Air ride suspension carries the load on each axle with a pressurized air bag much like a high pressure balloon. Air ride suspension systems have been in common use for over forty years and have proven to provide the smoothest and most shock-free ride of any known vehicle suspension system. Modern air bags are constructed using the same methods as a tire by using high strength cords which are then encapsulated in rubber. These units are very durable in service and have a proven life of many years.

In addition to providing extremely smooth ride quality, air ride suspension also provides other important features. First, the system automatically adjusts air pressure in the air bag so that the trailer always rides at the same height, whether lightly loaded or heavily loaded. This allows the suspension system to always provide the maximum usable wheel travel independent of trailer load. In addition, the higher air bag pressure associated with higher trailer loads, automatically provides a stiffer suspension which is exactly what is required for a smooth ride. The lower air bag pressure for lightly loaded conditions, automatically provides for a softer suspension, thus providing the same ride quality for all trailer loading conditions. Since each axle is independently supported by its own air bag, the air ride suspension is a truly, fully independent suspension system.

The automatic control of the air bag pressure is accomplished by a solid state electronic control system specifically designed and packaged for vehicle use. This system continuously monitors the "ride height" of the trailer suspension and increases air pressure if the ride height is too low, by turning on an on-board air compressor. The air compressor stops automatically when the proper ride height is reached. If the ride height is too high, an automatic vent valve vents excess air pressure and stops venting when the proper ride height is reached. All required electrical power is provided by a 12 volt battery contained in the trailer equipment compartment.

What is an Air Suspension?

‘The air suspension system is an air-operated, microprocessor controlled suspension system. This system replaces the conventional coil spring suspension and provides automatic front and rear load leveling. The 4 air springs, made of rubber and plastic, support the vehicle load at the front and rear wheels’.

An air suspension supports the vehicle on the axles with an arrangement of air bags instead of some type of steel spring, leaf or coil, or some type of torsion spring arrangement. The air bags are sometimes referred to as air springs or bellows. Suspensions that have steel or torsion springs that are supplemented by the use of air bags are not considered air suspensions. There are combination systems that have both air and steel springs. Usually the air suspension components are used on the rear of the vehicle.

Depending on the situation, this type of air suspension will probably have to be dealt with for leveling purposes. Normally, the air suspension is just one part of the air system on the vehicle. Most (but not all) vehicle with an air suspension also have air brakes along with other equipment that may be operated with air. Any of these other systems can cause problems with the air suspension. Other air systems including the brake systems in general, will not be discussed in this school. It is important to understand that on vehicles with air systems, especially with air brakes, manufacturers must follow specific regulations when designing their air systems. The brake system will always be the main concern for the air system. There will be safety features installed in the system that make the brake system the main priority for the air system.