VB Air suspension - good?

[EUGENIO]

The standard wade depth of a Cali is 30 cm. Raising your Cali through higher suspension will just add those cms: 3-6 cm depending pn the system used.

The 30 cm point is determined by the drive train vent holes that are around that height. You can raise your drive train air vents through systems such as from Seikel or Teranger.

You then come to 40 cm, which is your next point of interest: the motor air intake. You can raise that as well through systems such as from Teranger or by fitting a snorkel. You can then reach approx 70 cm max, by which wade depth your Cali will start to float.

See our Iceland 2016 topics for more info.


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Hi! i thought that the limit of 30 cm is related to the air suspension, so do you think that if i fit a snorkel i will have no problem? i thought that water is a problem for the compressor of the air suspensions. are you ready for iceland!?!

 

[bvddobb]

Hi! i thought that the limit of 30 cm is related to the air suspension, so do you think that if i fit a snorkel i will have no problem?

Hi Eugenio,

No, the 30 cm is not related to the air suspension. Any standard Cali has a wade depth of 30 cm, according to the manual. That is related to the lowest critical entry point for water: the drive train vent holes. The next critical entry point is the motor air intake, at 40 cm. Then the battery, at 70 cm - but by that depth your van will start to float, probably.

One can raise the motor air intake by fitting an appropriate snorkel, yes. Only a snorkel would still leave the drive train vent holes issue unsolved. And you don't necessarily need a snorkel, there are motor air intake solutions that raise the intake to the level of the battery, just under the hood, such as Relleum's and Terranger's. To raise the air intake to roof level with a snorkel is more useful when you drive in very dusty environments, such as the desert. For just raising your wade depth the under hood systems are good enough, and cheaper.

i thought that water is a problem for the compressor of the air suspensions.

No, not really. The compressor and both heaters are less of a problem: water will get in, but will also run out once you are on shore. We have only once had an issue with the parking heater after a lot of river crossings, in the sense that it spluttered somewhat when we started it, and we had to put it on the highest level for a few minutes. Lots of white smoke, once it had dried that went away and we set it at a normal level.

are you ready for iceland!?!

Yes, we have been there last year. See our Iceland 2016 topic for more details on our Cali and trip.

Were we ready?
Well, we prepped our Cali as follows, over the years:

• solar panel (MT)
• air suspension with off-road modus (VB)
• raised drive train vents (Seikel)
• raised air intake (Relleum)
• aluminum underside protection (Seikel)
• 'salvage kit' (two reinforced towing eyes in the front (Relleum), extra jack, towing ropes, etc, etc)
• a set if Michelin Latitude Cross AT-tyres
• a second spare wheel on the back (Terranger kit)

And we prepped ourselves, over the years:

• I had experience driving a Landy before (which I had managed to get stuck within our first 100 km; we had to walk 3 hours to find some farmer to tow us out...)
• a basic off-road driving training with our Cali
• some modest off-road driving and green-laning with our Cali during holidays
• a more advanced, special 4Motion off-road training with our Cali (Seikel 4Motion Off-road Festival, Germany)
• the Iceland track-book

But we're getting a bit off-topic, here...

 

[BogdanViziteu]

Hello,

Today i picked up the car from local VB dealer with air suspension installed (VB-FULLAIR 4c - standard (non-raised) kit, Sport, Off Road, Car Park, AutoLevel, Emergency Inflation Valves)
Everything looks good and smooth . I have 2 issues that are not quite clear to me and i was thinking maybe you can help me clarify:
- from time to time the air compressor starts working (inflating/deflating the suspension). it does this quite often while driving. is it normal do this so often?
- in offroad mode if i press the up arrow the car raises little bit more. Can i drive like this?


Thank you,
Bogdan.

 

[bvddobb]

- from time to time the air compressor starts working (inflating/deflating the suspension). it does this quite often while driving. is it normal do this so often?

Yes, it is normal, the suspension is constantly adapting itself. You will find it even works sometimes once you have stopped and switched off...

- in offroad mode if i press the up arrow the car raises little bit more. Can i drive like this?

Yes, you can. You can raise it not just a bit more, but some 12 cm more... But you can then only drive at max 5 km/h. In the off-road mode or in parking garage mode your max speed is approx 35 km/h, when you go faster the system will give a warning beep and then return to its normal setting. In the sports mode (-2 cm) you can drive at any speed. In the more extreme settings (higher or lower) just at 5 km/h. See your manual.

 

[BogdanViziteu]

Yes, it is normal, the suspension is constantly adapting itself. You will find it even works sometimes once you have stopped and switched off...


Yes, you can. You can raise it not just a bit more, but some 12 cm more... But you can then only drive at max 5 km/h. In the off-road mode or in parking garage mode your max speed is approx 35 km/h, when you go faster the system will give a warning beep and then return to its normal setting. In the sports mode (-2 cm) you can drive at any speed. In the more extreme settings (higher or lower) just at 5 km/h. See your manual.

Thank you!

 

[Alex p]

My system does the same. It is compressing and hissing as it compensates for weight adjustments so don't worry. Before long you just don't notice it. I have an uneven drive so everytime a park it seems to do small compensations and I find myself listening to it all the time!! I used the self level camping on a hill this weekend and it is great. Once the system gets its level (after the 6 mins run time) it just stays there. Totally level. It meant I could get to places no other camper would consider. Brilliant!

 

[BogdanViziteu]

My system does the same. It is compressing and hissing as it compensates for weight adjustments so don't worry. Before long you just don't notice it. I have an uneven drive so everytime a park it seems to do small compensations and I find myself listening to it all the time!! I used the self level camping on a hill this weekend and it is great. Once the system gets its level (after the 6 mins run time) it just stays there. Totally level. It meant I could get to places no other camper would consider. Brilliant!

thank you for the info.

 

[BogdanViziteu]

Hi everybody,


After driving 1000km+ with the air suspension installed all seemed ok except this morning when i've started the car i've got an error from air suspension. The red light was flasing and the remote beeping.

after that the remote sets to error (red light flashing) and the "down" error stays with light on.

can you please advise me?


thank you!


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[zeratul]

You probably got a battery voltage warning. It is set very safe so that it never goes low. You should always operate it with engine running except for self leveling. To see what error it is press service and look at the lights. Then look in the manual.
I agree the self level is fantastic. In iceland we a always position the car so the the opening is opposing the wind direction and because the ground is so unlevel that would not be possible without. I could no longer live without. If I ever buy a new cali I will have this reinstalled.

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[briwy]

Agree, the levelling is one of the big advanatages, and you save space by having to carry levelling ramps.

 

[BogdanViziteu]

Hi, indeed it was a low voltage problem. Somehow the threshold at witch compressor disconnects was to high (12.5V). They put it lower and looks fine now.

 

[zeratul]

I left it there, just never operate the air suspension without engine running, except for lowering (loading stuff) or self leveling, both cases in which the compressor has no work.

 

[BogdanViziteu]

Hi Guys,

I would like to ask you if there is any way you can adjust the sensibility of the VB Air suspension. I noticed that on low speeds especially when driving in the city the system keeps inflating/deflating the suspension very often even if in the car load remains the same and passengers are staying at their places. I'm thinking maybe there is a threshold so you can adjust.

thank you.

 

[briwy]

Hi Guys,

I would like to ask you if there is any way you can adjust the sensibility of the VB Air suspension. I noticed that on low speeds especially when driving in the city the system keeps inflating/deflating the suspension very often even if in the car load remains the same and passengers are staying at their places. I'm thinking maybe there is a threshold so you can adjust.

thank you.

Ours does the same. Told it's what they do, not a problem.
It's probably to do with the way the system reacts to being on a slope or going over a bump etc. that would affect the front to back loading on the system.
Ours goes mad when we park up on our sloping drive, takes it about 10-15 seconds to settle down.

 

[Ken M]

Just put a deposit on a VB Air Suspension kit. Will be about six weeks until fitted. Pricey, but by all accounts the improvement in ride and ability to adjust to conditions will be worth it. Have also been advised by SVTech that they will be able to update the GVW to 3400kg which is a bonus

 

[tim downes]

You've pretty much answered all the questions.
We always order the Commercial Vehicle Hand Set for the California as opposed to the Motorhome Version. (Mainly because this has the Sport Mode which the Motorhome Hand set doesn't).
As standard you get: Sport, Off Road, Car Park, M1 and M2 which can be programmed to Tilt and Ferry mode. (Ferry mode pumps up the back end for larger motorhomes with long overhangs that bottom out on ferries and is not really needed on the Cali).
Auto Level is optional, but is almost a must on the California.
Other than that, then I would only get the +30mm if you plan on doing a lot of wild camping.
Ryan.

View attachment 19122

Hi Ryan I have a 4 motion 204 hp t6. Could you kindly let me have your contact details as I am v interested in the air suspension system - I've only had the car for 5 or 6 weeks but altready I know I can't let everyone with its road manners as it is !! Many thanks Tim - tim_downes@icloud.com.

 

[B J G]

Just put a deposit on a VB Air Suspension kit. Will be about six weeks until fitted. Pricey, but by all accounts the improvement in ride and ability to adjust to conditions will be worth it. Have also been advised by SVTech that they will be able to update the GVW to 3400kg which is a bonus

You can't uprate the load carrying capacity unless you do a full T32 conversion.
The VB air merely replaces the front struts like for like and the rear springs with air bags.
I have VB fitted and thought I could uprate but found that the front struts and axle are different on the T32 higher rated axle and as the axles are still to VW factory rating no load uprating is possible. You'd also get into tyre load rating problems.
I'm still trying to get VB to sort out the ride on B & C class roads nearly six months on.

 

[bvddobb]

You can't uprate the load carrying capacity unless you do a full T32 conversion.
The VB air merely replaces the front struts like for like and the rear springs with air bags.
I have VB fitted and thought I could uprate but found that the front struts and axle are different on the T32 higher rated axle and as the axles are still to VW factory rating no load uprating is possible.

One hears and reads the most different stories on load uprating, here and on the german forum.

Don't know what a 'full T32 conversion' means. We have a 2008 original T5 4Motion Cali, where we have VB air suspension fitted. On that basis, we could uprate the max load from 3000 to 3250 kg, and it was a purely administrative process with the car registration administration (named RDW here).
Apparently, the VB dealer had to present to RDW some set of paperwork they had available with a combination of test results, VW approval and such, and pay a certain sum. We then received a new car registration card with the new load rating and a sticker to replace the axle load data sticker in the car (under the bonnet) in the post. When we now look into the on line car reg database, we see the max load registered at 3250 kg, indeed.
This was all purely administrative. No further conversions, no extra tests or presenting our Cali to RDW or whatever were necessary. Or was our 2008 Cali 'full T32' already??

A few years earlier, the process seems to have been a bit more complex, but may still be available for you UK guys. The necessary test etc paperwork on the VB system for a T5 as described above was not yet available for NL, but was already for DE. The process then was for the VB dealer to export your car to Germany, apply for and register the load uprating there, and re-import the car. When imported from one EU country to another, cars automatically get the country-of-export reg data, and so it would be registered here again with the new german load rating. That was all a purely administrative process as well, we have been explained, and would take a day. It would not change our license number, even...

 

[B J G]

One hears and reads the most different stories on load uprating, here and on the german forum.

Don't know what a 'full T32 conversion' means. We have a 2008 original T5 4Motion Cali, where we have VB air suspension fitted. On that basis, we could uprate the max load from 3000 to 3250 kg, and it was a purely administrative process with the car registration administration (named RDW here).
Apparently, the VB dealer had to present to RDW some set of paperwork they had available with a combination of test results, VW approval and such, and pay a certain sum. We then received a new car registration card with the new load rating and a sticker to replace the axle load data sticker in the car (under the bonnet) in the post. When we now look into the on line car reg database, we see the max load registered at 3250 kg, indeed.
No further conversions, no extra tests or presenting our Cali to RDW or whatever were necessary. Or was our 2008 Cali 'full T32' already??

A few years earlier, the process seems to have been a bit more complex, but may still be available for you UK guys. The necessary test etc paperwork on the VB system for a T5 as described above was not yet available for NL, but was already for DE. The process then was for the VB dealer to export your car to Germany, apply for and register the load uprating there, and re-import the car. When imported from one EU country to another, cars automatically get the country-of-export reg data, and so it would be registered here again with the new german load rating. That was all a purely administrative process as well, we have been explained, and would take a day. It would not change our license number, even...

T32 has a different front strut lower mounting. Secured by 2 bolts to lower end. Normal Cali has the strut slotted into a 'C' type clamp.
I had to identify which type was on my Cali prior to the kit being ordered. Also had to confirm/photo the plate showing the axle weight.

This was UK. It would mean a change in construction and use specification which I believe is best left alone here.

VB Bulletin VBA-TB2016-003-EN showed the difference.

 

[Ken M]

Thanks for the heads up BJG.

In the discussion and emails that I had with the engineering firm that I engaged was that there were three uprating options: 1. Uprate to 3250kg with no modifications; 2. Uprate to 3400kg with VB 4c air and 103 load rated tyres; and 3. Uprate to 3500kg with VB 4c air with 107 load rated tyres. The ‘engineering’ has already been done and as I have already provided all forms and vehicle details all that I now need to provide to them is the purchase/fitting receipt and £350 fee and they will then forward the new plate.

In discussing with them there was no mention of anything other than a standard VB 4c install - they were also clear on the model (2015 Cali). I will now ask a few more specific questions. I suppose it’s better to find out now and arrange for any additional work during the install instead of being disappointed later.

 

[B J G]

Thanks for the heads up BJG.

In the discussion and emails that I had with the engineering firm that I engaged was that there were three uprating options: 1. Uprate to 3250kg with no modifications; 2. Uprate to 3400kg with VB 4c air and 103 load rated tyres; and 3. Uprate to 3500kg with VB 4c air with 107 load rated tyres. The ‘engineering’ has already been done and as I have already provided all forms and vehicle details all that I now need to provide to them is the purchase/fitting receipt and £350 fee and they will then forward the new plate.

In discussing with them there was no mention of anything other than a standard VB 4c install - they were also clear on the model (2015 Cali). I will now ask a few more specific questions. I suppose it’s better to find out now and arrange for any additional work during the install instead of being disappointed later.

Have a look at your chassis plate to see what you currently have. Australian vehicles may have a standard higher rating. My plate - 1- front axle 1620kgs 2-rear axle 1575kgs

 

[Ken M]

BJG, I’m actually in the UK (Australian expat) and the vehicle is a UK model. Not sure what I have done with my profile, it used to say Watchfield for location. My chassis plate is similar to yours, but I do note that your front axle has a 20kg higher rating than my T5 (but same GVW)

 

[B J G]

BJG, I’m actually in the UK (Australian expat) and the vehicle is a UK model. Not sure what I have done with my profile, it used to say Watchfield for location. My chassis plate is similar to yours, but I do note that your front axle has a 20kg higher rating than my T5 (but same GVW)

That's probably due to mine being a DSG 4Motion, or just that the T6 has been uprated. I did notice that the brochure gives 1610kgs on the front but mine has 1620kgs on the plate??
No doubt someone out there has more specific knowledge.

 

[totallyrocks]

I need something clarifying, what is the correct toe in for the adjusted hight settings with a full 4c system with maxi kit?

 

[Jef43]

Hello everyone ;
First sorry for my bad english language, i’m french and asked to google translate help me for translation ! ;-)

About the question: I didn't install Vb air suspension... so i regret now !

I allow myself to post this post to tell you about my very bad experience with airride uk products. Knowing that there may be confusion with different companies with a similar name ( airide airride ... .. etc) based in different countries, I put here the link of the kit that I bought to avoid any ambiguity on the establishment and the offending products:

AirRide Air Suspension.

The Main UK Based Air Ride Suspension Distributor & Specialist. Shop for plush AirRide kits for cars, vans, motorhomes, pick-ups and a full range of components.

airride.co.uk

I received my order in 2 parts (for a VW T5 4motion) The first containing the set "compressed air" (compressor, air tank, fittings, electronic management module, air hoses ....) at Airlift (model 3H / P); then the 2nd part containing the air and air suspension suspensions manufactured by AirRide. Auto mechanic over 30 years and with the necessary tools I was able to install this complete kit without much difficulty, at least for the part "compressed air" Airlift providing a clear and very detailed instructions. The AR suspension part was however more difficult to install because it is necessary to cut and drill the AR suspension arms and from photos transmitted on an attached document but without precise dimensions. I had to ask airide also elbow fittings instead of straight fittings delivered in the kit that do not allow the connection of air hoses in a mechanically acceptable way. I had to ask various small missing accessories that were sent to me without additional cost. These little details started to alert me to the "pro" side of the kit design because I thought I would get a plug and play set ready for installation, but there was not even a single nomenclature. only to check the contents of the set.
Once the rear air cushions installed I realized an apparent purely mechanical anomaly in this sense or the AR flange bends on itself at an imposed angle between the frame and the suspension arm, making the upper part of the coil compresses on the lower part thus causing friction between the two parts.



The assembly finished it was very difficult to adjust the pressures AV / AR because the no adjustment procedure is provided, it is only after an exchange of mails with Airide that basic values m ' have been communicated in order to be able to do my set up. After a lot of road tests at different pressures, I arrived roughly to get an acceptable suspension but not at the level of the original suspension! Unfortunately we must find a compromise by adjusting the pressure between comfort and height of the vehicle because contrary to what I thought it is not possible to use the vehicle in high or low position it becomes undriveable and absolutely uncomfortable !
I had acquired this kit for my T5 4motion fitted out in camper van for use "high" in paths and low on road / highway (and incidentally to put the vehicle of level in parking). Great disillusion because after only 370 kms of road use the rear right cushion burst on a roundabout following friction on the upper part with the chassis! In the end nothing surprising given the design of this montage for which Airide did not want to know evoking a bad editing on my part ,,, a height! In short you will understand I strongly advise to install this material whose use in my opinion is only to "parading and play" in tuning style! Since I installed a lift suspension kit Eibach with reinforced metal springs and tires in 235/65/17,,, which gives me whole satisfaction!