AL-KO VT COMFORT DRIVE – when the chassis actively shapes the drive
Motorhomes tend to pitch and roll. The high superstructure raises the vehicle’s centre of gravity, making them susceptible to such movements. AL-KO VT COMFORT DRIVE compensates for these effects – increasing safety and improving driving comfort. It brings state-of-the-art passenger car technology to your home on wheels.
Semi-active suspension for motorhomes
The chassis actively manages your drive
The new AL-KO VT COMFORT DRIVE offers greater comfort and safety. A chassis has to absorb countless shocks and impacts – ideally without the passengers noticing. This is what most would consider the ideal suspension, not only in a car, but also in a motorhome.
Together with damper specialist KW automotive, AL-KO VT presents a semi-active damping system for both factory-fitted and retrofitted motorhomes. It calculates the expected vehicle movement and automatically adjusts the shock absorber settings practically in real time. This significantly reduces disturbing rolling, pitching, and swaying movements along the vehicle axle, and clearly minimises shocks to the vehicle frame from potholes and uneven road surfaces.
Improved driving performance with AL-KO VT COMFORT DRIVE
From a bumpy ride to a smooth track
Drivers can feel the more direct response of the vehicle through the AL-KO VT COMFORT DRIVE, especially noticeable when cornering. The vehicle sways less and braking becomes smoother, noticeably reducing the braking distance. The motorhome responds immediately to different road surfaces and compensates for unevenness within the physical limits. This helps optimise road grip and traction even on slippery surfaces. Manual counter-steering is reduced to a minimum, relieving drivers. The system also supports emergency stops by adjusting the shock absorber characteristics, which further shortens the braking distance.
AL-KO VT COMFORT DRIVE increases chassis intelligence
The vehicle as a computer model
Acceleration sensors on the vehicle body and at the wheel carriers continuously measure the actual vehicle behaviour. Based on these readings, AL-KO VT COMFORT DRIVE uses a virtual vehicle model to pre-calculate vehicle movements and dynamically controls the suspension systems. In addition, AL-KO VT COMFORT DRIVE is connected to the vehicle via a CAN-BUS interface and operates within the vehicle-specific ESP configuration.
The actual modification of the shock absorber characteristics is achieved by changing the oil flow for rebound and compression stages. The interaction of all factors enables automatic adjustment according to different load conditions or side winds. All control processes are executed within milliseconds. For drivers, this means: immediate response, with no delay.
Two driving modes for a personalised driving experience
Normal & Comfort
AL-KO VT COMFORT DRIVE is permanently active. It provides drivers with two driving modes: Normal and Comfort. The Normal mode is set as standard and already offers significant improvements in driving performance and reduced oscillation. If, for example, you activate the Comfort mode for long motorway journeys, the system compensates for unevenness in the road surface even more delicately. The system control unit fits conveniently into the seat box.
AL-KO VT COMFORT DRIVE also available as a retrofit kit
AL-KO VT Customer Centres are ready
AL-KO VT COMFORT DRIVE will initially be available for motorhomes based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in combination with the AL-KO VT AMC chassis. Mercedes-Benz-based motorhomes use the original Mercedes-Benz spring in the front McPherson strut to maintain factory-standard ride height. Installation can be carried out by all AL-KO VT Customer Centres and by certified major distributors.
AL-KO VT and KW automotive
Two long-standing business partners
The two companies are united by more than just a long-standing business partnership. In 2021, KW automotive acquired the AL-KO Damping Technology business to create synergies and invest in further innovative products. The new AL-KO VT COMFORT DRIVE is one of the outcomes of this collaboration, allowing both companies to combine their market strength to benefit customers worldwide.