneven road surfaces, which feels particularly uncomfortable. This is why we combine a selection of our advanced suspension systems with the high-end KONI Special ACTIVE shock absorbers: MAD Special Duty Kit.
The solution for specific fields of application and a smart investment for top performance, with a price advantage in both purchase and fitting.
+ MAD suspension system
+ KONI shock absorbers
Now available with a selection of our MAD auxiliary springs or reinforced main springs.
Special Duty Kits are composed for extreme conditions, where the standard shock absorber cannot sufficiently control the improved MAD suspension system. Ideal in the following situations or if the end user has specific requirements:
✔ Composed based on extensive testing
✔ Tailored to specific deployment areas
✔ Perfect balance between stability and comfort
✔ Improved roadholding and driveability
✔ Top quality from MAD and KONI
✔ Smart investment - in purchase and installation
Specific deployment areas demand a lot from the suspension system. The original (OE) shock absorbers are designed for average use and do not provide the right response in extreme conditions, for example if your vehicle is heavily loaded, you drive a lot in rough terrain or the vehicle has a higher centre of gravity. For those situations, we combine a selection of our suspension systems with the KONI Special ACTIVE shock absorbers, equipped with the patented Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) valve technology.
Dynamic adaptation to driving conditions
FSD valve technology provides regulated damping based on the frequency of road vibrations, resulting in more comfort on small bumps and better control on larger impacts. The shock absorber adjusts real-time based on driving behaviour and road conditions, providing an improved driving experience in those extreme conditions, where the original shock absorber cannot adequately control the suspension.
Perfect balance between stability and comfort
With its larger oil capacity and smoother damping, the FSD shock absorber offers extra comfort and the ideal balance between stability and driving comfort. The larger oil capacity helps the shock absorber better dissipate the heat generated. This prevents overheating of the oil and ensures consistent performance even during intensive use, such as with heavy loads or in rough terrain.
+ Dynamic adaptation to different driving conditions
+ Reduces shocks and vibrations
+ Increases stability and driving characteristics under heavy payloads
+ Improves road holding and comfort
+ Cost-effective and designed for everyday use
The MAD Special Duty Kit is specifically developed for vehicles operating in extreme conditions. This can occur in:
Stability, road holding, comfort and driving characteristics are essential - always with a smile and safely on the road.
MAD Special Duty kits are carefully composed by us on the basis of extensive testing. They are specifically tailored to the vehicle and deployment conditions to deliver optimum performance in extreme situations.
Advantages deployment KONI Special ACTIVE shock absorbers:
1. Compression and rebound suspension travel is better controlled.
2. Vehicle returns to neutral driving position more quickly.
An effective suspension system is essential for ride comfort, road holding, handling and stability. It combines resilience and damping to absorb shocks and thus ensure a smooth ride. In every vehicle, the suspension works together with shock absorbers to absorb irregularities in the road surface and minimize vibrations.
Ride comfort and safety
Shock absorbers are crucial for controlling the movements of the suspension. Without shock absorbers, your vehicle would continue to bounce after every bump or unevenness, which negatively affects the ride experience and handling of the vehicle. They ensure that the vehicle remains in good contact with the road, which is essential for the driving characteristics and braking performance.
No compromise between stability and comfort
The standard OE shock absorbers are designed for average use. In most cases, these original shock absorbers provide sufficient support in combination with an improved coil or air suspension system of MAD. In extreme situations, an improvement of the suspension system alone is often not enough for the optimal driving experience. The vehicle may feel stiffer and less comfortable. If you only opt for an upgrade of the shock absorbers, the vehicle will probably drive a little more comfortably, but you will be missing out on stability, driving characteristics and road holding.
What you want is a suspension system that gives your vehicle good road holding and driving characteristics and feels stable and comfortable. Therefore, choose the MAD Special Duty Kit in extreme situations.
At MAD, we understand that ride comfort, road holding, handling and stability are crucial for light commercial vehicles, special vehicles and motorhomes. Standard OE (Original Equipment) shock absorbers are designed for average use and often cannot control the suspension in extreme applications. Our tests have shown that improved suspension systems in these situations require modified damping for an optimal end result.
That is why we work with KONI, who is worldwide recognized as leading in shock absorber technology. KONI is known for its innovative solutions, unmatched quality and proven performance in the most demanding conditions. Their shock absorbers use advanced technologies, such as the patented Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) valve technology.
The MAD Special Duty kits are carefully composed of MAD suspension systems and KONI shock absorbers, which ensures a perfect balance between suspension and damping. This makes the vehicle more stable, comfortable and safe in these extreme conditions. Furthermore, the combined purchase is a smart investment that provides a price advantage in both purchase and installation.
The MAD Special Duty Kit is currently available for a selection of our auxiliary springs and reinforced main springs, with our tests showing that a combination with modified shock absorbers provides a further improvement. We are working on expanding our range and will also offer combinations with air suspension in the future. Curious whether a kit is available for a specific vehicle? Then go to the product finder.
Development on request
In addition to the standard kits, MAD also offers the possibility to develop a customized solution, tailored to the specific vehicle requirements and wishes of the customer. Feel free to contact us, so we can work together to find a solution that fits perfectly.
Do you have questions about the availability of the kits or would you like more information? Please contact us.
Shock absorbers play a crucial role in road safety and the driving comfort of a vehicle. Where coil springs, air springs, leaf springs or torsion springs are mainly intended to support the vehicle and absorb the forces that come on the vehicle, shock absorbers ensure that this suspension is controlled, which keeps the vehicle in control. Without properly functioning shock absorbers, a vehicle continues to bounce after every bump or bend, the vehicle leans and the grip on the road decreases.
This increases the braking distance, reduces the driving characteristics and increases the risk of skidding. In addition, excessive shock loading can lead to faster wear of tires and other suspension parts.
In short: shock absorbers keep your vehicle in control and ensure that every ride can be safe and comfortable.
Our suspension systems are extensively tested to ensure they perform optimally in different conditions. When testing shows that modified damping is required, in extreme conditions, we will create a “Special Duty” kit.
Custom shock absorbers are required when the standard (OE) shock absorbers cannot adequately control the improved suspension — especially in extreme situations where the vehicle is subject to heavier loads or is driving in challenging conditions. In such cases, the vehicle's handling and ride comfort will change and, for example, driving and interior noises may also increase.
This is often the case with:
In these situations, standard shock absorbers may not be able to adequately control the improved suspension, resulting in unwanted bouncing movements and reduced stability, roadholding and driving characteristics. Custom shock absorbers provide the right balance between stability and comfort, making the riding experience more enjoyable and keeping you safe on the road, even in extreme conditions.
A shock absorber is an essential part of a vehicle’s suspension system, ensuring that the tyres maintain contact with the road. Without shock absorbers, a vehicle would continue to bounce after every bump or bend, which would adversely affect road holding and safety.
Shock absorbers work by absorbing and dampening shock impulses. This is done by converting kinetic energy (motion) into thermal energy (heat), which is then dissipated via hydraulic resistance. A shock absorber works in two phases:
There are two main types of shock absorbers: twin-tube and monotube. At MAD, we use twin-tube shock absorbers from KONI, also known as hydraulic shock absorbers. This type offers optimum performance for demanding vehicles.