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Nimbus oleo-pneumatic suspensions – review after 5000 km
In September 2024 we installed Nimbus’ oleo-pneumatic shocks to enhance our driving experience on and off-road. We were looking for a new setup to increase comfort, mitigate vibrations, and increase our vehicle’s life expectancy. This three-part series discusses our first product impressions and the company, the installation, and our first review after 5000 African kilometers. After unboxing and installing them in Mozambique, we hit the trails to see how these oleo-pneumatic suspensions would impact our driving experience. We have driven them for 5000 kilometers on potholed tarmac, over corrugated gravel, and through the mud to properly test them before writing this review. These made-to-spec units are premium products, so let’s see if they live up to their promise.
What are the Nimbus oleo-pneumatic suspensions?
When looking for a new set of shocks, we were positively surprised to come across Nimbus and their new type of shock absorbers. Initial research showed us that these Nimbus oleo-pneumatic shocks aren’t your off-the-shelf shock absorbers, but custom-made premium suspension units for a superior driving experience.
We soon learned that Nimbus is using a proven technology from the aerospace world, and is applying that to the overland and 4×4 market. And although their units have the form factor of standard shock absorbers, their function goes far beyond that. Using oleo-pneumatic technology, they combine oil and pressurized nitrogen to provide comfort and performance, on any terrain. The pressurized nitrogen in the system acts as a progressive pneumatic spring, and the compressed oil absorbs the irregularities of the road. With this combination and the highly sophisticated internal design, the Nimbus product can dissipate vibrations, deal with high-velocity impacts, and manage extreme oscillations (washboard/corrugation, etc.) very well. For that reason, the oleo-pneumatic technology is the preferred solution for managing heavy loads and dealing with constant abuse on rough trails. In our opinion, that is perfect for overlanders with heavy-packed vehicles traveling over harsh terrain.
During our calls with Killian and the team, they showed us how they focus on quality over quantity. Every unit is custom-made for each customer, and undergoes rigorous testing before it ships. The team showed us how they CNC-machine parts, and elaborated on the highly-certified components they use. Everything they do revolves around creating the best experience for their customer, and building a reliable product. Ideal for global overlanders who push gear to its limits and rely on it for their success and safety. We are extremely thrilled that Nimbus has perfected the craft of oleo-pneumatic suspensions and is bringing this proven technology to the off-road and overland market. It surely is something different!
Where to get your Nimbus suspension?
We are happy to see Nimbus Suspensions is expanding, catering to the global market of overland enthusiasts with a vast network of dealers and representatives. These days you can find them from France to Florida, and from Kenya to Dubai. Our set was engineered in their factory in France and safely delivered to Mozambique. Soon we will visit Nimbus’ territory manager in Kenya for a quick check-up (we are also just very excited to meet Chris and admire his Defenders). The units are available for a range of vehicles, including our iconic Defender 110, but also newer vehicles like the Ineos Grenadier.
As Nimbus is constantly expanding its vehicle range, we refer you to its website for more info.
Main features
- Premium quality oleo-pneumatic shock absorber
- Combing the function of a pneumatic spring and hydraulic shock absorber into one unit
- Effectively a complete suspension solution – your springs will only assist the Nimbus with heavy loads/impacts
- Custom-made for your vehicle
- Precision-engineered with CNC-machinery
- Bolt-on kit, no adjustments necessary
- Adjustable pressure for fine-tuning or to deal with added/removed weight
Materials and components
- Aerospace-grade materials
- Aluminum (7175 and 6082), Chromoly, and hard-chrome processed steel (45Si7)
- Cerakote coating for added external protection
- Improved mounting systems (ball joints, Kevlar bearings, and polyurethane bushes)
Nimbus spec for Defender 110
- Front length: 637 mm (25 inches)
- Front travel: 230 mm (9 inches)
- Rear length: 639 mm (25.2 inches)
- Rear travel: 220 mm (8.6 inches)
- Lift options: Standard or +4 cm (1.5 inches)
- No adjustments are necessary, mounts directly on existing mounts (removal of the bottom cup in the rear is advised)
Pros
- Custom-made for each customer (custom shock internals and pressure according to vehicle spec and usage)
- Comfort is increased tremendously
- Vibrations are absorbed by the technology, resulting in a smoother ride
- Large impacts are handled well, it feels like you are hitting a pillow
- With the system we can finally listen to podcasts while off-roading, and it keeps our dog Nimba way happier!
- The pressurized system removed the need for anti-roll bars on our top-heavy vehicle
- Increased articulation (partially due to the removal of the anti-roll bars) and therefore more off-road capability
- Smooth ride on tarmac roads, and extremely steady in corners
- The progressive absorption curve of the pressurized nitrogen prevents the vehicle from bottoming out
- Aerospace-grade aluminum and highly certified components for extreme durability
- Cerakote coating for a sleek and durable finish
- CNC-machined with high-precision
- Elimination of weak spots – no welding, improved mounting systems, and usage of non-ferrous materials.
- Bolt-on solution – no adjustments necessary
- Fully serviceable every few years – no need for a new set, ever again
Cons
- Upper price range in the market of aftermarket shocks. However, we feel it’s a fair price considering the extremely high quality and the customization involved in each unit.
- Use of non-standard mountings which isn’t always preferred by overlanders (ball joints, different bushes, and bearings). However, we think this should be considered an upgrade, as it vastly improves reliability. The parts used are commonly found on other vehicles and should be readily available in an emergency. Besides, the team of Nimbus Suspensions is always ready to help out.
- Pressurized and therefore extended unit, which is harder to install.
Thoughts after 5000 km through the African bush
After covering multiple countries and varying terrains, it’s time for our primary review of the Nimbus suspensions kit. To fully test the suspension we drove roughly 2000 kilometers on potholed tarmac, 2000 kilometers over corrugated gravel, and 1000 kilometers through mud and clay. But before we covered that distance, the ‘wow effect’ was already present right after we left the campsite. The first few hundred meters of bumpy tracks immediately ignited a smile stretching from ear to ear. Our 25-year-old Defender felt like a brand-new car with modern suspension. Suddenly, it didn’t feel like an old 3.4-ton overland vehicle anymore. It was a blessing, as we drove over the rocky path from the campsite to the main tarmac road. It felt like our rough trail was lined with a soft cushion, we loved it!
We got to appreciate our new setup even more in the months following the installation. It mitigated vibrations on corrugated gravel and we hardly felt unexpected potholes. It cushioned impacts whilst creating an extremely steady ride, something that we hadn’t experienced in Rafiki before. The Nimbus oleo-pneumatic suspensions take over some spring load, slightly lifting the vehicle, resulting in this unique outcome. The vehicle is basically floating on pressurized nitrogen and zeros out small bumps, but deals with large impacts equally easily without bottoming out. The quality of the ride experience was something we never experienced before in our old Defender.
If you’ve ever driven a Defender you know it can feel like a large boat, swaying from left to right, up and down, bottoming out at every speed bump. Or, it feels rock solid, hard, and stiff. Getting the suspension setup on a Defender right (especially on a heavily loaded overland vehicle) can be a nightmare, and vehicles often end up being less than comfortable. With Nimbus installed, it seemed to hit that sweet spot right away. The on-road handling was steady, whilst the off-road comfort increased enormously. Thanks to Nimbus’ expertise they performed perfectly straight from the box, which was cool (and comforting) to experience. Additionally, knowing that if something changes to our setup in the future, it’s just a matter of adjusting the pressure to cope with that change too.
We hope it is clear that we are very happy with our new Nimbus setup. The past 5000 kilometers have been a vastly different driving experience. We got to drive more confidently, and it was way more comfortable than the 200.000 kilometers before that. We threw everything Africa offers at these shocks, and they held up well. They outperformed our expectations by a long shot. The only sign of usage is that clay packed with gravel ground slightly into the Cerakote, resulting in minor superficial scratches. Hence we say lightly because it’s barely visible and any other coating would have chipped away long before that. And even then, the units are made of aluminum and won’t rust. After 5000 kilometers the set basically still looks like new, except for the mud and dust covering them. They are holding up extremely well!
These units are solid, premium, and extremely well-designed, and the expertise of the team is visible in every aspect of these shocks. The technology works as a charm, and the quality of the product is outstanding. For us, they made all the difference, and we can’t wait to see how the next 5000 kilometers will go, but we are more than confident it will be extremely comfortable.
Biggest findings after 5000 kilometers
- The elimination of vibrations enhances comfort and overall driving pleasure
- The dissipation of vibrations prolongs the vehicle’s lifespan and prevents problems due to excessive wear
- Large impacts feel extremely cushioned – hence Nimbus’ tagline ‘driving on a cloud’
- The steadier ride on the tarmac (and on mountain passes for example) enables us to drive more actively/aggressively, and safely
- Overall, it transformed the driving experience extremely positively
- It’s no secret that Defenders rattle and squeak, but now with Nimbus installed these quirks are much less noticeable
- The quality of the build (materials and components used) will likely outlast the lifespan of our vehicle
- Vastly more reliable than standard shocks (no rust, worn rubbers, welds, etc.)
- In general, our overloaded 25-year-old Defender feels like a modern 4×4 vehicle on the trails
Our approach for gear reviews
As long-term overlanders we fully understand the need for high-quality and reliable gear. We know that if gear isn’t up to standard it can hinder your adventures, resulting in discomfort or a dangerous situation.
We write our reviews after extensive testing and with you – an adventurous overlander – in mind. We hope you appreciate our information, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Are the Nimbus shocks right for you?
After driving them for thousands of kilometers, we are happy to advise you, according to our experiences. The big question is if these oleo-pneumatic suspensions are right for you? After testing them thoroughly, we can confidently attest to the quality and superior function of the technology. We believe the way it impacts the driving experience is beneficial for everyone. For us, they made the off-road experience much smoother, and the on-road experience steadier. Honestly, we can finally listen to podcasts, and our dog Nimba can even sleep when off-roading now, something that was unimaginable before.
However, the investment is high and with that in mind, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to weekend warriors solely driving tarmac roads. It is, however, perfectly suited for off-road enthusiasts and serious (both short- and long-term) overlanders who prioritize comfort and reliability. As the oleo-pneumatic technology smoothens the ride and keeps your vehicle in better shape, they will easily earn themselves back. To give you an example of this, before the installation our dashboard kept desintegrating, and so was our roof. After the installation, however, we haven’t had to torque anything up. Our dashboard, roof, interior, and suspension all stay in much better condition now, and bolts finally don’t unscrew themselves anymore.
Is this setup essential to hit the trails? No. But, if you are serious about your adventures, these shocks will positively impact your travels and are worth the investment in our opinion. Additionally, they are custom-made for your vehicle and driving style, so it’s hard to beat (if even possible) the results they deliver with a standard off-the-shelf shock. Rafiki is driving like a completely different vehicle and we are happy to show you the difference if we meet up somewhere along the way.
Tailored to your unique vehicle
If you order a Nimbus suspension set, you’ll go through a similar process as us. They’ll plan a discovery call to talk with you about your vehicle, your plans, your driving style, and more before production starts. This personal approach is incredibly valuable, resulting in a product that will hopefully exceed your expectations. After Nimbus has established your needs, production starts, followed by rigorous testing of the final unit, before it ships out. If you need any assistance during installation, or later on, the Nimbus team is always ready to help. They will be there for you, every kilometer of the way. We got to experience this first-hand after we ran into suspension-trouble along the Cotton Road in Zambia, and Killian helped us troubleshoot our way back to civilization. Luckily, the units were okay, and our troubles originated from other components. Nonetheless, they were there for us.
Nimbus oleo-pneumatic suspensions are perfect for:
- Overlanders who prioritize reliability and comfort
- Overlanders who need a suspension setup that can deal with added weight
- Weekend warriors willing to invest in gear that lasts beyond their vehicle’s lifetime
- People who use their vehicles in mountainous terrain (steady ride, even in corners, enabling you to keep your speed)
- Off-road enthusiasts who need gear that’s able to take a beating
- Automotive and 4×4 professionals and enthusiasts who appreciate a premium design
We can imagine this three-part series with our first impressions, the installation, and our 5000-kilometer review of Nimbus Suspensions has sparked your interest, as it certainly would spark ours. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have. We’d love to share our latest findings and are happy to discuss the huge diversity of suspension setups.
Feel free to reach out to us on Instagram, or via info@rafikiontour.com, with any questions that come to mind!
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We hope our blog provided you with practical information that’s useful to your adventures. Want to dive deeper into this or other subjects, and plan a call? We are here to help!
Hi there adventurer! A quick heads-up: This product is provided (for free or at a discount) to us in support of our adventures. This review contains opinions of our own and is not influenced by the collaboration. We know the importance of high-quality gear and truthful reviews, as you will rely on it on the trails, and so do we. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Thank you and stay adventurous!
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