Kelderman Suspension on 3500XD 4WD

[LazyPilot]

I was able to get a new Kelderman 2-Stage air suspension with automatic leveling from a nice gentleman here in Arizona for only $3100. Interesting design, it essentially disconnects the leaf springs from their rear hangar and transforms it into a trailing link suspension (if you understand the benefits of that setup). My Galleria 24FL (3500XD 4WD) has sumo springs on all four corners from Coachmen, but otherwise factory suspension. I only need to relocate/remount the LP gas switch box.
My question is this: I think it would make sense to remove the sumo springs as they would likely transfer vibration/jolts that the airbags are intended to remove. Can anyone with this suspension comment on their experience?

 

[LazyPilot]

This is my suspension pre-install.

 

[vteccred]

That's a great buy!
Will you do the install yourself? I have been debating getting this kit and installing it myself. Please keep us informed how the install and ride quality after the install.

John A
2016 Galleria 24q

 

[LazyPilot]

That's a great buy!
Will you do the install yourself? I have been debating getting this kit and installing it myself. Please keep us informed how the install and ride quality after the install.

John A
2016 Galleria 24q

I found two excellent deals, one on EBay and located in my state (which is the one I bought) and another full new kit for only $4k on Facebook Marketplace located in SoCal. Some people get the kits and are unable/unwilling to relocate some accessories under the coach so they are happy to part with the kits.

I’ll definitely post the results, my wife and kids were able to recently experience about 1200mi traveling on the rear sofa, so they’ll definitely be able to give me some solid feedback. I’m also installing self adjusting Koni Red Shocks front and rear. I was also considering changing out the rear leaf springs to a higher number leaf spring pack rated for the same weight; the idea that the spring rate would be more linear (soft unloaded and firmer when heavily compressed). I’m trying to tackle two issues. First, eliminating the road imperfections (small gaps, cracks, potholes) being transferred to the riders in the rear cabin. Anything but a perfectly smooth road is annoying to the rear occupants and those vibrations are destroying everything stored in the cabin. Second, the giant pogo stick bounce the rear-end performs over expansion gaps at highway speeds; sending my rear cabin occupants flying upwards into their seatbelts.

The Kelderman air ride should tackle the first problem. The second problem will PROBABLY be reduced to something satisfactory with better performing shocks to control the rate of compression and rebound on my leaf springs. The existing shocks seem to be completely underrated for the leaf springs, to the point they can’t even dampen the “bounce bounce bounce” in the back after even a mild bump. If the Koni shocks don’t provide the necessary damping effect, I’ll turn to replacing the springs with some better (9 or 10 leafs).

 

[Diver160651]

I found two excellent deals, one on EBay and located in my state (which is the one I bought) and another full new kit for only $4k on Facebook Marketplace located in SoCal. Some people get the kits and are unable/unwilling to relocate some accessories under the coach so they are happy to part with the kits.

I’ll definitely post the results, my wife and kids were able to recently experience about 1200mi traveling on the rear sofa, so they’ll definitely be able to give me some solid feedback. I’m also installing self adjusting Koni Red Shocks front and rear. I was also considering changing out the rear leaf springs to a higher number leaf spring pack rated for the same weight; the idea that the spring rate would be more linear (soft unloaded and firmer when heavily compressed). I’m trying to tackle two issues. First, eliminating the road imperfections (small gaps, cracks, potholes) being transferred to the riders in the rear cabin. Anything but a perfectly smooth road is annoying to the rear occupants and those vibrations are destroying everything stored in the cabin. Second, the giant pogo stick bounce the rear-end performs over expansion gaps at highway speeds; sending my rear cabin occupants flying upwards into their seatbelts.

The Kelderman air ride should tackle the first problem. The second problem will PROBABLY be reduced to something satisfactory with better performing shocks to control the rate of compression and rebound on my leaf springs. The existing shocks seem to be completely underrated for the leaf springs, to the point they can’t even dampen the “bounce bounce bounce” in the back after even a mild bump. If the Koni shocks don’t provide the necessary damping effect, I’ll turn to replacing the springs with some better (9 or 10 leafs).

ne of the challenges with our large 3500 4x4 is the oversized sway bars. While they enhance road handling, they also create significant bouncing. To address this issue, effective rebound dampening is essential, though excessive dampening can lead to other problems. Tony custom-tunes Fox shocks specifically for our vehicle class, striking a balance between adequate dampening and addressing rapid shaft movements, such as those caused by expansion joints, through adjustments to the flutter valves.

I've experimented with various shocks and brands, but his tuning has proven to be the most effective solution for my heavy 3500.

It would be worth contacting Tony here https://www.overlandvehicledynamics.com/

In transparency thats my van on the page.

 

[grantwilson]

I have the Kelderman (non-auto-leveling; I didn't want it) with an Airlift controller, Falcon shocks, and a Hellwig sway bar. Comfort level has been significantly increased without a doubt. I can't wait to get the optirates on the rear to give it more spring, and it's going to be night and day. You made a great choice!