Pulling a trailer with the right suspension system for your application can make a considerable difference in ride quality and your overall user experience. Diamond C offers multiple premium suspension systems alongside our LIPPERT TRAILER AXLES to give you peace of mind while hauling and ensure your trailer lasts longer with less overall maintenance needed.
Picking which type of suspension system to include with your trailer is a very important decision, and varies based on which type of trailer you require for the job and what you are planning to haul. The correct trailer suspension gives you a smoother ride and protects your trailer and cargo by absorbing shock from bumps and dips on the road.
We offer 4 quality types of trailer suspension:
Keep reading to learn more about Diamond C’s trailer suspensions and which one is right for you.
(Prefer to watch instead of read? No problem – check out this informative video below from our very own Jacob Crabb, and watch and follow along as he shows several of our models up close equipped with various suspension options and gives tips about which type to choose for your specific application).
Leaf spring suspension is arguably the most common and cost effective type of trailer suspension.
This suspension design is made up of a series of curved springs (leaves) that are stacked and attached to the underside of the trailer’s axle using hangers and U-bolts. The leaf springs in this suspension system function as shock absorbers – they flex and release when you hit bumps and rougher roads, which provides you with a smoother ride.
Tandem and triple axle trailers feature an equalizer, which sits in-between the axles and links the springs together. These equalizers float to help transfer energy from one axle to another, especially while going over bumps to help soften the impact.
We offer a few different varieties depending on which axles the trailer has:
3.5K Axles: 4-Leaf
5.2K & 6K Axles: 5-Leaf Slipper
7K & 8K Axles 6-Leaf Slipper
Torsion suspension provides many benefits in overall design and function than a traditional spring suspension. The unique design of the Torsion axles includes a rubber torsion arm system that is self-contained within the axle tube, which then directly attaches to the trailer frame. The result is a far smoother ride, with less overall wear and tear on your trailer over the years.
The Torsion system uses a heat-treated solid steel inner bar that is surrounded by 4 flexible rubber cords. The wheel hub spindle is attached directly the the Torsion arm, which in turn is connected to the rubber-encased Torsion bar. As your trailer encounters bumps in the road, the up and down movement of the wheels causes the inner Torsion bar to twist back and forth. This rotating movement is simultaneously dampened and cushioned by the surrounding rubber cords, which provides superior shock absorption and gives you an ultra-smooth ride.
We offer Torsion suspension axles as an available upgrade on most of our CAR HAULERS, EQUIPMENT trailers, single wheel GOOSENECK trailers, and heavy duty series of DUMP trailers.
This suspension system is a popular upgrade among our heavier duty dual wheel GOOSENECK, PINTLE HITCH, and STEP DECK trailer models.
The Hutch Series 9700 heavy duty adjustable suspension system takes the traditional leaf spring suspension design a step further by adding several key features:
All our 16K axle equipped trailers come standard with this heavy duty adjustable suspension, including our flagship gooseneck model FMAX216, heavy duty pintle hitch model PX216, step deck model SDX216, and our dual tandem gooseneck dump model WDT (with 30K GVWR package selected).
For a smoother, quieter ride, extended trailer life, & higher rates per mile, outfit your trailer with our top-of-the-line Air Ride trailer suspension upgrade from Cush.
Air Ride Suspension utilizes airbags on each axle made from a durable polyurethane and rubber material. Dual compressors pump air into each flexible bag, enabling them to absorb bumps and vibrations much more efficiently than on a traditional spring suspension system. While spring suspensions tend to compress and release the energy from bumps into your trailer frame and cargo, Air Ride suspension absorbs the energy under the frame before it even reaches your trailer body.
We are proud to offer this premium suspension system on most of our GOOSENECK, PINTLE, and STEP DECK trailers as an available add-on. Air Ride suspension is a very popular option for HOT SHOT trailer owners who regularly haul uneven loads across long distances.
The Air Ride Package includes dual compressors, one 10V 5amp charger, and dual Group 27 continental BATTERIES.
For a more in-depth guide into this custom Cush Air Ride trailer system, READ OUR COMPLETE GUIDE HERE.
We offer a robust lineup of premium trailers – ranging from CAR HAULERS and DUMP trailers all the way to heavy duty EQUIPMENT, flatbed GOOSENECK, and STEP DECK models. All of our trailers come standard with one of these quality suspension systems, with many opportunities to upgrade on our trailer configurator.
Contact your NEAREST DIAMOND C TRAILER DEALER to view available inventory, or click below to view and price all of our trailer models.
BUILD & PRICEThe unseen hero of a smooth and stable towing experience, the trailer suspension system, is often overlooked until the ride becomes bumpy or the cargo ends up in jeopardy. Understanding what a trailer suspension system does can help maintain your trailer, ensure its load’s safety, and appreciate the intricate engineering behind a comfortable ride.
Shock Absorption
At its core, the trailer suspension system is designed to absorb shocks from the road. Imagine travelling over a bumpy road; the suspension system takes on the beating instead of the cargo or the vehicle. This absorption protects the integrity of the trailer’s structure and the condition of the cargo. Without a properly functioning suspension, a trailer’s contents could be subjected to excessive jostling and vibration, leading to potential damage.
Load Distribution
A vital function of the suspension system is to distribute the cargo’s weight evenly across the trailer’s chassis. Uneven load distribution can cause excessive wear on particular tires and axles, leading to premature failure and potentially dangerous situations. An effective suspension system ensures that weight is balanced, reducing strain on the trailer’s structure and increasing the lifespan of its components.
Stability and Handling
Handling and stability are the most noticeable aspects of a suspension system’s role, especially during cornering, acceleration, or braking. A good suspension minimizes trailer sway and improves maneuverability, which is crucial for the safety of the tow vehicle and the trailer. This is especially important under heavy load conditions or when driving in adverse weather conditions.
Springs
Springs, whether leaf, coil, or air, are the backbone of any suspension system. They provide the necessary give that cushions the trailer from road irregularities. Each type of spring has its own set of characteristics; for example, leaf springs are renowned for their durability and simplicity, while air springs offer adjustability and a smoother ride quality.
Axles and Wheels
Suspension systems directly impact how the wheels and axles wear over time. Properly aligned and functioning suspension components ensure that tires wear evenly and that the axles remain straight and true, reducing maintenance costs and extending the life of the wheels and tires.
Dampers/Shock Absorbers
While springs absorb the energy from road imperfections, dampers or shock absorbers control the energy’s release. This damping effect prevents the trailer from bouncing uncontrollably after hitting a bump. Effective damping is essential for maintaining contact between the tires and the road, providing a consistent handling experience.
Additional Components
Supporting elements like bushings, hangers, and equalizers also play a crucial part in maintaining the overall integrity of the suspension system. These components help dampen vibrations, ensuring that the trailer’s motion is smooth and that the stress on the metal parts is reduced.
Types of Trailer Suspension Systems
Leaf Spring Suspension
The most traditional form of suspension is the leaf spring system. It is simple, robust, and often less expensive than other types. However, the ride can be harsher, and they may require more maintenance in the form of lubrication and inspection for wear.
Air Suspension
Air suspensions offer a much smoother ride using airbags that can be adjusted for different loads and conditions. They are more expensive and complex but provide superior ride quality and load handling.
Torsion Axle Suspension
Torsion axle suspensions use a rubberized motion system self-contained within the axle tube. This suspension type is maintenance-free and provides a smooth ride, but it may not perform as well with hefty loads as the other types.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Regular maintenance, such as inspections and preventative measures, can forestall many common issues with trailer suspensions. This could involve checking for worn parts, ensuring bolts are tightened to the correct specifications, and looking for signs of corrosion or damage.
Troubleshooting issues often start with noticing changes in the trailer’s handling or an uneven stance. Prompt attention to such changes can prevent further damage and maintain safety.
Innovations in Trailer Suspension Technology
Recent advancements have seen the use of lightweight and durable materials in constructing suspension parts. Innovations also include innovative suspension systems that integrate sensors and electronic controls. These systems can adjust in real-time to road conditions and load changes, marking the future of trailer suspension systems.
Conclusion
The trailer suspension system plays a critical and multifaceted role in the safety and efficiency of trailer operations. From shock absorption, load distribution, stability, and handling to directly affecting the trailer’s longevity and components, the suspension system is vital to any trailer design. For those in the market, selecting the right suspension system is essential, and regular maintenance should be a top priority for those who already own a trailer. In understanding the complexities and importance of the trailer suspension system, one can ensure a smoother journey for the cargo and the vehicle itself.