dds92780 Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 Okay i really like my setup of my 95 mack Rd and my 94 freuhaff frameless trailer. I weigh about 28000 empty with it which isnt bad. So i was talking to an old timer today about suspension and how to be more comfortable and not take a beating. He said its not your truck with spring suspension that is rough on your back, its the trailer that doesnt have air ride that is hard on your back. ever notice when you are empty and when you hit bumps it kinda just moves you back and forth constantly? You feel it less when you are loaded but maybe you just don't notice that its screwing up your back. Question is, If i bought a brand new trailer with air ride and sold my current trailer, would an air ride trailer be better on my back even though i dont have air ride on the truck?It kinda makes sense to me because you got this big heavy trailer behind you and every bump you hit, it sends a vibration up toward you and just creates back pain after awhile. Would air ride be the solution?What do you all think or do you have any experience with or without.thanks 1 Quote Slow and Steady Wins the Race! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 Absolutely an air ride trailer will smooth your ride. I learned this when I was least to Bulk Matic with my MH cab over on Camelback springs. Always switching trailers the air ride tandem definitely made a difference. later in my career I pulled a spread axle dump. the spread axle will really smooth your ride but then you do give up some tare weight. I pulled that bucket with my MH and later on with a super liner on Camelback springs both were a pleasure to drive. the trailer makes all the difference.Gregg 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-282883 Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmer52 Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 My MH is single axle with spring rear suspension. It is like riding a bucking bronco without a trailer. The air ride seat helps "tame" the ride. If I put anything in the sleeper it needs to be secured otherwise it will be on the floor. My trailer is a 28' drop van with single axle air ride. With the trailer connected and very little weight in the trailer, the MH does not "bounce" around. I like the way it handles and rides. I have a several stacks of furniture blankets and a small storage trunk in the trailer. The items don't move around the trailer. The added weight of the trailer on the fifth wheel helps improve the ride too.I never pulled a spring suspension trailer with the MH but I would recommend an air ride trailer based on my experience. 1 Quote Ken PRR Country and Charter member of the "Mack Pack" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-282890 Share on other sites More sharing options...
storkmack Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 Air ride trailer for sure. My R has taperleaf and if I'm pulling a spring ride flat or hopper, I know which bridge joints on I-90 will have me hit my head on the ceiling. Same bridge joint with an air ride trailer and I hardly noticed it. We acquired an 06 Trailstar 22 foot Aluminum dump last year on air ride, it's a great trailer. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-282895 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post storkmack Posted March 17, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted March 17, 2015 Here's my empty weight. 85' R model with 06' Trailstar 22 foot dump full of fuel 3 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-282899 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatcity Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 I agree with everyone about air rideBUT, you run a frameless dump?. Very unstable when dumping, then add the slow reaction of air ride.02 1 Quote Success is only a stones throw away.................................................................for a Palestinian Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-282913 Share on other sites More sharing options...
storkmack Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 I agree with everyone about air rideBUT, you run a frameless dump?. Very unstable when dumping, then add the slow reaction of air ride.02[/quoteI beg to differ on stability. We have ours set up to dump the air to the suspension when the gate opens. 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-282918 Share on other sites More sharing options...
RowdyRebel Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 Either get out and flip some switches to dump the air & unlatch the gate or wire 'em up for in-cab controls. Once the air is dumped, it is as stable as the ground beneath the wheels will allow. I've often wondered if the suspension dump could be automated for the idiots some of these companies have driving for them...could be done by locating the leveling valve off the front axle. Start raising the bed, valve starts dumping air. Bed comes down, it airs it back up. Only question is whether it would dump the air fast enough to keep it stable... Quote When approaching a 4-way stop, the vehicle with the biggest tires has the right of way! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-282920 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 Or you could tie it into the PTO control, when you turn the pump on, it dumps the air on everything. It only takes a few seconds to dump the air in my bags. Surely quicker then the bed could raise very far. Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-282924 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatcity Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 Ya see? bring up something, and we have plenty of safe options Quote Success is only a stones throw away.................................................................for a Palestinian Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-282926 Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedBullDog Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 The air dump on my Mate frameless is automatic. It's located under the center of the trailer and as the trailer goes up, after a foot or less, the plunger is no longer depressed and the air springs deflate. Works like a charm. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-282931 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dds92780 Posted March 18, 2015 Author Share Posted March 18, 2015 Here's my empty weight. 85' R model with 06' Trailstar 22 foot dump full of fuel25500???Wow that is a great empty weight. I remember my 89 r model being about 300 pounds lighter than my rd. What springs do you have on that r? 34k or 38k? that is damn light I talked to another guy that i work with and they have an axle trailer that they converted with air ride and super singles and they normally use the pete with it. He says it rides great. Now with that same trailer he sometimes uses the 89 R model with spring suspension and it hurts his back. My dad was saying there is no way that i can make my ride comfortable because its all in the geometry of the tractor. I don't really want to believe that because i have made this one bad ass R model from the sound system to 500+ hp, to the nice interior and shiny crap on the truck i would really hate to get rid of it Quote Slow and Steady Wins the Race! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-282965 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 I agree with everyone about air rideBUT, you run a frameless dump?. Very unstable when dumping, then add the slow reaction of air ride.02NEVER dump with bags inflated!!! Also study the geometry of a frameless dump it is inherently more stable than a frame trailer. You have a tripod supporting up to half the length of your trailer, and your pivot point is the rear axle, putting your center of gravity much closer to the ground instead of worn out old pins on top of the frame rails. Try a frameless you'll never go back....02Gregg 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-282970 Share on other sites More sharing options...
storkmack Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 25500???Wow that is a great empty weight. I remember my 89 r model being about 300 pounds lighter than my rd. What springs do you have on that r? 34k or 38k? that is damn light I talked to another guy that i work with and they have an axle trailer that they converted with air ride and super singles and they normally use the pete with it. He says it rides great. Now with that same trailer he sometimes uses the 89 R model with spring suspension and it hurts his back. My dad was saying there is no way that i can make my ride comfortable because its all in the geometry of the tractor. I don't really want to believe that because i have made this one bad ass R model from the sound system to 500+ hp, to the nice interior and shiny crap on the truck i would really hate to get rid of it I have Taperleaf(3 leaf). I have a 12 speed which is a lil heavy. I also have a box full of flatbed equipment. My bother's 91' RD with the heavy single frame and camelback is about 600# heavier. The problem with a light unit is that you can never get loaded correctly. Too light or too heavy, never dead on. An air ride trailer will make your RD ride a lot smoother and when those other guys are spinning out with there air ride tractors, you will be keeping traction and leaving ahead of them. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-282972 Share on other sites More sharing options...
storkmack Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 NEVER dump with bags inflated!!! Also study the geometry of a frameless dump it is inherently more stable than a frame trailer. You have a tripod supporting up to half the length of your trailer, and your pivot point is the rear axle, putting your center of gravity much closer to the ground instead of worn out old pins on top of the frame rails. Try a frameless you'll never go back....02GreggPreach Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-282973 Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilbur Posted March 25, 2015 Share Posted March 25, 2015 Storkmack I know what you mean about not being loaded right. My EW is 24800 and im always loaded light. As for dumping air mine is hooked to the tractor switch. it dumps both truck an trailer. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-284004 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ezrider Posted March 25, 2015 Share Posted March 25, 2015 that is a great empty weight, i know guys that have trucks that weigh that much bobtail. air ride setups are a little heavier than spring ride. air ride does improve the ride. you will notice more difference empty than loaded with a air ride trailer it will tend to bounce around less over bumps Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-284007 Share on other sites More sharing options...
RowdyRebel Posted March 26, 2015 Share Posted March 26, 2015 Hell, I'm approaching 19K bobtail...and fixin' ta get heavier here once I get a round tuit. Thinking about making a headache rack...but low-profile. Don't want to encroach upon my rear window that opens for better air flow, but now that I'm flat bedding, I DESPERATELY need someplace to stow straps, chains, edge protectors, binders, bungees, etc... BESIDES on the passenger side floor. Been contemplating incorporating the muffler braces into the idea...but not sure if it would be so wise to weld a brace between the two and make them more rigid. I figure I could make a platform about 6' wide by 3' deep and run it right up to the hydraulic hoses...fill in the empty frame space between the back of the cab and the catwalk. Mount a box on each side to store straps, etc. in...and weld a piece of angle iron between the muffler braces to hang chains from. Still in the "thinkin'bout it" stage, though... Quote When approaching a 4-way stop, the vehicle with the biggest tires has the right of way! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-284074 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ezrider Posted March 26, 2015 Share Posted March 26, 2015 im 19,300 bobtail with my pusher axle and wetkit on the truck. i am 36k empty with my tridem trailer on and i am lighter than most for my setup Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-284140 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mackdaddy2030 Posted March 26, 2015 Share Posted March 26, 2015 That is a great empty weight Storkmack. And I've heard that about spring ride tractors, that the are better off road. I just don't know if I want to go back to spring ride, lol. Though I've never drivin one with tapper leaf. Heard they ride good. How well do they hold up? And that's funny you mention the Axle trailer. One of my friends was telling me today about one that was converted to air ride. I bet it's the same one. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-284142 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mackdaddy2030 Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 It would sure look good with an East or MAC 22' aluminum Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-284691 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lmackattack Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 Personally for a dump truck keep springs for the tractor and air ride for the trailer. You get better traction for the tractor and the trailer with air wont bounce and buck you around.The ride quaility with a air ride trailer is night and day. Always dump the air bags when dumping. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-284741 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nobody454 Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 as far as I know Tom is the only person in the world to have an air ride axle trailer, because he made it himself. Axle never made one Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-284756 Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmer52 Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 i guess i posted in the wrong topic so ignore my last postWhy not delete it? Quote Ken PRR Country and Charter member of the "Mack Pack" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-284799 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dds92780 Posted May 1, 2015 Author Share Posted May 1, 2015 Bringing this up again because i am supposed to look at a 98 galbreath trailer with 60 foot sides, (liner) aluminium, frameless, new air bag setup, new brakes (self adjusting) long draft arms, aluminum wheels.I like the looks of my freuhauf with my truck but I'm thinking that i either need to get a better truck like peterbilt 379 or kenworth w900 with air ride and maybe keep the trailer? Or am i best off keeping my mack and just upgrading the trailer instead???Does a ch with springs and air ride trailer ride any different than an RD with springs and air ride trailer?Only asking because im deciding if i should just keep my spring ride trailer and upgrade the truck? Reason is because my dad has a 96 peterbilt with air trac suspension and the same trailer as me and said it rides great. I know the tractor is the main difference in how it will ride but how will just upgrading the trailer be with keeping my r model? thanks Quote Slow and Steady Wins the Race! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39285-air-ride-trailer/#findComment-288393 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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