THE ADVANTAGES OF USING AIR RIDE TRAILERS IN TRANSPORTATION

In recent years, the air ride trailer has gained tremendous acceptance due to its installation that has a profound impact of attenuating the vibrations resulting from external factors. This innovative system offers smoother journeys and greater stability, even on rough and uneven roads. In this article, Thaco Trailers will explore the key benefits of air ride trailers that make them becoming the go-to choice today.

What is an air ride trailer?

An air ride trailer is a kind of trailer that moves on the leveling action of the air suspension rather than on spring suspensions. This system uses compressed air in flexible rubber of higher performance and functionality, which helps to absorb shocks and vibrations. This leads to increased comfort and stability for the load as well as for the vehicle, reducing stress on the cargo and overall damage in transit. The air ride system also enables trailer suspension to vary its height depending on the operating conditions desired.

>> Read more: A comprehensive guide to trailer suspension systems

Advantages of using air ride trailers

Reduced noise, vibration, and harshness     

The air suspension system minimizes shocks and vibrations more effectively than conventional systems, enhancing driver comfort, protecting cargo, and reducing overall transportation noise.

Improved fuel consumption

On rough terrains, the air suspension system absorbs impacts, allowing the vehicle to maintain a steadier speed with minimal slowdowns, which enhances fuel efficiency.

More versatile on certain types of terrain

Air ride trailers are more adaptable to different types of terrain. The air suspension system allows for adjustments to ride height, making it easier to navigate uneven roads or obstacles without compromising the safety of the cargo or the vehicle.

Improved tire life

The air suspension system helps maintain a smooth ride, reducing tire wear and extending their lifespan. By absorbing shock impacts, it minimizes stress on both the vehicle and tires, enhancing durability. Additionally, its cushioning effect on the road surface helps prevent further deterioration, contributing to road preservation.

>> Read more: Essential parts of trailer suspension system

What are the differences between a leaf spring and air ride trailer?

Suspension System:

• Leaf Spring Trailer:
  • Shock Absorption: Uses metal spring packs (leaf springs) to absorb shocks and distribute the load. These springs are typically made of multiple layers of flexible steel.
  • Flexibility: Provides a firm, basic suspension system that offers limited flexibility compared to more advanced systems such as air ride. The ride quality can be stiffer, especially when the trailer is lightly loaded.
  • Components: It has a simpler design with fewer components, making it more durable and less prone to mechanical failure. The system mainly consists of the leaf springs and mounts, making it easier to repair and maintain.

• Air Ride Trailer:
  • Shock Absorption: Uses air-filled rubber bellows (air springs) and compressors to absorb shocks. This system provides superior shock absorption as the air springs can adjust to the load and road conditions.
  • Flexibility and Ride Quality: Providing an adjustable suspension system, offering a smoother ride. The air suspension can adapt to varying loads and road surfaces, ensuring better comfort and less wear on the cargo.
  • Advanced Components: Air ride systems include advanced components such as height control valves, air lines, and compressors. These allow for precise adjustments of the ride height and suspension firmness, improving overall performance.

Ride Quality:

• Leaf Spring Trailer:
  • Ride Comfort: Offers a firmer ride with less shock absorption. The suspension system is designed to handle heavy loads but can be uncomfortable when carrying lighter or more sensitive cargo.
  • Impact on Cargo: Vibrations and road impacts can transfer to the cargo, increasing the risk of damage to fragile goods. This makes it less ideal for transporting sensitive items.
  • Cargo Applications: Better suited for heavy, durable cargo that can withstand rougher road conditions and less smooth handling.
• Air Ride Trailer:
  • Ride Comfort: Delivers a smoother ride by minimizing vibrations and impacts. The air suspension absorbs shocks more effectively, offering better comfort for both the driver and the cargo.
  • Impact on Cargo: The advanced air suspension system significantly reduces vibrations and road shock, ensuring a gentler ride for the cargo. This minimizes the risk of damage, making it an excellent choice for transporting fragile or perishable goods that require extra protection during transit.
  • Cargo Applications: Ideal for transporting sensitive or high-value cargo such as electronics, glass, or pharmaceuticals…

>> Read more: How many types of skeleton trailers? 20/40/53ft

Adjustability:

• Leaf Spring Trailer:
  • Suspension Adjustment: A fixed suspension system that maintains a constant height and structure, without the ability to adjust for load weight or road conditions.
  • Adaptability: Cannot adapt to varying road conditions or cargo weights, meaning that the ride quality remains the same regardless of the load.
• Air Ride Trailer:
  • Suspension Adjustment: Adjustable ride height and load balancing through air pressure control. The system can be fine-tuned for different cargo loads and road conditions.
  • Adaptability: Can maintain a consistent height, even with uneven cargo loads, making loading and unloading easier and improving stability, particularly when the load is unbalanced.

Durability and Maintenance:

• Leaf Spring Trailer:
  • Durability: Simpler and more robust design, making it highly durable in most conditions. It is resistant to wear and tear from heavy use, especially in tough environments.
  • Maintenance: Requires minimal maintenance and is less expensive to repair due to its simple design. However, the system can wear unevenly under heavy use or rough roads, potentially requiring attention over time.
• Air Ride Trailer:
  • Durability: More complex system with components such as air bags, compressors, and valves can be more vulnerable to wear, especially under rough conditions.
  • Maintenance: Requires regular maintenance to ensure the air system operates properly. Repairs can be more costly due to the advanced technology and parts involved, such as airbags, compressors, and valves that may need replacing or servicing.

>> Read more: Reputable semi-trailer manufacturers

Thaco Trailers offers semi-trailers with a wide range of component options

Thaco Trailers offers a diverse range of semi-trailers with customizable options to meet various transportation demands, including:

• Intermodal chassis 
• Specialized semi-trailers
• Specialized semi-trailer components

>> Read more: What are the different types of semi-trailers?

A highlight offering is the 53′ Gooseneck semi-trailer, which features an advanced air ride suspension system. This system enhances ride quality by absorbing shocks and vibrations, making it particularly ideal for transporting sensitive cargo and ensuring a smoother and more stable ride compared to traditional suspension systems.

Thaco Trailers has become a trusted supplier through extensive export shipments to semi-trailer distributors with a strong presence in the North American market. In addition to its standard offerings, Thaco Trailers manufactures and supplies custom OEM components tailored to specific customer requirements. Our products adhere to both local and international standards, holding ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications. The trailers also fully comply with international standards such as DOT, AAR, ANSI, TOFC, F(C)MVSS, SAE, and TTMA while also meeting the specific needs of each market. 

Contact Information:

• Hotline: (+84) 933 805 707
• Email address: thacosv@thaco.com.vn

>> Read more: What are the different types of semi-trailers?