Air Assistance on Mercedes chassis

We have just placed an order for a AS (Mercedes) Bourton. I have heard the ride can be a bit soft leaning into corners etc would it be advisable to specify air assistance for the rear suspension.


Dave

Mines not Mercedes but Peugeot,  and I had air assisted fitted before I picked it up, the reason was my last motorhome on Mk7 Ford was very low on the back from new and rolled on bends and roundabouts. I fitted Dunlop air assisted myself and the difference in driving was amazing. It also lifted the rear 4".

John.

Thanks John.

There are a few of those about Dave someone will come on soon  or a similar sized Merc.   I think our Airides were one of the best buys we have made.
As to the van Alan G (in ASOC) has one, not sure if you know him and he loves the van, had it a while now.  Presume you are getting the 7 speed auto.

The Mercedes suspension is electronically controlled and over about 3 mph is superb. Air rides would ruin it. When stationary and crawling you roll horrendously but 50 - 60 on a winding road just point and press! Also rock steady when fully loaded at 80 and very little impact from side winds.

Peter

Thanks for the reply Roger and Peter.
Yes it the 7speed auto.
Peter not really sure what you mean by electronically controlled, is it not leaf spring, bumpstop, and shock absorber? How is it controlled?
Many thanks.

Hello Dave , we have a Bourton, we picked ours up in April this year and have no concerns at all
about the drive, we have an Automatic and we are delighted with the whole van, wouldn't change anything about it.
regards Lesley and Peter

The same thought crossed my mind when I ordered our Worcester, bigger and heavier than the Bourton. Glad I didn't waste my money, ride is superb compared to previous Pugs and Fiats I have owned.

We are also perfectly happy with our Worcester - much better than the Fiat we had before.

We had our Stanton delivered in June and have done 4000 miles to date. Suspension is great, much improved on our previous Fiat with the exception that when parked up we now always need to use the corner steadies. Regards Plato

Thanks everyone for all your replies, I think I'll stick with standard suspension, Great to get the opinion of others, Thankyou.

Hi Plato,
Most folks on this forum say they remove the corner steadies to save weight and that they are surplus to requirement, is there a lot of movement when you are at the back end of the van?

On the Mercedes chassis and the larger coachbuilts - YES

Peter

Ha ha, ours does move around a bit on site but I don't mind. Swmbo does though 

As others say the ride is brilliant suspension wise. (No electronics as far as I know other than traction control). Bit harsh from the tyres though.