Air suspension for the SuperNova/International chassis

[Texas TC]

Like everyone else with an International chassis coach, I have been looking for a better suspension for the rear of the coach. I love this unit and plan to keep it for a long time. No problems in the drivers seat but the wife has never cared for the ride past mid-coach.

So, I drove the Nova down to SW International for them to take a look at the frame and suspension layout to see about getting shocks installed. The Specialty Equipment Manager said I should consider an aftermarket air suspension system complete with air compressor. Cost is a little under $4900.00 so I told them to order it. It is made by American Carrier Systems out of Fresno, CA. I looked at the system and feel good about the engineering. It comes with its own shock package so it kinda kills two birds with one stone. He is going to order it tomorrow and I will get it installed as soon as it arrives.

The technician that is going to install the system looked the Nova over from the underside completely. He did not see any complications that would keep the system from being installed, plenty of clearance room down there. I told him I wanted to add air horns later and he said that would not be a problem. I will most probably add them along the frame rail next to the air compressor so they are at the level of the cars. Should be real loud down there!

I will keep you all informed of the progress.

[oldsnapper]

I just installed a Kelderman www.kelderman.com Air Suspension on the rear of our 2008 6331 Endura. Website has all the info.

Very well engineered, top quality fabrication & parts and straight forward installation instructions. The ride improvement is almost unbelievable! The install instructions & pictures were done on a Super Nova so that really helped. Here is a video showing the suspension at work that sold me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj-GtyVzU8Q

Good company to work with and great price. Wish I had done this years ago! The hardest part was moving the wire and cables that would have rubbed on the new components. If anyone is interested in more info, please send a message.
Steve C. in Michigan

[Stevejo]

who in Michigan installed your air ride?

[oldsnapper]

I did the complete install myself. Could not find anyone capable within driving distance.

[Stevejo]

After reading all the posts about air ride systems I went with ACS model 810. Kelderman system only has one air valve and they told me both bags had to be the same air pressure. I was worried about a possible lean that I read about some people having so I went with the ACS system with two air valves. I have it at Sawyers in Saginaw for the install. They would not give me a quote on labour so I am hoping it wont be too bad. I was thinking of also going with a super single rear but being from Traverse city Mi I am sure I will have to drive on a little snow or ice from time to time so I am not sure about traction issues would love to hear about anyones experience with rear super singles.

[pwerwagn]

Look into the sumo spring jounce bumpers too. I have used the timbrens and felt they were harsh and not super progressive. Sumo sells theirs in 3 different material make ups so you can swap from soft-med-firm if you need to make a change.

[Henry111]

VIAIR is one of the most precious air compressors I have bought for our fifth-wheel caravan, but it serves me well. It gives me confidence that I can inflate all my caravan and truck tires without moving the pump as the flexible air sock can stretch veritably fluently. You do not have to worry about going to the truck stop to inflate your tires to the correct pressure.