Mercedes Sprinter AL-KO Rear Semi-Air Kit — AMC (910) & Hymer SLC
Many Mercedes Sprinter-based motorhomes are built on an AL-KO chassis rather than the standard Mercedes frame. There are two versions. The AL-KO AMC chassis is a factory option on the front-wheel-drive Sprinter (910) and is used by a range of motorhome manufacturers, including Coachman on the Travel Master 545 and Eura Mobil on the Contura. The AL-KO SLC (Super Light Chassis) is supplied exclusively to Hymer for the B-MC range.
Both use a low-frame design, which is what gives these motorhomes their lower floor and larger living space. That same low frame means there's less rear clearance to give away in the first place. When the rear settles under a full payload of water, gear and passengers, ramps, ferry decks and steep site entrances become a problem sooner than they would on a standard chassis.
This rear semi-air kit works alongside the existing AL-KO torsion-beam suspension on either chassis. Nothing is removed, and the original setup is fully retained. You add rear height control and load support without changing the vehicle's kerb weight or GVW.
Which version do I need?
Choose by chassis using the selector above. The quickest way to check is the AL-KO identification plate on the side of the chassis, which shows whether it's an AMC or SLC frame. As a rule of thumb, Hymer B-MC models are on SLC, and other Sprinter 910 motorhomes on an AL-KO chassis from 2022 onwards are on AMC. Both versions work the same way and have the same control options. The two chassis frames differ, so each version comes with its own bracket set. Not sure? Contact Us and we'll confirm before you order.
Made to order. Usual despatch within 2–3 weeks.
How the AL-KO air suspension kit works
The air springs sit between the chassis and axle and take up load as payload increases. They hold the rear at the height you set rather than letting it settle. Add air to raise the rear when you need extra clearance for a ferry ramp or a steep driveway, and release it to return to normal ride height. The springs also add roll stiffness at the rear axle. This resists body roll under lateral load, such as crosswinds or the draught from passing high-sided vehicles.
As supplied, the kit is inflated manually. Cab-controlled and fully automatic options are covered below.
Running heavier, or thinking about up-plating?
Many owners of 3,500 kg motorhomes look at up-plating to unlock more legal payload, and AL-KO AMC-based motorhomes are a common candidate. Up-plating is a separate re-rating carried out by a specialist, not something a suspension kit does, and it's commonly required if you plan to run heavier. To be confirmed by a specialist up-plating third-party company. This kit doesn't change your kerb weight, payload or GVW. What it does do is manage ride height at whatever weight you're plated to. The closer a motorhome runs to its maximum, the more the rear settles under load. Whether you've up-plated or simply travel fully loaded, the air springs hold the rear at the height you set rather than letting it sag. On Air Suspension can provide technical documentation to support up-plating applications. If you're weighing up an up-plate, Motorhome Up-Plating Explained covers whether you need one and how it works.
Kit contents
Each version's bracket assembly is made by MAD and designed specifically for its chassis. SABO air springs and On Air Suspension fittings complete the kit. Supplied by On Air Suspension.
- MAD bracket assembly, specific to the AL-KO SLC or AL-KO AMC (910) chassis
- SABO air springs × 2 (AMC version: SABO 9000-pattern, ASL4004A)
- Fitting packs and push-in elbow fittings
- Air line
- Fitting instructions
Fits
Hymer B-MC (AL-KO SLC chassis)
- Hymer B-MC T
- Hymer B-MC 550 / B-MC 690
- Any Mercedes Sprinter-based Hymer on the AL-KO SLC (Super Light Chassis)
Other Sprinter 910 motorhomes (AL-KO AMC chassis)
- Mercedes Sprinter 910 (FWD) on the AL-KO AMC chassis, 2022 onwards
- Single rear axle motorhomes, including the Coachman Travel Master 545 and Eura Mobil Contura
Not suitable for
- Tag-axle (three-axle) AL-KO chassis
- The rear-wheel-drive Sprinter (907), which uses the standard Mercedes ladder frame rather than an AL-KO chassis
Manual, cab-controlled or fully automatic
The kit works three ways, so you can match convenience to how you use the motorhome:
- As supplied, manual. Inflate at either air spring with a standard tyre inflator or workshop compressor. No electrics, nothing to fit inside.
- Add a compressor and gauge control. Adjust rear height from the cab or a control panel instead of at the wheel. This is useful if you change load often or regularly raise the rear for clearance. Sprinter / Crafter Dual Digital Compressor Kit — PCP9022Z
- Add On Air Active. On Air Active levels the rear automatically as load changes, hands-off. It suits higher-value motorhomes where set-and-forget matters more than the extra outlay. On Air Active — Advanced Air Suspension Control System
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Which version do I need, AMC or SLC?
Check the AL-KO identification plate on the side of the chassis, which shows whether it's an AMC or SLC frame. As a rule of thumb, Hymer B-MC models are on SLC, and other Sprinter 910 motorhomes on an AL-KO chassis from 2022 onwards are on AMC. The frames differ, so each version has its own brackets. If you're unsure, call 01277 552030 and we'll confirm from your details.Does this kit change my motorhome's weight or GVW?
No. The air springs assist the existing suspension, so kerb weight, payload and GVW are unchanged. The original AL-KO suspension stays in place and nothing is removed.Will it fit my motorhome?
The SLC version fits the Hymer B-MC T and B-MC 550 / 690. The AMC version fits 2022-onwards Mercedes Sprinter 910 motorhomes on the AL-KO AMC chassis with a single rear axle, such as the Coachman Travel Master 545 and Eura Mobil Contura. For an earlier vehicle, a tag-axle chassis, or if you're unsure, call 01277 552030 and we'll confirm from your details.Does it fit a rear-wheel-drive Sprinter?
No. The rear-wheel-drive Sprinter (907) doesn't use the AL-KO chassis; it has the standard Mercedes ladder frame. We offer separate kits for other Sprinter platforms, so contact us to find the right one.Do I need a compressor, or can I inflate it manually?
As supplied, the kit inflates manually with a tyre inflator or workshop compressor. You can add a compressor and gauge control to adjust height from the cab, or On Air Active for automatic levelling.Does it level the motorhome side-to-side on a pitch?
No. This is a rear kit that holds ride height under load. It works front-to-rear, not side-to-side. Site levelling is a separate job.Can I still tow with it fitted?
Yes. The kit supports rear load, which includes the nose weight a towed load or a rear rack places on the rear axle.Does fitting affect my warranty or the original suspension?
Nothing is removed and the original AL-KO setup is retained, so it can be reverted. For vehicle-warranty specifics, check with your dealer.