Dana Corp.’s Commercial Vehicle Systems group has started production of its new Dana Spicer RS 40 SmartRide trailer suspension. The announcement comes in conjunction with the recent delivery of 100 new Wabash National DuraPlate HD trailers equipped with the new SmartRide suspensions and Dana Spicer TIMS (Tire Inflation and Monitor System) to Dart Transit Co. of Eagan, Minn.
“We’re confident this initial production order, coupled with interest from other major customers, begins a long, successful run for these two exciting products,” says Mark Holley, product manager of trailer axle and chassis control systems at Dana. “Our trailer suspension systems continue to evolve to meet the demands of our customers.”
Dana’s newest air ride trailer suspensions, the SmartRide RS 40 and RS 46, now are available at all major dry van and reefer trailer OEMs. The suspensions were designed with Dana’s proprietary shape optimization and computer analysis software, which the company says resulted in roughly 60 pounds of weight savings, increased payloads and improved fuel efficiency. According to Dana, this same computer-modeling technology allowed it to simultaneously maximize the strength and reliability features of the new SmartRide suspensions.
Dana says not only is it the first in the industry to offer 5-3/4-inch diameter axle tubes, but company engineers were able to reduce the weight of each axle by 30 pounds when compared to a traditional 5-inch diameter axle. The large diameter axle also decreases deflection by 15 percent to reduce tire wear and improve fuel economy, according to the company.
Dana Spicer TIMS now is available as a stand-alone product or integrated with Bendix TABS-6 trailer ABS. TIMS features a two-solenoid manifold design that allows for nonpressurized seals and lines when not inflating tires for improved safety and maximum seal life. TIMS is available for factory and off-line installation on all makes and models of trailers manufactured in North America.
For more information on Dana Spicer systems and other Roadranger products and services, write to Roadranger Marketing, P.O. Box 4013, Kalamazoo, MI 49003; call 800-826-HELP (4357) in the United States and Canada (in Mexico, dial 01-800-826-4357); or go to www.roadranger.com.
