Redland RV & Truck Service’s location in Redland, CA.
Redlands RV & Truck Service has recently become the exclusive distributor for UK-based Glide Rite, the manufacturer of the Dream Ride air bag suspension system for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, which is designed to offset vehicle sway due to uncontrollable factors such as wind and certain highway conditions.
“Customers or RVers I speak with at rallies, conventions and other functions are not concerned with their conventional suspension with their Sprinter, instead, they want to know if we have products that can improve their ride,” said Keith Shomaker, co-owner of Redlands RV & Truck Service based in Redland, CA. “Dream Ride’s components are made to withstand the same forces and give the same component life as conventional suspensions, all while making an improvement in ride comfort and eliminating sway.”
Check out the results of the Dream Ride system before and after installation:
With plans in the works to also offer the system for the Ford F53 and E Series chassis, the unique feature of the Dream Ride is it utilizes a four air bag system (rather than a two-bag system), which, according to Shomaker, is positioned in pairs on either side of the rear and front axle, thus increasing the surface area to more effectively support the chassis, maintain stability and enhance handling in certain situations.
“What we have found is a lot of RVers were once owners of diesel pusher Class A motorhomes that were already outfitted with air-bag systems and ran extremely smooth,” says Shomaker. “Once they went to a Sprinter chassis for various reasons, which they really like and enjoy as the units are very well appointed, they wanted the familiar handling and ride of their previous coach. With the Glide Rite’s Dream Ride, the system absorbs road defects with air bags and shock absorbers, preventing road defects from being transmitted to the passengers via the metal used in conventional metal spring suspension systems.”
Installation is not recommended for the do-it-yourselfer. Conversion requires approximately three days to complete in a full-service shop.
Some Highlights Include:
- Unique four air bag design uses air pressure instead of metal springs to improve the ride
- Koni Shocks, which are proven to aid and assist the absorption of road defects and vibrations while improving safety, handling and stability
- All-wheel Hunter Laser Alignment
- Improves stability during cross winds and cornering
- Prevents the suspension from sagging and extends component life
Installation
Shomaker explained installation is not recommended for the do-it-yourselfer. Conversion requires approximately three days to complete in a full-service shop with all of the appropriate tools of the trade. As an example, installation begins with the disassembly of the rear suspension and new trailing arms are installed to the rear axle. Next, the compressor, tank and valve assembly are mounted, followed by the running of the power and control wires. The air bags (as well as the optional KONI shocks and anti-sway bar if the customer chooses) are put in place. Then, all air lines and electrical wiring are finalized. As another option, wheel spacers placed in in between the axle and the inner dual are also available.
“We feel anyone that enjoys their 2003 and newer Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis would benefit from the upgrade,” said Shomaker. “We have had several customers that selected Dream Ride for their new Sprinter RV and we have also installed Dream Ride on commercial mini coaches that utilize the Sprinter chassis.”
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