Trailair center point suspension

[badams1]

I have been looking at the Trailair and the Moryde fifth wheel sustension upgrades. I am leaning toward the Trailair system because of the use of air bags instead of a flexing rubber block that is vulcanized to metal. The potential for a failure is in my opinion greater on the Moryde system because the entire trailer is suspended by twisting a rubber block rather than riding on an air bag like the Trailair design. I would really appreciate your testimonies and comments on the experiences with both systems or any other brands out there. Please no sales people or eager referal hounds. Thanks in advance.

 

[Texas Diesel]

I can vouch for the rubber torsion type, I never even heard of a failure. The design goes back (at least) to the VW beetle. I have rubber torsion on my 12k gross cargo trailer. Are you sure the rubber torsion bar is vulcanized to metal?

 

[badams1]

"Is it a Moryde?" Moryde is vulcaized to metal and the person that I talked to (Carter) admitted that they had some seperation issues but they were rare. The thing that really got me was the owners manual where it talks about inspecting the rubber torsion block components each time you go out. It clearly states that if there is a 3/4" crack in the rubber block that you need to go to an authorized repair center and have the component replaced. I don't live in Indiana, I live in Houston Texas and I want a no brainer unit that can be fixed by myself if there is an issue. I want to plan my own life and not let an aftermarket suspension company dictate what I can or can't do when I want to do it . I like to go on a trip when I get ready not wait for three months to get a stupid bad design fixed that I am sorry that I bought. These torsion blocks are like motor mounts that are hanging sidways and not supported buy the weight of the engine on them but the whole trailer weight hangs from them and that's it. Think about it after about three or four years and ozone starts to eat that rubber block and then your going to start twisting them with the weight of your trailer? For over $2000. it just ain't worth it when an air bag system component can be replaced by me for $100. if it leaks. Every 18 wheeler on the road is riding on air bags. Hit me again because I am going to buy a unit soon and I don't want to blow it.

 

[FCecelin]

well the old White trucks (tractors) had a system called. . Velvet Ride . . Anything but velvet though . A very tough suspension . A

periodic inspection of any rubber mounted part should reveal deterioation before failure. .