Effective immediately, la strada Fahrzeugbau GmbH is offering optional air suspension systems from VB Airsuspension in its Avanti series motorhomes based on the Fiat Ducato. The additional air suspension on the rear axle compensates for any tilting caused by uneven loading. In addition, the suspension comfort of the rear axle is increased by improved compensation for shocks caused by uneven road surfaces. Full air suspension on the front and rear axles offers the highest level of driving comfort. Balanced road holding, less tilting in corners, and automatic leveling of the vehicle in living mode are among the major advantages of this solution.
The additional air suspension on the rear axle suppresses roll tendencies when cornering and maintains a consistent ride height with constant ground clearance. Uneven loads are compensated for and suspension comfort is increased on uneven ground. The air pressure in the air bellows can be adjusted manually. A control unit is installed in the cab for this purpose, allowing the left and right air bellows to be inflated or deflated separately. This can be used to compensate for wheel load differences when driving or to partially level the vehicle when in residential mode.
The full air suspension system provides suspension and damping for each individual wheel. The body remains largely unaffected by uneven road surfaces – shocks are "absorbed" by the air bellows. No vibrations and hardly any spring shocks are noticeable in the vehicle interior. The air pressure in each individual air spring is regulated fully automatically with the aid of a compressed air system. However, it can also be controlled manually via a remote control in the cab if necessary. For example, the vehicle level is kept at a constant height fully automatically, regardless of the load condition. This prevents the vehicle from swaying in curves, diving when braking, and rearing up during rapid acceleration.
At the touch of a button, the full air suspension can be raised and lowered, allowing for either more ground clearance or a lower vehicle height as needed. In addition to the driving dynamics advantages, this function also makes everyday camping easier. Where motorhome owners would otherwise have to struggle with ramps, with full air suspension, a push of a button is all it takes and the auto-level function brings the motorhome into a horizontal position.
