Does air rides better than Spring?

[MAC]

I think we know the air suspension moves the Hummer up and down a little to give it more ground clearance when needed, plus the weak but potentially useful air inflation hose. My question is what else does it do? I see semi trucks on the freeway say “AIR RIDE” on the sides. I assume that means the cargo rides on air, which must mean it is better with less bounce than riding on spring. Sounds nice and certainly more impressive. How about the Hummer air suspension? Is it supposed to ride better because it is air suspension?

[MAC]

I think we know the air suspension moves the Hummer up and down a little to give it more ground clearance when needed, plus the weak but potentially useful air inflation hose. My question is what else does it do? I see semi trucks on the freeway say “AIR RIDE” on the sides. I assume that means the cargo rides on air, which must mean it is better with less bounce than riding on spring. Sounds nice and certainly more impressive. How about the Hummer air suspension? Is it supposed to ride better because it is air suspension?

[Frank Hewitt]

Mac,

The primary reason for my purchase of the air suspension vs. the standard (lux)is for the "auto-ride control".
The automatically adjusting height when trailoring causes the back end to "hold it's own" rather than sagging when I'm carrying a trailor.
Otherwise, the 1 or 2 inches of height for the back end is somewhat of a mute point for my uses.
Frank

gasman

[Texas Red]

I got the air suspension merely fot the Hsssss! sound it makes when I park and get out.

Jim
Red H2

[H2HIGH]

I had the air suspension but It didnt work for what I wanted. And another thing is that if that bag blows up the rear end with be and the ground. I drove 70 miles with it like that. That's the only thing holding the h2 up.

[MAC]

H2HIGH, since your Hummer is raised up so high, is your Hummer still with air suspension. Doesn't look like the stock air suspension can handle the monster job under your Hummer.

[TJ]

Personally speaking, I think that new H2 buyers should avoid getting the air suspension package altogether, regardless of how useful they may think the self-leveling, extra clearance or potentially better ride may be. It appears that quite a number of people have had problems with the air suspension systems on their H2s. I know that we did and finally ended up having to get the whole compressor replaced...and there's no telling how long it will be before we end up having problems with it again. So, why pay the extra $$ for an option which seems to be having so many problems with the components failing? I say it's better to opt for the springs than to have your H2 in the shop. There's nothing worse than getting that SERVICE AIR SUSPENSION warning

[Steve R]

My vote is that it's a cool thing. I can readily understand how a victim of such problems may vote against the system....but I've had no problems with it, nor has anyone in my club.

The air suspension is cool. The hissing noise and air-release thing is neat. The additional clearance has come in handy while offroading and the ride overall is better (then the conventional system).

GM offers this system on their top-end vehicles, calling it "Auto-Ride"...and salesman will swear that anyone call tell the difference between driving with or without the system.

The clever thing GM did with our H2's is allow the system to be fully inflated to create the "height adjustment" in order to provide greater clearance. They also provided access to the compressor for use to inflate things. It's both handy, fun and clever. Thumbs up here!

On a side note, I was sorta surprised that only the rear could be raised with the height control...I'd like to see some front height control in models to come. Frankly, I'd love to borrow a page out of the book of "low-riders" and get some big-time height control out of our rigs...but not to go lower, just to go higher.

[MAC]

Air compressor for H2 fitted with air suspension.

[funpilot]

As you know I am still lurking...waiting fro the right time to buy. Last time I was at the dealer, I asked the sales manager what was the "personality" of the H2....inviting him to tell me what he liked and did not like. The first thing he mentioned that he would not get was the air suspension option...he says his dealership has replaced more than they would expect for a first year model.... Appreciated his honesty.

[H2Norcal]

Although we seem to hear about troubles with a few forum member's air suspensions and myself having some minor issues as well, I would still highly recommend it.

I have adjusted mine to ride near perfectly level and it always stays that way no matter how many people or how much cargo I have inside. The ride is very smooth. The spring unit I test drove appeared to have more sway in the corners under load and a little hop.

I will say if you plan to tow anything, the H2 air bags are awesome. I just towed my 6000lb boat for the first time. When lowering the tongue on the hitch I had my door open (air system doesn't work with doors open) and the H2 rear was noticeably sagging. I realized I left my door open, closed it, and in kicks the compressor and raises it perfectly level again.

I hauled it around town, up/down hills and it was a champ. When I stopped on a flat parking lot, perfect level. It was equally as good as my Sierra HD2500 4x.

You decide. My opinion is that the warranty should work out any kinks then they will last.

[Steve R]

Just a friendly reminder:

When towing or hauling extremely heavy loads: DO NOT ENGAGE THE HEIGHT CONTROL BUTTON....you can rupture your air-bags and you'll have a miserable ride.

Also...I concur with H2Norcal....there have been some issues, but the warranty and 3 years ought to cover that just fine. I really like my air-system....it blows! (in a good way).

[bklynh2srock]

Even with our very own air susp problem, I would suggest it.

But, our dealer told us that he didn't notice much of a difference in the ride. Can't remember what the non-air susp we test-drove was like for comparison.

[MAC]

I took the spare tire out of the Hummer and let it sit in the garage fulltime. In its place I have a small plastic case with handle, a complete tire repair kit! The tire repair kit is useless without ability to reinflate the tire, which I can with the Hummer air system.
I have yet to study the tire repair technics, but I usually work better under pressure. I like to make my decisions with the waiter standing next to me.

[Frank Hewitt]

Air vs. no air-
The answer to your query, Mac, is based on a few specific needs you may have for your rig-
1st of all, the air ride does raise the back end (the front end being the fulcrum) about 2 inches. Theoretically, an increased chassy height could prove adventagious in some off-road situations.
2nd, having an on-board air compressor is nice- if you have need for it. Weather it be for blowing up the pontoons on your fly-fishing rig, air mattress, H2 tires, mountain bike tires, or inflatable woman, it is useful.
3rd, The specific reason that I wanted the air suspension on my H2 is because of the ride-height-adjustment. When trailoring, this will cause the rig to offset the weight of the trailor so that your rig doesn't sag in the back, like so many of the other vehicles you see pulling a trailor do. In the city, or off pavement, the wheel clearance and aesthetic benefits of having my H2 not look like there are 3 overweight oprahs in the back is worth having this option.
Frank

gasman

[H2Norcal]

Ouch, overweight Oprahs ?

I agree with everyone in this thread. The air bag system is a needs based purchase.

If you tow, get it or you will be very sorry when your vehicle looks like a mass produced low-duty Nissan Xterra dragging hiney.

If you need a tire pump, they are right, Walmart has a nice one for about 20 bucks. And it is portable to fill any of your questionable inflatable devices.

I tow and love the option.

[This message was edited by H2Norcal on March 17, 2003 at 06:28 PM.]

[MAC]

I just wondered about the highway ride quality last week when I passed an 18 wheeler that saYS "AIR RIDE" on its sides. I got the air in my adv package simply because that cut my Hummer wait from 8-10 weeks to 4 weeks, this black one was available and I made an executive decision on the spot. I basically forgot about the air except when I read about air susp problem here. One of these days I am going to push one of those buttons.

[Steve R]

MAC.....the air system is always "on". The only button you can push that relates to the air system is the height-control button: by pushing it your rear-end will rise about 2". It automatically descends when you move over 20mph....or when you push the button again.

When you push the button the indicator light on the button will flash...this indicates it's rising. When the light turns solid your at peak-height. Push thje button again to descend.

Btw...I won't tell you which one...but one of the button, when pushed, will result in water squirting in your face. Classic gag joke.