Suspension Guide: The right solution for more payload, comfort, and ground clearance
Find the right suspension solution for your vehicle
Whether it's a motorhome, van, pickup, SUV, or truck – the right suspension solution ensures more driving comfort, higher payload capacity, better handling, and increased ground clearance.
Many vehicle owners are familiar with the problem: the motorhome sags at the rear, the van drops when loaded, or the pickup reaches its limits off-road. But what is the right solution?
In this guide, you will learn when auxiliary air springs, reinforcement springs, or lift kits are the best choice for your vehicle and what advantages each system offers.
Auxiliary air spring, air suspension or air ride system – what's the difference?
Various terms are often used:
- Auxiliary air spring
- Semi-Air-Springs
- Auxiliary air springs
- Auxiliary air suspension
- Air spring
- Air springs
- Air suspension
- Air ride system
- Rear axle air suspension
- Air bellow
- Air bellows
Most often, they refer to the same solution: an auxiliary air suspension system supports the vehicle's standard suspension by using air bellows between the axle and the chassis.
Advantages of an auxiliary air suspension
✔ Vehicle remains level when loaded
✔ Increased driving comfort
✔ Improved driving stability
✔ Reduced body roll
✔ Relief for leaf or coil springs
✔ Ideal for motorhomes, vans, and pickups
Typical applications
- Motorhomes
- Camper vans
- Panel vans
- Vans
- Small vans
- Pickups
- Commercial vehicles
- Trucks
Reinforcement spring, auxiliary spring, or heavy-duty spring
Here, too, various terms are used:
- Reinforcement spring
- Reinforcement springs
- Auxiliary spring
- Auxiliary springs
- Heavy-duty spring
- Load spring
- Suspension spring
- Helper spring
Reinforcement springs increase the vehicle's load capacity and prevent sagging under heavy loads.
Advantages of reinforcement springs
✔ Permanent reinforcement of the chassis
✔ Maintenance-free
✔ Higher stability
✔ Less sway
✔ Ideal for consistently heavy loads
Suitable for
- Motorhomes
- Vans
- Delivery vans
- Pickups
- Trailer operation
- Tradesperson vehicles
Lift kit and suspension lift
Commonly used terms:
- Lift kit
- Suspension lift
- Lift kit
- Lift Kit
- Suspension Lift
- Off-road lift
A lift kit increases the vehicle's ground clearance and improves its off-road capability.
Advantages of a lift kit
✔ More ground clearance
✔ Better approach/departure angle
✔ Space for larger tires
✔ Improved off-road capabilities
✔ More attractive appearance
Suitable for
- SUVs
- Pickups
- SUVs
- Adventure vehicles
- Expedition vehicles
Common problems and the right solution
|
Problem |
Recommended solution |
|---|---|
|
Motorhome sags at the rear |
Auxiliary air spring or reinforcement spring |
|
Van sags |
Auxiliary air spring or reinforcement spring |
|
Pickup with heavy payload |
Auxiliary air spring or reinforcement spring |
|
Vehicle sways significantly |
Auxiliary air spring |
|
Vehicle grounds out |
Lift kit |
|
More ground clearance desired |
Lift kit |
|
Off-road use |
Lift kit |
|
Trailer operation |
Auxiliary air spring or reinforcement spring |
For which vehicle brands and models do we offer suspension solutions?
Our suspension solutions are suitable for motorhomes, camper vans, vans, pickups, SUVs, commercial vehicles, and trucks. Depending on the vehicle, we offer auxiliary air springs, reinforcement springs, auxiliary springs, or lift kits.
Motorhomes and vans
Fiat
Ducato, Scudo, Talento, Doblo
Citroën
Jumper, Jumpy, Berlingo
Peugeot
Boxer, Expert, Partner
Ford
Transit, Transit Custom, Transit Connect, Transit Courier
Mercedes-Benz
Sprinter, Vito, V-Class, Citan
Volkswagen
Crafter, Transporter T4, T5, T6, T6.1
Renault
Master, Trafic
Opel
Movano, Vivaro, Combo
Iveco
Daily, Daily 4x4
Pickups and SUVs
Toyota
Hilux, Land Cruiser
Ford
Ranger
Isuzu
D-Max
Nissan
Navara, NP300, Patrol
Mitsubishi
L200
Land Rover
Defender, Discovery
Jeep
Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee
Mercedes-Benz
G-Class, X-Class
Commercial vehicles and trucks
Fuso
Canter
MAN
TGE, TGL, TGM, TGS, TGX
DAF
LF, CF, XF
Mercedes-Benz Trucks
Atego, Axor, Actros
Volvo Trucks
FL, FE, FM, FH
Scania
P-Series, G-Series, R-Series, S-Series
Other vehicle brands
In addition, we offer suspension solutions for numerous other vehicle manufacturers, including Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Cupra, Dacia, Daihatsu, Dodge, DS, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Lexus, Lynk & Co, Maxus, Mazda, MG, Ram, Saab, Smart, SsangYong, Subaru, Suzuki, Volvo and many other brands.
MAD and ESI – Our Suspension Brands
MAD Suspension Systems
MAD develops high-quality reinforcement springs, auxiliary springs, and suspension solutions for motorhomes, vans, and commercial vehicles.
ESI Italia
ESI specializes in auxiliary air springs and air suspension systems for vans, motorhomes, pickups, and trucks.
Which solution is right for your vehicle?
The optimal solution depends on the vehicle, the load, and the intended use.
- For more comfort and level control, we often recommend an auxiliary air suspension.
- For consistently heavy loads, reinforcement springs are often the best choice.
- For more ground clearance and off-road use, a lift kit is suitable.
Horvath 4x4 – Your Specialist for Suspension Solutions
At Horvath 4x4, you will find:
- Auxiliary air springs
- Reinforcement springs
- Auxiliary springs
- Lift kits
- Suspension solutions for motorhomes
- Suspension solutions for vans
- Suspension solutions for pickups
- Suspension solutions for SUVs
- Suspension solutions for commercial vehicles and trucks
If you are unsure which solution is right for your vehicle, we will be happy to advise you.
Horvath 4x4 – Don't let your vehicle sag!
Find the right suspension solution for your vehicle
Whether it's a motorhome, van, pickup, SUV, or truck – at Horvath 4x4, you'll find auxiliary air springs, reinforcement springs, and lift kits for numerous vehicle brands and models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does this suspension guide offer?
This suspension guide explains the differences between auxiliary air springs, reinforcement springs, and lift kits. It helps in choosing the right suspension solution for motorhomes, vans, pickups, SUVs, commercial vehicles, and trucks.
What is better: auxiliary air spring or reinforcement spring?
Auxiliary air springs offer more adjustment options and comfort. Reinforcement springs are maintenance-free and particularly suitable for consistently heavy loads.
Can I retrofit an auxiliary air suspension?
Yes, retrofit systems are available for many motorhomes, vans, pickups, and commercial vehicles.
When is a lift kit worthwhile?
A lift kit is particularly worthwhile for SUVs, pickups, and adventure vehicles if more ground clearance or larger tires are desired.
Is suspension reinforcement useful for a motorhome?
Yes, especially with heavy loads, suspension reinforcement improves driving stability, comfort, and safety.
Which suspension solution is suitable for vans and motorhomes?
For motorhomes and vans, auxiliary air springs or reinforcement springs are often used. They improve driving comfort, stability, payload, and safety, and prevent the vehicle from sagging under heavy loads.
You can find our complete product range here: