From Le Dakar to Ireland – How VB-Air Suspension was put to the test in the toughest of terrains
Le Dakar; the toughest endurance rally in the world, often referred to as ‘the last great adventure’, is widely regarded as one of the harshest proving grounds for vehicles, their passengers and equipment. So when VB-Airsuspension offered to kit out two Dakar Press Team 4 x 4 vehicles and four of the trucks competing in the event, there were some raised eyebrows. After all, there’s a world of difference between smoothing out the bumps on the roads in Ireland and Europe, and smoothing the impact of mile after mile of potholes, rocks, sand dunes and unformed road tracks interspersed with almost impassable stretches of swirling water and undulating parched desert, with huge temperature variations – for 12 hours per day over 3 intensive weeks.
Leon Jansen, a member of the Le Dakar Press Team commented “Our Volkswagen Amarok was upgraded with VB-Coilsprings on the front suspension and a full VB-FullAir 2C kit on the rear suspension. We were carrying four big Explorer cases packed with photo gear and Apple computers; delicate and expensive gear. That’s why I’m so enthusiastic about the air suspension. Our gear is precious and costs a lot of money. If it’s damaged and you’re in the middle of a desert you can’t get a replacement. We finished Le Dakar with our equipment intact and our team feeling physically fit. The ride was smooth, safe and comfortable but still exhilarating.”
As a recent entrant to the Irish market, VB-Air Suspension have chosen to exhibit their brand new range of Full Air and Semi Air products suitable for 4 x 4 and Pickup vehicles at the National Ploughing Championships being held at Ratheniska, Co.Laois, from Tuesday 24th September to Thursday 26th September. This new product range comes to the market after the toughest of tests in Le Dakar 2013 and offers many advantages such as ; increased comfort , constant ride height irrespective of load, improved stability with reduced body roll and enhanced safety levels, to name but a few. David Byrne, the VB appointed dealer for Ireland says “ Our air suspension systems were more than up to the job in Le Dakar which means they can handle the toughest and harshest road conditions any Light Commercial Vehicle or 4×4 vehicle and driver will be subjected to in this country . At the National Ploughing Championships we are looking forward to discussing the benefits of the various VB-Airsuspension products with visitors. We will have our new Semi-Air Comfort kit installed on the rear axle of a Nissan Navara as well as a Volkswagen Transporter T5 fitted with electronically controlled Full Air suspension on both front and rear axles.”