Suspension solutions on light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and campervans are designed around average factory load settings, but real life rarely fits that average. Uneven or heavier loads can strain suspension systems, affecting ride comfort, safety, and control. Air helper kits have long been used to compensate for this. Still, many traditional designs come with challenges: they’re time-consuming and complex to install, and they offer limited adjustability options. Arnott’s newly designed air helper kits—featuring a wireless controller and app—address both sides of the issue, simplifying installation and providing smarter, more flexible control for users. Read on to discover how Arnott’s air helper kits close the gap between the limitations of traditional designs and today’s demands. |
THE TRUSTED STRENGTH OF AIR HELPER KITS AND WHY DEMAND KEEPS GROWING |
Light commercial chassis are built for versatility, from passenger transport and cargo hauling to campervans for recreational use. Because of this, their factory suspension systems are engineered around average load conditions, striking a balance between ride comfort when empty and safety and stability when fully loaded. But this compromise comes with trade-offs. For example, campervans often end up much heavier than their original configuration due to built-in furniture and equipment. Since the suspension is based on the weight of an empty vehicle, the ride can feel overly firm when lightly loaded, yet insufficient when fully loaded, struggling to maintain proper ride height and control. Over time, this can affect stability, handling, and accelerate wear on suspension components. Delivery vans face another challenge. Their load changes frequently between empty and fully loaded, which puts fluctuating strain on the suspension and makes it difficult to achieve consistent ride quality and handling. For vehicles that frequently carry additional loads, air helper kits have long offered a practical, reliable solution. Installed alongside the factory suspension to support extra weight, these kits can be inflated or deflated to match the load. By adjusting air pressure as needed, they help maintain correct ride height, improve stability, reduce body roll, and enhance overall drivability. |
THE LIMITS OF TRADITIONAL AIR HELPER KITS |
While traditional air helper kits remain a solid solution for supporting heavy or fluctuating loads, their design hasn’t kept pace with the changing needs of modern vehicles and users. In a world that increasingly values smarter, simpler solutions, those limitations become harder to ignore. Many traditional kits still rely on outdated designs that add unnecessary complexity for mechanics and installers. The process of assembling loose brackets, fittings, and screws, along with complex wiring, drilling holes, and routing air lines through the cabin, not only increases labor time but also raises the risk of leaks, damage, and installation errors. For vehicle owners, the challenges are different but equally frustrating. Many traditional kits lack an integrated controller or rely on single-circuit inflation systems. This means pressure often has to be adjusted manually, without real-time feedback, and can’t be fine-tuned separately for each side. As a result, drivers may struggle with proper load balancing, especially when parking on uneven ground or carrying asymmetrical loads. |
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN OLD DESIGNS & NEW DEMANDS |
The gap between what today’s vehicle users and installers need and what traditional air helper kits offer calls for innovation. Arnott’s new air helper kits answer that call. Installation is simplified thanks to pre-assembled components that fit existing factory mounting points. Leak-tested fittings and push-to-connect air lines further reduce the risk of installation errors and leaks. A standout feature is the wireless digital controller, which pairs seamlessly with a free mobile app. The controller’s clear, auto-dimming display provides real-time pressure feedback, making it easy to monitor and adjust air levels on the go. Users can control each air spring individually or both at once, allowing for more precise load management based on current conditions. Because the controller communicates wirelessly with the compressor console, there’s no need to run air lines through the cabin, further simplifying installation. On top of that, the mobile app enables drivers to make adjustments from inside or outside the vehicle at the touch of a button. |
Air helper kits remain a simple and effective way to adapt suspension systems to the real-world needs of LCVs. However, as vehicle usage evolves and expectations increase, the technology behind these kits must evolve as well. Arnott’s approach delivers practical advantages for both installers and vehicle owners, cutting installation time, improving reliability, and enabling smarter, more flexible control. By addressing the limitations of older designs, Arnott air helper kits offer a modern solution built to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced world. |
EXPLORE ARNOTT’S AIR HELPER KITS |
Citroën Jumper, Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer (X250/X290) – 2006 – > |
Ford Transit (V362/V363) – 2006 – > * In Development |