Air suspension trick question
 

Hi to all,

It was also a trick title since I'm looking into possibilities to add a switch (probably in the boot) that would allow the emptying of the rear air bags.

My reason for asking this is that my dog (labrador) hurt himself the pas week end (don't know how) and found it difficult jumping in or out. Being able to lower the rear would be quite interesting in this case and when loading heavy things.

I haven't studied the system yet, I'm hoping someone already tried to do that. If not, I'm thinking an electric valve somewhere with a remote switch in the boot (around the nav unit I think).

All input and advice is of course welcome.

I'm sure it's doable by installing some kind of valve to empty the airbags but then at the same you have to stop air compressor from attempting to fill the air bags.
Maybe study the 2004+ system since they have that switch to lower the air suspension.

How about a board to use as a ramp for puppers to walk up?

The compressor is not designed for heavy recirculating that you describe. You will possibly burn out the piston or trigger the overheat sensor. The compressor is designed to keep the system topped up.

I have two Siberian Huskies and a fold up purpose built dog ramp.

+1
You'd need to change out the whole system to some heavy duty aftermarket setup to make this work. The original system cannot handle that much load for longer periods.

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Sadly it seems the compressor is not the same on the rear axle and 2 axle air suspension. I'm guession switching to a 2 axle compressor would allow for what I want but the cost is a little prohibitive.

I'll have to look into the ramp option then. @brucemillar, could you share pictures of your ramp?

I have the twin axle set up and the physical compressor is no more powerful than the single axle one. The difference is in the solenoids.

I got my ramp on eBay. Search for “dog car ramp”

Make sure you get a folding one that has grip on the walkway. They gain their rigididy from being folded out. You will most likely have to teach the dog to use it. Mine soon got the hang of it by putting treats just out of reach at the top end.

The X5 tailgate is not good for dogs. Mine have both caught their back legs trying to jump in, pulling the lower tailgate upwards into their belly. I had the same issue with a Range Rover. They do this once and they do t won’t to get in the car again.

The ramp folds in half then sits in the back with the dogs.

Good luck.

Do let us know how you get on.

Bruce