VB Air Suspension

PhilR said:
I'm firing off some emails for some quotes too. I'll let you know what I get back.
Click to expand...
I can’t PM you @PhilR
Didn’t want to put prices I’ve had on a forum.
Not sure if it’s good ethics ?
 
The VB air compressor is relatively quiet and only runs to top up the air storage tank as required.
VB stated that it didn't increase weight capacity in 2017 when I checked.

Incidentally I have a complete system available as removed when converted to Bilstein Air. Needs to be professionally installed.
 
B J G said:
The VB air compressor is relatively quiet and only runs to top up the air storage tank as required.
VB stated that it didn't increase weight capacity in 2017 when I checked.

Incidentally I have a complete system available as removed when converted to Bilstein Air. Needs to be professionally installed.
Click to expand...
Forgive my ignorance, but there must be quite a difference between VB and Bilstein then?
 
B J G said:
The VB air compressor is relatively quiet and only runs to top up the air storage tank as required.
VB stated that it didn't increase weight capacity in 2017 when I checked.

Incidentally I have a complete system available as removed when converted to Bilstein Air. Needs to be professionally installed.
Click to expand...
I’m wondering the same.
You had both systems installed.
Can you describe the pro’s & con’s of both please :thumb
 
Incidentally I have a complete system available as removed when converted to Bilstein Air. Needs to be professionally installed.

Hi
How much are you asking for the VB Air.

Thanks.
 
kurienp said:
Phil, whereabouts are you? Reason I ask, it may be best for you to hear it yourself. If passing by, don't mind a quick stopover.

It is a small whisper of a sound and it does not bother at all. There are times, when, say, another vehicle is parked right next to you and the sound bounces off, or when it is really quiet and you can hear the compressor.

How long - depends. When I start the vehicle, maybe about 5 seconds - if it needs to adjust.

If I have employed auto level, then can take up to 10 to 15 seconds for it to build enough pressure to level.

It does not run all the time or a lot.

Also, with the soundproofing of the Cali, you hardly hear it inside. Outside, the plastic panels underneath help reduce the sound.

The THQ guys had done it on a standard transporter and that will also make a difference, and from what I remember, they did not fit VBAir.
Click to expand...
I agree, very little sound. The offer to view in Yorkshire is open too!
 
Does anyone know if you can Fit VB Air if you have the Dynamic Suspension Pack from VW?
 
No unless you wanted to loose the dynamic system.
Front struts are replaced by standard ones with integral air bags.
I don't know of any air suspension supplier who does a dynamic system. The cost of front struts would be extremely high. The rear isn't an issue.
 
B J G said:
No unless you wanted to loose the dynamic system.
Front struts are replaced by standard ones with integral air bags.
I don't know of any air suspension supplier who does a dynamic system. The cost of front struts would be extremely high. The rear isn't an issue.
Click to expand...
thanks thought so
 
Webbah_in_Switzerland said:
Very planted. No leaning at all either and I have a high roof! Worth the investment. I also drive in the “mid lift” mode all the time as I have 18 inch wheels with BFG AT’s.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
I guess your BFGs are 255/55r18 ? can you drive/turn in low mode/parking mode ?

Im so close to order, but can't find any answers to my above question. Thanks
 
1whitesamurai said:
I guess your BFGs are 255/55r18 ? can you drive/turn in low mode/parking mode ?

Im so close to order, but can't find any answers to my above question. Thanks
Click to expand...
Yes you can drive, however the VB system sounds a bleeper to remind you. I don’t know if it automatically switches to normal height if u pick up speed. But low speed manoeuvring is ok
 
Skooty Alan said:
Yes you can drive, however the VB system sounds a bleeper to remind you. I don’t know if it automatically switches to normal height if u pick up speed. But low speed manoeuvring is ok
Click to expand...
great thanks, yes the bleeper continues as long as I drive parking mode, for the safety and it automatically turns of when I speed up and the suspension goes up to normal mode.

My concern was only going up in tire size from 255/45 to 255/55r18. I asked a German AT wheel manufacture and they told me 55 would be to big when in park mode, however, they were very helpsome to offer me their 17" wheels ha ha , but except from them, I can't find any, who can confirm the size is ok in low mode. thanks !
 
1whitesamurai said:
great thanks, yes the bleeper continues as long as I drive parking mode, for the safety and it automatically turns of when I speed up and the suspension goes up to normal mode.

My concern was only going up in tire size from 255/45 to 255/55r18. I asked a German AT wheel manufacture and they told me 55 would be to big when in park mode, however, they were very helpsome to offer me their 17" wheels ha ha , but except from them, I can't find any, who can confirm the size is ok in low mode. thanks !
Click to expand...
It really depends on the offset of the rims. In Switzerland many choose the 255/55r18 with VB. Although this is in German this also provides details on all the AT tyres you can run and the requirements for each size:

 
Webbah_in_Switzerland said:
It really depends on the offset of the rims. In Switzerland many choose the 255/55r18 with VB. Although this is in German this also provides details on all the AT tyres you can run and the requirements for each size:

Click to expand...
Thanks, great info, however "steering angle limitation" for the 255/55r18 that's in normal mode right ? this means even more limitation driving in low mode, hmmmm
BTW my 18" wheels are original VW
Im using the parking mode inside the big parking garages with many floors, so there's a lot of turns and ramps, so I'll have to make sure I don't damage the van. Did you use any spacers ? I really appreciate your help and information .
 
Last edited:
1whitesamurai said:
Thanks, great info, however "steering angle limitation" for the 255/55r18 that's in normal mode right ? this means even more limitation driving in low mode, hmmmm
BTW my 18" wheels are original VW
Im using the parking mode inside the big parking garages with many floors, so there's a lot of turns and ramps, so I'll have to make sure I don't damage the van. Did you use any spacers ? I really appreciate your help and information .
Click to expand...
I've since gone back to 17's with Pirelli Scorpion AT Plus tyres in size 235/65R17. Not for any rubbing but due to the fact that I drive mostly on city and highway roads and only need AT's for 10-15% of the time max. That said, I have a 1.85m high van so I don't use low mode ever. Only stock and mid-high primarily. With those I never rubbed with 18's. I was using Black Rhino Arches with BFG KO2's. The KO2's have a fairly vertical triple ply sidewall and worked with those 18's. The Pirelli Scorpion AT Plus required dropping down to the 17's as they didn't come in a 255/55R18, but 255/60R18 and those would rub.
 
Webbah_in_Switzerland said:
Very planted. No leaning at all either and I have a high roof! Worth the investment. I also drive in the “mid lift” mode all the time as I have 18 inch wheels with BFG AT’s.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Hi I also have BFG's on 18” wheels (4 Motion Cali Ocean T6). I’m very interested in VB air so would really appreciate you sharing how much better the ride is and also have you taken it off road using the highest setting? I currently have 35mm lift on Bilstein shocks and springs. I’m amazed how capable it is for a van but the ride is pretty harsh. Can’t seem to find anywhere to test drive (I’m in England) so looking for as much real world experience as possible.

Thanks in advance
 
Hi @wildslammer22 ,

We have our VB suspension since 2013, and have taken it in the off road mode through some pretty challenging circumstances over the years. Think criss cross the Icelandic highlands, Spanish Pyrenees sea to ocean on mountain tracks, West Alps, many Scandinavian dirt and mountain roads, etc. We have always been very happy with its performance.

I have no idea what you expect of the air suspension, when I see you write about the ‘harshness’ of your current rides. The air suspension does not turn your van into a Citroen DS… It makes for a very stable ride, however your van is loaded, it will always be ‘straight’, and rock solid on the road. No wobbling after a traffic bump, etc. The perceived ‘harsness’ is probably due to your tyres sooner, than your suspension. E.g we have driven with load index 107, and found that ‘harsh’. Nowadays we drive 103, which we think is a lot more comfortable. With the higher flanks (225/70) we can still deflate enough when the terrain asks for it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

L
VB air suspension is it noisey
Replies
3
Views
2K
Crell
Crell
Devaprem
VB air suspension
Replies
15
Views
4K
B J G
B J G
tim downes
What size wheels to go with air suspension
Replies
24
Views
7K
RosmiaAirSuspension
R
S
VB Air suspension - good?
7 8 9
Replies
200
Views
58K
witjesm
W
R
VB SUSPENSION: possible to lower at 190cm?
Replies
15
Views
1K
Robby
R

Useful links

VW California Club

  • Comfort Insurance
  • VIP Membership
  • Hire a Vw California
  • CampervanBits Accessories
  • Conquest

About us

The VW California Club is the worlds largest resource for all owners and enthusiasts of VW California campervans.

Our Partners

Our Websites

Back
Top