What is an airbag suspension system?
Before you can clearly identify the pros and cons of an airbag suspension, you need to understand the design of such a system.
An airbag suspension system is powered by an electric pump or compressor that forces air into rubber bags, usually made of polyurethane and textile-reinforced rubber.
A compressor inflates the airbags to a certain air pressure. It is important to note that it is the air in the bag that does the work of a spring. (An airbag suspension should not be confused with a hydropneumatic suspension, which uses pressurized hydraulic fluid instead of air.)
What is the purpose of an airbag suspension system?
Airbag suspensions are used to achieve a smooth ride quality by replacing conventional steel spring suspension in heavier vehicle applications such as trucks, tractor units, passenger buses and even passenger trains.
ECAS (Electronically Controlled Air Suspension) includes several functions, such as:
- Vulcanized, heavy-duty rubber air springs on each of the vehicle's wheels
- A compressed air storage tank that stores air at an average pressure of 150 psi
- Valve blocks that direct air from the storage tank to the four springs
- Air line connecting the storage tank to the airbags
- ECAS* computer that communicates where more or less air pressure should be aimed.
*The electronically controlled air suspension also has height sensors (height control valves) that are used to automatically regulate the vehicle's ride height.
Types of airbag suspension
Airbags in mouwstijl
Sleeve style air springs are designed for lift and ride control. The inside-mounted cover is covered by a bag made of flexible, strong rubber. The bag is crimped into the spring fitting at one end and lowered at the other end, sealing the contents inside.
As air is compressed in the spring, the two-piece bushing extends, lengthening the assembly to achieve the desired ride height.
Sleeve style air springs are particularly suitable for applications where space is limited and loads are light. Sleeve style air springs are perfect for light trucks, custom street rods and track cars.
Airbags in balgstijl
Bellows-style air springs are made of strong, reinforced rubber and are configured with one or more convoluted chambers.
These airbags are typically larger than sleeve-style air springs, giving them a greater payload capacity. Because of their size and shape, bellows-style air springs can lift the same weight with about half the air pressure as sleeve-style springs.
The most popular air spring configurations include single, double and triple chamber designs. Bellows air springs are good for heavy duty applications as long as there is enough space for proper installation.
What are the main reasons to use an airbag suspension?
The benefits (+)
Comfort
Car and truck manufacturers are increasingly choosing airbag suspension as a viable alternative. Eliminating conventional springs provides a much smoother ride, something you can't get with metal springs. After all, you are literally floating on a cushion of air!
Flexibility
Do you want to arrive at the next family gathering with your vehicle riding impressively low to the pavement while avoiding the inevitable scratches of a large speed bump? No problem. An airbag suspension gives you the best of both worlds at the touch of a button. If the rear of your truck hangs lower than normal with a heavy load, the height adjustment valve (part of ECAS*) ensures that the load remains flat and stable.
*The electronically controlled air suspension also has height sensors (height control valves) that are used to automatically regulate the vehicle's ride height.
Cons (-)
The airbag suspension has a number of negatives that we should mention.
Installation
The biggest disadvantage of an airbag suspension has always been its installation. Fortunately, newer airbag suspension kits have reduced the need for cutting and drilling. However, you will need to drill holes to mount the compressor, manifold and tank. If you own a car or light truck, there will be issues with space, not to mention the noise factor when the compressor decides to start.
Cost
If you want the smooth ride that airbags provide, you have to pay for it. Excluding labor, you're looking at a few thousand dollars. If you decide to install it yourself to save on labor costs, there are quite a few components included in the box. If you're not a cog, the job is probably above your pay grade.
Reliability
Airbags take a hit. Unless they are of high quality, they will eventually leak. If they decide to burst during a road trip, it can compromise your brakes, reduce control of your vehicle and lead to an accident.
Maintenance
You should think twice about using an airbag in your car if you are the 'set it and forget it' type. This complex system is expensive and requires a lot of TLC! Regular inspections are imperative to protect your investment.
Is there an affordable and reliable alternative to an airbag suspension?
You bet that's the case. And compared to an airbag suspension system, oursrubber auxiliary springsbeing affordable and reliable is an understatement. For a fraction of the cost of airbags, you can get the most reliable suspension upgrades on the market.Wooden SES setis the bulletproof solution to prevent the trailer from bending, swaying and rolling when you are driving on the road with a heavy load. ThatAeon® rubber auxiliary springsused in the Timbren SES kit has a progressive spring rate, meaning the harder a load presses against the spring, the harder the spring pushes back.
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With fewer parts, an easier installation, a more reliable product, aLifetime Warranty, and no air compressor fails, it is easy to see that the superior product is the simpler product that costs much less money. Do you, your truck and your cargo a favor andBuy the Timbren SES system for your truck.
Conclusion
If you are considering purchasing an airbag suspension, you should not only be aware of the benefits. Although you are rewarded with good ride quality, you have to weigh this against the disadvantages:
- Airbag suspension fees
The main barrier to using an airbag suspension is cost. It must be the most expensive hanging system on the market. If you want quality airbag transportation, you have to pay for it. It's that simple.
- Installation of airbag suspension
Due to the complexity of an airbag suspension system, installation should be left to a qualified technician. Proper installation ensures that safety objectives are met. Not only that, most kits require professional installation to honor the manufacturer's warranty.
- Airbag suspension leaking
Air suspension kits are exposed to harsh road conditions. As with other suspension products, wear and tear will play a role in the longevity of any airbag suspension. Therefore, proper maintenance is required.
For a clear comparison between aairbag suspension versus Timbren SES, click here.
