Heavy duty air suspension: Kelderman vs. alternatives

[ReluctantTraveler]

I'm planning out a custom camper build on an F-550 (84" CA length, 203" wheelbase).

I'm interested in adding an air suspension for leveling the right while at camp. We also plan to remove the camper if camped for more than a few days and drive the truck without it to get around. Since a commercial truck like that is going to ride really rough unloaded, I'd love to have a nicer ride with the air suspension, too.

From reading some other posts here, it seems as those the "full featured" Kelderman systems (a la the Earthroamer) are prone to failures on some of the fancier electronic components related to active level monitoring and automatic leveling. A few folks have updated their systems to remove all of those stuff, leaving them with mostly just a compressor, air lines, airbags, and a controller to manually adjust them.

Are there any alternatives to a Kelderman system I should be looking at? Any other aspects to having an air suspension I should be aware of?

 

[1000arms]

A few thoughts you might ponder:

Wood blocks are fairly cheap vehicle leveling devices.

A constant camper on the truck might keep the truck springs loaded enough to be a much more comfortable drive than an unloaded truck. In addition, any custom springs (if needed/desired) could be designed based on a an empty camper (and truck) and a fully loaded camper (and truck) rather than an empty truck and a fully loaded truck.

If there are two drivers, one could tow a vehicle behind the truck, but be able to unhook and easily move the 2nd vehicle unlike towing a camper trailer. The 2nd vehicle could be used for "ice cream runs", exploring areas that forbid trucks/motorhomes, and be available as an emergency vehicle.

... Say, do you have a Jeep as your daily driver? ...

You could always keep the truck stock, build your camper, test drive the truck with and without the camper, and then consider if you want/need any vehicle suspension modifications.

 

[ReluctantTraveler]

A few thoughts you might ponder:

Wood blocks are fairly cheap vehicle leveling devices.

A constant camper on the truck might keep the truck springs loaded enough to be a much more comfortable drive than an unloaded truck. In addition, any custom springs (if needed/desired) could be designed based on a an empty camper (and truck) and a fully loaded camper (and truck) rather than an empty truck and a fully loaded truck.

If there are two drivers, one could tow a vehicle behind the truck, but be able to unhook and easily move the 2nd vehicle unlike towing a camper trailer. The 2nd vehicle could be used for "ice cream runs", exploring areas that forbid trucks/motorhomes, and be available as an emergency vehicle.

... Say, do you have a Jeep as your daily driver? ...

You could always keep the truck stock, build your camper, test drive the truck with and without the camper, and then consider if you want/need any vehicle suspension modifications.

I always appreciate your thoughtful responses! You often suggest stuff I wouldn't have though of, so a hearty thank you in advance!

We use blocks currently with our travel trailer, and while it works, I'm hoping to move away from it. Being able to level the rig without it being obvious would be a big win in certain situations.

From what I hear, a loaded F-550 drives pretty ok. Unloaded is the issue. But as noted, we do plan to disconnect the two a fair bit.

I have no interest in towing a second vehicle. We tow our trailer now, and moving away from towing something is a big part of what I'd like to achieve with this transition.

I'll probably ultimately end up starting off stock and leveling with blocks, but I'm thinking about the air suspension now and figured I'd ask based on other people's experience.

Kelderman, at the very least, has suspensions built specifically for F-550/5500's with heavy load (multiple air bags, a sway bar, etc.).

 

[ExpoMike]

Can't really help with the actual bag/suspension part but for air management/auto level, you might look into this system. It is used widely in the hot rod/classic car world.

Ultimate Air Suspension Management Package

If you are looking for the most comprehensive and technologically advanced air suspension system management kit on the market, AccuAir’s Ultimate Package is for you. Piecing together a management system for your air suspension kit can be exhausting. This kit is going to include everything you...

accuair.com

 

[driveby]

I’ve read good things about LiquidSprings. Not air (Hydraulic) and there is the risk of ripping the hose and having *no* suspension in the middle of nowhere. But it’ll do what you’re looking for. F550 with leveling, empty and full. As well as “auto tuned” as you drive down the road. Loss of fluid aside, it’s probably what I’d be seriously looking at.

 

[ReluctantTraveler]

I’ve read good things about LiquidSprings. Not air (Hydraulic) and there is the risk of ripping the hose and having *no* suspension in the middle of nowhere. But it’ll do what you’re looking for. F550 with leveling, empty and full. As well as “auto tuned” as you drive down the road. Loss of fluid aside, it’s probably what I’d be seriously looking at.

My understand is that it’s smooth as butter but even more expensive than a Kelderman system. Still something to add to the list though!

Air suspensions are so common in semi trucks and high end luxury cars. I’m surprised they’re seen as unreliable for expedition trucks.

 

[1000arms]

I always appreciate your thoughtful responses! You often suggest stuff I wouldn't have though of, so a hearty thank you in advance!

We use blocks currently with our travel trailer, and while it works, I'm hoping to move away from it. Being able to level the rig without it being obvious would be a big win in certain situations.

From what I hear, a loaded F-550 drives pretty ok. Unloaded is the issue. But as noted, we do plan to disconnect the two a fair bit.

I have no interest in towing a second vehicle. We tow our trailer now, and moving away from towing something is a big part of what I'd like to achieve with this transition.

I'll probably ultimately end up starting off stock and leveling with blocks, but I'm thinking about the air suspension now and figured I'd ask based on other people's experience.

Kelderman, at the very least, has suspensions built specifically for F-550/5500's with heavy load (multiple air bags, a sway bar, etc.).

You are welcome!

Hopefully you will be happy with the stock suspension, but doing your research now does make sense!

 

[LikeABoss]

I have a Ram 5500 arriving soon and have Keldermans 2 stage rear air suspension ready to install. I was also wanting to keep things simple but have a better ride. I’m not doing the self leveling, just manual fill. When I contacted Kelderman, they said the ride was about the same as their 4 link, just less adjustable. Seemed like a good fit for my needs.