Air suspension for Fiat Ducato 250: guide and market overview

Motorhome and van owners with a Fiat Ducato are familiar with the challenges in terms of comfort, handling and loading. Many motorhome owners ask us at TOWBARS-ONLINE about the most suitable air suspension systems for the rear axle. That’s why we’re providing a concise overview of the technology, its advantages, and the suppliers in Europe.

What is air suspension?

An air suspension system replaces the conventional suspension system (e.g. leaf springs) with cushions filled with compressed air. There are two types:

• Additional air suspension: supplements the existing frame, especially beneficial for motorhomes and vans.
• Full air suspension: a complete replacement of the original suspension system, often found on lorries and high-end vehicles.

Why is it worth retrofitting?

1. Driving comfort: reduced shock and roll, particularly when fully loaded or on uneven surfaces.
2. Height adjustment: enables the vehicle to be raised or lowered for use with ramps, in garages, or for loading and unloading.
3. Stability: improved road holding when cornering, greater wind resistance and better traction, for example when carrying uneven loads.
4. Vehicle protection: reduces the load on the axles, chassis and superstructures.
5. Payload: optimal use of the maximum payload capacity without sagging.

Main manufacturers for Fiat Ducato ZFA250 (since 2006 onwards):

AirRide

• Auxiliary air suspension with dual circuits
• Complete kits with compressor and control unit
• Approximately €700 and above
• airride.co.uk

VB-Airsuspension

• Specialist in auxiliary and complete air suspension systems
• Models: VB-SemiAir with/without compressor
• Approximately £1,260 and above
• vbairsuspension.com

LEMET / TopSeal

• Suspension with digital control and Bluetooth
• Reference FD-PS-FI-MM (digital) / FD-PS-FI-BT (Bluetooth)
• Approximately €540 and above
• top-seal.eu

SAWIKO

• Plug&Drive systems with dual circuit technology
• Kits with specific control panels
• Approximately €700 and above
• sawiko.com/en

XIMPLIO

• Universal systems with/without compressor
• Control panels with various options
• Approximately €450 and above
• ximplio.pl

Differences and choices

All of the manufacturers featured here offer high-end air suspension systems for a wide range of vehicle models, including the Fiat Ducato ZFA 250. At first glance, the systems appear very similar, and this is no coincidence; many components, such as air springs, are sourced from the same suppliers. Similarly, the compressors are not usually manufactured by the brands themselves, but rather purchased from a small number of specialist European manufacturers.

What makes the difference?

Many systems still use mechanical valves and basic pressure switches. More modern systems use solenoid valves, which combine the functions of valves and pressure switches. These control elements have a modern design and enable both air chambers to be regulated separately and precisely.

Some suppliers even offer smartphone controls via their own or universal apps. While this may sound modern, is it also practical? Is it really necessary for every motorhome spare part to be controlled by an app?

TOP-Seal Airsprings from LEMET: a different approach

Polish manufacturer LEMET has deliberately chosen its own path and offers two versions:

• The AirSprings Standard is a compact, all-in-one device featuring a digital air pressure display and an integrated control screen.

• The AirSprings Premium is an exclusive version with wireless Bluetooth control via a compact mobile LCD control panel. It is half the size of a mobile phone and can be stored flexibly in the cockpit.

Please note that both the Standard and Premium versions are only available as dual-circuit systems with a compressor.

Technical specifications of AirSprings Premium

• Dual-circuit system: both cushions can be controlled independently for perfect balance.
• Bluetooth panel: wireless touchscreen control with stand or storage option.
• 17 cm air spring: made from a special rubber compound, it is durable and pressure-resistant.
• Compressor: powerful and low-maintenance enabling rapid pressure generation.
• Easy to install: Compatible with manual and electric parking brakes. Stabiliser adapter available.
• Complies with European standards: It comes with a certificate and no registration is required.

A design tailored to the vehicle

Many manufacturers still rely on round analogue needle gauges, which are visually incompatible with modern dashboards and often difficult to install. However, modern vehicles such as the Fiat Ducato feature digital displays, and this is where the AirSprings Standard and Premium TOP-Seal comes in.

The AirSprings Standard and Premium digital displays fit perfectly into the modern cockpit design. They are clearly legible, technically advanced and easy to use. LEMET is therefore setting new aesthetic standards in the field of aftermarket air suspension systems.

Conclusion: air suspension for the Fiat Ducato 250

Retrofitting air suspension to the Fiat Ducato 250 offers much more than just enhanced comfort: it also significantly improves handling, preserves the vehicle’s structure, and ensures increased safety under a wide range of load conditions. Thanks to the many suppliers in Europe, there is a solution to suit almost every budget and usage profile.

The range of control technologies available, from classic pressure switches to digital Bluetooth controls, is particularly noteworthy. Modern systems such as LEMET’s TOP-Seal air springs demonstrate that design, user-friendliness and digital integration are playing an increasingly important role too.

Ultimately, this investment is worthwhile for anyone who frequently drives with variable loads, undertakes long journeys or has high comfort requirements. If you want to drive your Fiat Ducato more efficiently and safely, while enjoying a more comfortable ride, a high-quality air suspension system is an excellent choice.