Compressor for air suspension systems: yes or no

Air suspension systems are now standard equipment for leisure and commercial vehicles such as buses, panel vans and A-Class or C-Class motorhomes. They offer both comfort and safety benefits and noticeably improve handling - whether on gravel roads, country roads or motorways. The systems may differ from each other in various aspects:

• Type of air system: single circuit or dual circuit air suspension kits;
• Type of the air bellows: most popular are 150/2 and 170/2;
• Control method: hard and soft touch, electrovalves, Bluetooth or app
• Type and positioning of the control unit: universal and vehicle-specific solutions
• Air suspension compressor: with or without this device.

In this article, we try to provide an overview of when a compressor is useful and when it is not. And if so: which air bag suspension compressor should you choose?

It should be noted at the outset that all systems, with the exception of the soft-touch controls, are available with or without a compressor. This is not possible with the soft-touch control panels due to the dual function of the trigger: electric switch for the compressor and drain valve.

When air springs compressors are not necessary?

In certain situations, compressors are not the best solution, especially when the demands on the air springs suspension system are low or there are more suitable alternatives.

Here are some cases where a compressor may be less useful:

1. low frequency of use: if air suspension adjustment is only rarely required, such as in motorhomes or vans that are only occasionally heavily loaded, it may be sufficient to adjust the air suspension pressure manually. A compressor may be superfluous in such cases and only increases the complexity and cost of the system.
2. additional energy consumption: compressors require electricity, which can cause problems for vehicles with limited battery capacity, especially if there is no solar system or powerful alternator. In such cases, a manual filling system would be more efficient.
3. weight and space requirements: A built-in compressor takes up space and increases the weight of the vehicle. This can be a disadvantage for vehicles where weight and space play a major role.
4. cost-benefit ratio: Air suspension compressors are more expensive than manual solutions. If the advantages, such as frequent and quick adjustment of the air pressure, are not used regularly, the additional costs and installation effort do not justify the use of a compressor.
5. technical vulnerability: Compressors are pretty complex, so they need to be looked after. If you just use them manually, they're less likely to break and therefore more durable and cost-effective.

Overall, the use of a compressor should be well thought out and depend primarily on the frequency of use, vehicle equipment and individual needs. For many cars with air suspensions where the benefits of a compressor are not regularly required, simpler solutions are often sufficient and more cost-effective.

When is a compressor useful for air suspension?

Compressors are useful in van or motorhome air suspension kits when the air suspension needs to be flexibly adapted to different loading and driving conditions. They make it possible to regulate the air pressure in the air springs directly and quickly without the need for external air sources or manual pumps.

Here are some situations in which compressors are particularly useful:

1. flexible adjustment of the vehicle height: With a compressor, you can quickly adjust the vehicle height depending on the situation. This is particularly useful when loading, parking on uneven ground or entering underground car parks where a lower height is required.
2. independent control for 2-circuit systems: In 2-circuit air systems, where the left and right sides of the rear axle can be controlled separately, a compressor facilitates precise pressure adjustment for each side of the RV or van. This is particularly useful when the vehicle is unevenly loaded to ensure an even vehicle position.
3. increased comfort while driving: A compressor makes it possible to adjust the air pressure to different road conditions while driving. For example, on a bumpy road the pressure can be reduced to increase comfort, and on the motorway the pressure can be increased to improve stability.
4. time saving and convenience: compressors eliminate the need for manual inflation of the bellows. This saves time and is particularly practical if the air suspension for motorhomes or vans needs to be adjusted frequently, for example when the load changes.
5. safety with heavy loads: For vehicles that are often heavily loaded or where high axle loads occur, an air suspension kit with a compressor enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of the air pressure, which increases safety and reduces the risk of suspension problems.

Overall, compressors are a useful addition to air suspension systems that require frequent adjustment or where a high level of comfort and safety is desired.

Which compressor for air suspension kit?

It is recommended that compressors specifically designed for use in air suspension systems be considered as the optimal choice. Many compressors available on the market are not suitable for frequent use and high loads. Air suspension compressors are designed to be assessed time and time again. For this reason, the main components (pistons, cylinders) of reputable manufacturers are made of metal, they also have appropriate ball bearings and ventilation and are less susceptible to moisture, dust and frost.

Some manufacturers, e.g. XIMPLIO, offer compressors in two versions. The main feature is performance, but other features such as power consumption and size also depend on it.

An air suspension with a standard compressor takes from 3 to 4 minutes to raise the vehicle to the desired height. The heavy duty compressor takes half this time to do the same thing.

The advantage of standard compressors is their compatible size and with it come easier installation options. In the Fiat Ducato and similar vehicles from the Sellantis Group, you can put the compressors behind the step panelling, so they're protected from the elements. 

Motorhome or van air suspension: with or without a compressor?

The suitability of a compressor for a motorhome or van air suspension system hinges on two key factors: frequency of use and the requirements of the vehicle. A compressor offers considerable advantages when it comes to flexibly adjusting the vehicle height, especially with changing loads and uneven road conditions. It saves time, increases comfort while driving and ensures greater safety, especially for RVs and vans with high axle loads.

However, for vehicles that are rarely heavily loaded or where the air bag suspension only needs to be adjusted occasionally, a manual system may be sufficient. Compressors incur additional costs, take up space and require regular maintenance, making them superfluous in some cases.

In short, a compressor is particularly worthwhile for vehicles that are regularly used in different conditions where the air suspension is frequently adjusted. In other cases, you can do without this additional component and rely on manual systems.