5 THINGS EVEN EXPERTS DON'T KNOW ABOUT AIRBAGS
For as long as air suspension has been around, so too have the many myths and misconceptions about the products.
As the pioneers behind Australia’s first fully bagged GU Patrol and caravan, and with the country’s widest range of vehicle-specific suspension kits under its helm, Airbag Man has heard it all when it comes to air suspension. Here, we share the top five things that even those in the industry sometimes get wrong about airbags.
#1. High-pressure sleeves are only there to protect the airbags
While the sleeves do protect the coil helper bags within the spring housing, their main purpose is enabling the airbags to carry double the amount of air pressure than they would without the sleeves. This then allows the end-user to carry additional load more safely – in some cases, as much as doubling the amount of payload, provided it is still within the vehicle’s GVM limit.
Some people also think the sleeves are made of Kevlar, and while we cannot tell you what they are actually made from, Airbag Man has patented the design to ensure only the highest quality product is available on the market.
#2. Airbags are high maintenance
There is a common perception that airbags constantly leak, or they only last a couple of years before wearing out. With quality materials from world-renowned partners like Firestone, as well as proper usage and maintenance, airbags can last well over 15 years. In some known cases, airbags are still going strong after two decades in use! And while people are often quick to blame a leaky bag for any drop in pressure, in most instances, the root cause is usually the airlines or fittings and not the airbags themselves.
#3. Airbags increase GVM
In the case of coil and leaf helper airbags – where they support, rather than replace, the vehicle’s existing suspension – they won’t increase the vehicle’s GVM rating. Similarly with tow ball weight, air suspension can help reduce sag and level the vehicle so it can carry the load more safely, but airbags alone do not alter the factory-rated weight limits.
#4. The only reason to install airbags is to carry additional load
While this is certainly one of the most common reasons to install airbags, there is a whole multitude of potential benefits when it comes to air suspension. From adjustable levelling control to safer load carrying, reduced spring sag and bottoming out to enhanced ride quality, stabilised body roll, improved steering and better braking, airbags are capable of much more than just giving a little lift.
#5. Airbags bend chassis
This is probably the biggest and most unsubstantiated claim when it comes to airbags. Chassis damage can only occur due to excessive load or improper usage. After almost three decades and thousands of satisfied customers, Airbag Man has never once seen its air suspension cause a bent or cracked chassis. Independent engineering analysis (available on Airbag Man’s website) further debunks this myth.
Airbag Man has been Australia’s leader in air suspension since 1995, designing and manufacturing more than 1,200 vehicle-specific air suspension systems.
If you have any questions, contact our friendly and experienced team - we love talking about all things air suspension!