We know how important a suspension system is to a rig, so we can help you choose between the two most common trailer options: air rides and leaf springs. Read on to learn more about each type, how to make the best hauling decision.
What Is an Air Ride Trailer?
An air ride trailer uses an air-based suspension system rather than the traditional steel-based suspension system. Specifically, air ride suspension systems have various valves, air lines, and air springs bags made from a woven, rubber-like material.
An air ride suspension system is powered by the same air compressor and reservoir used for the rig’s braking system. This compressor and reservoir can provide air to the spring bags — effectively raising the chassis from the axle.
The basic idea behind an air ride suspension system is: Providing the rig with a smoother ride. Drivers often desire a smoother ride, and so it helps to improve your driver retention rates.
What Is a Leaf Spring Trailer?
A leaf spring trailer, also known as a spring ride trailer, is a suspension system using semi-elliptic leaf springs. Several layers of “leafs'' or flexible steel strips are joined together to act as a single unit. This unit is attached to the trailer’s frame — above the axle — and helps protect the entire rig from road shock by adjusting accordingly.
Although we consider leaf spring suspension systems “traditional” or even “outdated,” they are still useful. They can soften the blows from road shock to the rig and often come with lower upfront and upkeep costs.
What Are the Advantages of Air Ride?
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider an air ride trailer over a spring ride trailer:
- Air ride systems quickly adapt to the load of the rig and the road conditions for an overall smoother ride.
- Since air ride trailers provide a smoother ride, this is a safer option when transporting fragile cargo that needs to be handled with care to avoid damage and breakage.
- Air ride systems make it easier to unhook trailers since all you need to do is use the dump valve to release enough air to lower the rig and pull it away from the trailer.
What Are the Advantages of Leaf Springs?
Conversely, here are some of the reasons why you should consider a spring ride trailer over an air ride trailer:
- One of the most significant advantages of spring trailers is that they require lower maintenance costs than air trailers. You can expect to need minimal maintenance for the first six to seven years with a spring trailer.
- Not only that, but spring trailers also offer a longer life cycle that can also help you save money on replacement costs.
- Spring trailers can also help you cut down on costs since this type of suspension system makes the rig anywhere from 50 to 75 pounds lighter than it would be if it were using an air ride suspension system.
What Are the Disadvantages of Air Ride?
Even though air ride trailers come with advantages, they also come with disadvantages that you need to consider before making a final decision:
- Installation of an air ride suspension system is difficult and time-consuming — especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. Leave dealing with things like wiring, hoses, and different parts to the experts.
- Air ride suspension systems are prone to breakdowns and other mechanical issues. For instance, one of the most common issues with an air ride suspension system is a clogged hose. Leaking hoses are another common issue.
- As a result of the prevalence of these issues, you can expect to pay more in maintenance costs for an air ride system compared to a spring system.
What Are the Disadvantages of Leaf Springs?
Similarly, spring ride trailers come with a unique set of disadvantages you should be aware of:
- If the trailer isn’t fully loaded, a spring trailer leaves you with a rough and bumpy ride.
- Exposed parts on a spring trailer are at risk of developing rust, corrosion, and wear.
- If you resell a spring trailer, you’re not going to get as much money back as you would for an air ride trailer.
What Is the Best Trailer for You?
Now, you can make your final decision based on what you know about air ride trailers and leaf spring trailers. Obviously, it’s a big investment and isn’t an easy decision to make. The best trailer for you depends on a whole host of different factors.
If you’re shipping fragile goods that require an extra smooth ride with additional protection, you want to invest in an air ride trailer. On the other hand, if you’re shipping durable goods that don’t need special care, then you should be fine with a leaf spring trailer.
If you don’t mind paying more money upfront for upkeep in exchange for a smoother ride for your drivers, you also want to invest in an air ride trailer. Just be sure to budget accordingly for these extra costs to ensure that your investment will be worthwhile.
Many people falsely assume that leaf spring trailers are outdated and undesirable. However, this is not the case. Leaf spring trailers are as useful these days as air ride trailers. They are also cheaper upfront and involve less maintenance — making them a solid financial investment for anyone short on cash but wants a solid trailer that’s going to go the distance on the road.
How to Choose a Trailer
There are so many different types of trailers that can transport a wide variety of goods. You need to choose the best kind of trailer based on what you’re shipping, where you’re shipping it to, and when you’re shipping it.
Here are some of the different types of trailers you can choose from:
- Flatbed: This is the most common type of trailer used as it’s extremely versatile. It is open on all sides with nothing covering the load. As a result, it’s quick and easy to load and unload.
- Dry van: This is another common type of trailer that’s completely enclosed to protect the load from the elements. It also offers an added level of security to the load since you cannot easily access it from the outside without a key.
- Temperature controlled: This type of trailer offers a temperature-controlled environment for goods that need to remain frozen or refrigerated, for instance, food items and pharmaceuticals. It also offers an enclosed container insulated with a controllable cooling system.
- Dump: This type of trailer has four sides but is open at the top. This layout allows you to fill it with materials. From there, you can easily lift the rig and dump the materials out of the trailer.
- Hopper: This type of trailer looks similar to a dry van or an enclosed trailer but with one key difference — it’s used to transport commodity products, such as grain, in bulk to different destinations.
- Specialized: if you have unique transportation needs, you may want to consider a specialized trailer. Tailor these trailers to meet your needs.
Based on this information, you can choose the best trailer depending on your transportation needs.
Conclusion
While an air ride trailer looks and feels fancier, it may not be worth the extra costs to you. Leaf spring trailers have been around for a long time and don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. If you’re looking for the most economical trailer, leaf spring is the best option.
If you’re looking for a smooth ride for your products, check out the freight services offered by RPM. With our network of vetted carriers, we can quite literally move anything anywhere.
Reach out to our logistics experts today to see how we can help you remove the complexity from logistics.
Sources:
The Benefits and Drawbacks of an Air Suspension System | Car and Driver
Leaf Spring vs. Air Ride: Opinions Differ on Suspensions | Transport Topics
