Air ride suspension provides a smooth, comfortable ride for both truck drivers and your freight. Learn more about air ride suspension systems and why freight trucks implement them to protect your shipments.
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What is an Air Ride Suspension?
An air ride suspension is a sophisticated suspension system powered by an air compressor. Acting as the spine of the vehicle, suspensions support the load being hauled and absorb impacts made from driving on unstable roads, ensuring a smoother ride. Unlike traditional suspension systems, air ride suspensions use compressed air to cushion the vehicle’s axle from road disturbances. Air rides are used in 75 to 80% of semi trucks, becoming standard for long-haul trucking for their superior load capability, reduced maintenance needs, and enhanced ride comfort. This technology ensures freight is well-protected and secure during transit and provides a comfortable ride for the truck driver.
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How Does Air Ride Suspension Work?
Air ride suspensions consist mainly of airbags (or air springs), valves, and an air compressor. The compressor pumps compressed air into the rubber airbags, inflating them to lift the chassis from the axle and tires. This setup prevents road impacts from affecting the trailer. An Electronic Control Air Suspension (ECAS) system monitors and adjusts the air pressure in the airbags to maintain optimal ride height and smoothness.
As the truck moves, the independent wheel movement provided by the air ride suspension system minimizes road shock and maintains consistent wheel height, effectively cushioning the ride. This keeps the truck’s cab from shaking too much and increases the life expectancy of the wheels, axle, and chassis. Trailers with air ride suspensions can also lift or lower themselves at loading docks, keeping the trailer level.
Air Ride vs. Leaf Spring Suspension
While air ride suspensions are popular, so are leaf spring suspensions. These systems were the earliest type of suspension developed and, for a while, one of the only ones available for all vehicle types until other systems like the air rides became popular. They use long, layered, flexible steel strips to form a spring. The springs are attached to the trailer frame, which compress and absorb impact as the truck moves. The amount of support the leaf spring suspension provides is proportional to the number of leaf springs used.
Here are some comparisons between air ride and leaf spring suspensions:
- Design Complexity: Leaf springs are simpler, whereas air rides involve intricate components like valves and ECAS.
- Weight and Fuel Efficiency: Air rides are heavier, potentially reducing fuel efficiency compared to leaf springs.
- Maintenance: Leaf springs require more frequent maintenance due to their mechanical nature. Air rides, although generally needing less frequent maintenance, can incur higher costs if airbags leak or another part is broken.
- Ride Comfort: Air rides offer superior comfort, particularly on uneven terrain. While leaf springs do provide comfort, truck drivers claim trucks with leaf springs make the cab buck and shake on the road.
- Cost: Air rides are more expensive initially but offer long-term savings due to lower maintenance needs. Leaf springs are more affordable upfront but may require more upkeep.
Applications in Freight Shipping
The choice between air ride and leaf spring suspension can significantly impact freight shipping. Consider the following example:
Two trucks deliver glass bottles to a soda bottling factory. The first truck, equipped with a leaf spring suspension, and the second with an air ride suspension, travel the same bumpy road. Upon arrival, the first truck’s cargo shows broken bottles due to road impacts, and the crates have shifted drastically. In contrast, the second truck’s cargo remains intact, with crates stable, thanks to the cushioning effect of the air ride suspension.
This example highlights the benefits of air ride suspensions for long-distance travel, where maintaining cargo integrity is critical. The airbags soften any impacts felt during transit, alleviating any discomfort the freight and the driver felt.
While effective for shorter, less demanding routes, leaf spring suspensions fall short of providing the same level of protection and comfort. They have some protection, which is why vocational vehicles like garbage trucks use them, but they aren’t recommended for trucks traveling long distances and through rough road conditions.
In freight shipping, the choice of suspension system is crucial in ensuring cargo safety and vehicle performance. With their advanced technology and superior ride quality, air ride suspensions are ideal for long journeys, providing reliable protection for valuable freight. Although cost-effective and suitable for vocational vehicles, leaf spring suspensions may not offer the same comfort and cargo security as air ride systems.
By understanding the differences and applications of these suspension systems, freight companies can make informed decisions to optimize their operations and protect their cargo. Customers can also be assured that carriers are working hard to provide quality protection and service by implementing the latest technologies in their fleets.
Like an air ride suspension, FreightCenter guarantees quality service and protection for your items. Contact us today at (800) 716-7608, or use our free quote tool to get started immediately!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Air Ride Suspensions
Q. What is an air ride suspension?
A. An air ride is a type of suspension system attached to a vehicle. Suspension systems support a truck’s trailer load while providing a smoother riding experience. The air ride uses compressed air inside airbags, valves, and other complex parts to protect the truck from rough roads and other disturbances while driving.
Q. What’s the difference between an air ride and a leaf spring suspension?
A. An air ride suspension utilizes compressed air, airbags, and valves as part of its system. In contrast, leaf springs use flexible steel pieces to act as cushions attached to a steel suspension system. Both suspensions offer support and protection for trailer loads, but air rides provide superior protection, are more comfortable for the driver, and require less maintenance than leaf springs. However, air rides are more complex in design, heavier, and more expensive upfront than leaf springs.
Q. How are air ride suspensions related to freight shipping?
A. Air ride suspensions are the standard suspension systems in heavy-duty, long-haul trucks. They smooth out the ride while shielding the trailer from sudden shakes and bumps along the road. This helps with protecting the cargo inside the trailer, including fragile items.
Q. How can I find out if a carrier uses trucks equipped with air ride suspensions?
A. The best way to determine what carriers have air ride suspension systems attached to their fleet of trucks is to contact the carrier. They will provide you with information about their truck’s specifications as best they can. A freight broker can also find out for you if asked.
