The Stability You Need... The Ride You Want
Below is a list of commonly asked questions. If what you are looking for is not listed, please do not hesitate to contact one of our Raydan representatives who will assist you further.
No special considerations are needed for the tandem steer spring suspension system when the unit is placed on outriggers.
The Teflon® fifth wheel lubricating sheet is not recommended by Raydan for use with its Easy Slider™ because of the effect it has on the overall height of the kingpin. The sheet is thick enough to affect proper engagement of the kingpin into the fifth wheel plate.
It is recommended that Raydan conduct the modification, however, we will work with you to determine the best arrangement to satisfy your requirements.
It is possible to retrofit an Easy Slider™ into an existing trailer. Raydan would gladly work with you and the trailer manufacturer to custom design a system that suits your needs and integrates properly into the existing trailer.
All tandem drive suspension systems can be retrofitted with the Air Link™ to improve the roll stability and ride quality over the competition. It is possible, in some cases, to reuse existing suspension components (axle stops, torque rods, mounts, even walking beams) to simply the replacement.
To our knowledge, there are no restrictions on the use of the Easy Slider™ in any state or province.
The mechanical system will affect the frame height under the cab or for the entire chassis depending on the desired modification and your application. The hydraulic system should have no affect on the frame height for the vocational chassis.
The Air Link™ walking beam is a balanced beam connecting the tandem drive axles together. This will allow for excellent suspension equalization.
The alignment is achieved with simple shims between the bar pin end bushings and the axle hanger which can correct alignment issues. Raydan offers a variety of alignment shims and bushings to provide on end bushings.
Urethane bushings on the Air Link™ are designed to last longer than conventional rubber bushings. Raydan believes that the polyurethane bushings are superior to rubber in performance and longevity. During a visual inspection if there appears to be a gap between the inner or outer metal sleeve and the poly-urethane, then a replacement is recommended. If the sleeve or pin has shifted to one side, this too would be an indicator for replacement. The distortion and/or wearing of the polyurethane bushing on the ends is to be expected and is acceptable.
Raydan believes that the polyurethane bushings are superior to rubber in performance and longevity. During a visual inspection if there appears to be a gap between the inner or outer metal sleeve and the polyurethane, then a replacement is recommended. The distortion and/or wearing of the polyurethane bushing on the ends is to be expected and is acceptable.
Raydan does not authorize anyone to alter the steering system after it has been set by our own technicians at one of our facilities. Raydan's goal for every unit is to provide the best possible wheel cut based on the provided steering geometry, chassis configuration, axles and rim offset. These stops are set and the steering hydraulic system is set accordingly. If you have any issues, please consult our technical staff to help you with your issue.
Raydan does not authorize anyone to alter the steering system after it has been set by technicians at one of our facilities. Raydan's goal for every unit is to provide the best possible wheel cut based on the provided steering geometry, chassis configuration, axles and rim offset. These stops are set and the steering hydraulic system is set accordingly. If you have any issues, please consult our technical staff for assistance.
Raydan's Sales Representatives are willing to work with you on each project to ensure that the chassis can properly accept a tandem steer Air Link™. Ask for Raydan's tandem steer friendly letter which identifies key components that, when ordered correctly, will simplify the modification and make the process cost effective for the end user.
The configuration of a chassis intended to be modified to a tandem steer spring suspension is important. Raydan's knowledgeable sales representatives can share our "tandem steer friendly" recommendations and work with you to achieve an integration between chassis and tandem steer suspension that is unmatched.
The Easy Slider™ system is typically installed during the fabrication of the trailer. The units are sold assembled with the requested bolster plate providing the platform for everything else. This assembly is then welded in place in the neck of the trailer. Other options are available and can be reviewed with Raydan's experienced technical staff.
There will be some play in the kingpin, however this should not become excessive. The kingpin wear tolerance is as per SAE J700 and Raydan has a "Wear check checklist" for customers to do some simple measurements and then work with Raydan to determine the best course of corrective action if needed.
The tandem steer Air Link™ suspension weighs approximately 1200 lbs. When combined with the second axle, its tires and rims, the chassis weight increases by about 2500 lbs in total weight.
The tandem steer spring suspension adds approximately 1200 lbs to the weight of the chassis. When considering the total weight added to the vehicle including the second steer axle, tires and rims, the chassis will see an addition of approximately 2300 to 2500 lbs.
The added weight definitely depends on the size of truck and intended use. On the larger units where a subframe is used to raise the frame at the drives and keep it level, there would be an additional 3500 - 4000 lbs. to a mechanical drive system. Other configurations such as the hydraulic system add approximately 1100 lbs. Raydan's Sales representatives will work with you to calculate this conversion weight for each application to ensure it meets your loading requirements. On the larger units where a subframe is used to raise the frame at the drives and keep it level, there would be an additional 4000 lbs added. Other configurations and smaller capacities would result in less. Raydan's Sales representatives will work with you to calculate this conversion weight for each application to ensure it meets your loading requirements.
The suspension kits are available for sale to customers who wish to install the suspension themselves. Raydan is excited to work with you to successfully upgrade your suspension to an Air Link™.
The hydraulic system does have a 75% weight savings when compared to the mechanical system. The trade off is that the hydraulic system will have a hydraulic tank, pump cooler and special wheel ends on a standard I beam axle in place of the transfer case, drivelines and differential axle.
It is recommended that any chassis that has a tandem steer Air Link™ suspension and that will work on outriggers should get a dump valve kit with the trailing arm restraint system. This will allow for operator controlled air relief of the suspension and the restraints will prevent over extension of the air springs, thus creating a safe and effective tandem steer system that can be raised off the ground with outriggers.
Front wheel drive provides added traction for off road travel. Having the front wheel drive adds assurance that there will always be a wheel that maintains traction in slippery conditions.
The tandem steer Air Link™ is un-matched in providing superior ride quality with high roll stability and ease of alignment for all vocational needs. It is the only tandem steer suspension system which offers a walking beam combined with pneumatics and a 4 point alignment which is unlike any other.
The benefit of Raydan's tandem steer spring suspension over factory installed twin steers or other competitors is our ability to adjust and customize the suspension to suit each chassis, a variety of spreads and capacities, making it easy to create a vocational truck which better suits your individual needs.
The Air Link™ is in a category by itself where it has the combination of a pneumatic system over a walking beam. This combination blends the performance and characteristics found in each type of suspensions (pneumatic and mechanical walking beam) in a way to offer what we believe is the best tandem drive suspension available for the vocational market.
The Air Link™ is offered in all commonly available tandem drive spreads including 52", 54", 55", 60" and 72". Raydan can offer custom engineered spreads to suit your particular application.
The tandem steer Air Link™ is offered in spreads as short as 54" with standard lengths of 60", 66", 72" and can be as long as 84". The alteration is done in the walking beam and customization is available for special projects requiring a specific spread.
Spreads for tandem steer range from 48" to 120". Typical spreads for the tandem steer spring have been 52" , 60", 66", 72", 79" and 84". Tandem steer spring suspension spreads have been typically dictated by interaxle and wheelbase requirements of the jurisdiction in which the completed unit is going to be registered. Raydan can accommodate almost any spread to suit your needs.
The Air Link™ is offered in all commonly available tandem drive spreads including 52", 54", 55", 60" and 72". Raydan can offer custom engineered spreads to suit your particular application.
The retrofit of a suspension in favour of the Air Link™ is often done in response to driver feedback of poor ride quality or poor performance. The Air Link™ retrofit often exceeds the customer's expectation and is by far the easiest conversion available on the market today. A retrofit, like all other Air Link™ suspensions provides, the smooth ride, high roll stability, low maintenance, less down time and the reduction of structural damage is noticed almost immediately.
The tandem drive Air Link™ incorporates shocks on the trailing arms which can also act as restraint devices. When the truck is lifted on stabilizer legs / outriggers, the air in the suspension would be dumped, then the shocks would restrain the suspension from excessive articulation. Raydan has a variety of restraint systems available. Please contact one of our Representatives who can assist you further.
In comparison with other pneumatic suspensions where a loss of air pressure would result in a dramatic drop in ride height and driveline angles, the Air Link™ suspension geometry minimizes this effect and the unit remains fully operational. The air springs have built-in internal jounce stoppers which act as secondary suspension devices. With air loss, the Air Link™ configuration air springs deflate and the ride height would drop a maximum of 2" before the stoppers contact. The safe operation of the chassis is not compromised by the loss of the suspension air pressure.
In comparison with other pneumatic suspensions where a loss of air pressure would result in a dramatic drop in ride height and driveline angles, the Air Link™ suspension geometry minimizes this effect and the unit remains fully operational. The air springs have built-in internal jounce stoppers which act as secondary suspension devices. With air loss, the Air Link™ configuration air springs deflate and the ride height would drop a maximum of 2" before the stoppers contact. The safe operation of the chassis is not compromised by the loss of the suspension air pressure.
The Air Link™ front tandem steer suspension system is the premium suspension for increasing the GVWR of a chassis by way of a second steer axle. The tandem steer Air Link™ suspension offers all of the same beneficial characteristics as the Air Link™ drive suspension but has been adapted for steering axles.
It is the unique combination of a pneumatic over walking beam suspension design which provides the best combination of high roll stability with excellent ride quality for all tandem drive applications.
The tandem steer spring is the cost effective method of increasing the GVWR of any chassis by way of a second steer axle. The spring suspension is dynamically load equalizing between the two steer axles to ensure that the axles are properly balanced, even in rough terrain.
The movable fifth wheel plate allows an adjustment of the weight distribution on the trailer only. The Easy Slider™ system is a fast and easy way to transfer load from the trailer axles to the truck tractor fifth wheel.
Current tandem drive Air Link™ suspension systems are available with capacities from 34,000 lbs to 80,000 lbs. Standard capacities are 46k, 52k, 60k and 75k. Raydan has the ability to customize the Air Link™ to meet desired capacity and needs.
The tandem steer Air Link™ is designed for a 40,000 lbs capacity for the group, which satisfies most applications. However, Raydan can adjust the design to meet your desired capacity to meet your needs.
The tandem steer spring suspension can be designed for any capacity as it is dictated by the capacities of the springs. Typical suspension capacity for the tandem group is often sufficient at 40,000 lbs. Raydan's technical staff is willing to discuss any customization required for your projects.
The proper ride height is as identified by the chassis manufacturer. In general, the top surface of the trailing arm is designed to the frame rail. Height control valves on each trailing arm allow for independent adjustment of the ride height on each side of the truck. The connecting rod length can be altered to increase or decrease the ride height to suit. Once the ride height is set, the suspension will maintain this height through all normal loading and unloading of lading because it will automatically control the air pressure to adjust to the load being carried.
The correct ride height is essential for optimal functioning of the Air Link™. The correct ride height is achieved when the top plate of the trailing arm is parallel with the frame rail. Adjustments can be done simply by adjusting the length of the connecting rod between the trailing arm and the height control valve. There is a control valve on each side of the Air Link™ to allow for independent adjustment.
Once the tandem steer spring suspension is installed, there is no need to adjust the ride height during normal operation. The springs will sag over time which will drop the front end of the truck, which is no different than any other spring suspension systems. Simple replacement of the springs will bring the chassis back to its original ride height.
The mechanical system involves installing a subframe on the rear suspension to raise the chassis sufficiently for clearance for the front driving axle or creating a stepped frame design to achieve the same clearances. The front driving axle is then connected to the drive train through drivelines and a transfer case. The hydraulic system employs a pump and custom designed wheel ends to hydraulically drive the front wheels without any changes to the geometry of the chassis. Used intermittently, it is typical for slower speed operations and shorter distances when all wheel drive is effectively used.
Raydan's goal when completing a tandem steer modification is to achieve the same wheel cut on the front axle as it was as a single steer axle system. We have been successful in maintaining the turning circle measurements. In general, 100 - 110 ft turn diameter (curb to curb) is very feasible. This is dependent on the truck configuration and on the wheelbase.
The goal for the tandemization process is to maintain the factory settings on the front axle with respect to the wheelcut. Raydan's goal is to optimize the steering system to achieve the best possible wheel cut in both directions for each and every unit we upgrade to a twin steer.
The Raydan Easy Slider™ is a trailer integrated sliding kingpin system which allows the users to adjust the position of the kingpin in order to optimize the weight distribution between the trailer axles and fifth wheel plate.
Typical suspension weight for the tandem group will be 1000 lbs. This will be dependent on capacity and spread, the exact weight for each customized suspension can be determined during design.
The Easy Slider™ is customized to each trailer and application which require different amount of slide for the kingpin. Typical kingpin travel is between 32" and 80" with lengths in between available in 8" increments.
The tandem steer Air Link™ can and has been successfully adapted to all types of vocational chassis. Raydan works closely with all OEMs to integrate the suspension to the chassis.
The tandem steer spring suspension can and has been successfully adapted to all types of vocational chassis. Raydan works closely with all OEMs to integrate the tandem steer spring suspension into their chassis.
Typically, the life expectancy of any Easy Slider components last as long as a normal fifth wheel. The usual wearing of components is found in the drop pin and king pin. Kingpin assembly on the Easy Slider™ is the commonly wearing piece. However with proper maintenance, this should last for a number of years before needing any attention.
Typical tandem drive ride height of 10 1/2" measured from the center of the axle to the bottom of the frame rail. The Air Link™ can be customized to accommodate almost any range of ride height required from high articulation to reduced clearance needs.
Ride heights are in general 10 1/2" from the center of the axle spindle to the bottom of the frame rail. Raydan is capable of customizing the Air Link™ to suit almost any ride height required for any application.
The ride height is maintained from the factory. Some may result in a slightly higher ride height depending on the chassis configuration. Raydan has the ability to create customized spring kits to suit many different ride heights.
Uneven wear can be a sign of a number of different issues. The first item to check is the tire pressures on all tires for the tandem steer. Any variations should be corrected. The timing of the two steer axles should be checked to ensure that they are tracking in unison. Then, it is recommended that a full wheel alignment be done to ensure that the truck is within specification. This would ensure that the tire wear is even and consistent.
Uneven tire wear can be a sign of a number of different issues. The first item to check is the tire pressures on all tires for the tandem steer. Any variations should be corrected. The timing of the two steer axles should be checked to ensure that they are tracking in unison. Then, it is recommended that a full wheel alignment be done to ensure that the truck is within specification. This would ensure that the tire wear is even and consistent.
The front wheel drive conversion is beneficial for companies requiring to manoeuvre at relatively low speeds in off-road or difficult terrain. Applications such as well servicing, snow plows, power line service trucks and many more can benefit from this conversion. Raydan's Sales representatives will gladly work with you to determine which system is most effective for your application.
The tandem steer Air Link™ can be adapted to both tubular axles and I-beam axles. The Air Link™ can also be adapted to have a combination of tubular and I-beam axles as in the case where one axle is a driveable steer and the other is a non-drive steer.
Most axles are compatible with the spring suspension including standard I-beam, tubular and driveable steer axle models. The tandem steer spring suspension is designed to match the factory spring center spacing.
Raydan currently offers mechanical front wheel drive conversions and hydraulic front wheel drive conversions.
The Easy Slider™ has very few moving parts and is therefore easy to maintain. Regular visual inspections are required to catch any wear or excessive play that might affect normal operation. The lock pin also requires regular greasing to ensure that the pin continues to activate smoothly and effectively.
A unique aspect of the Air Link™ is its low maintenance. There are no grease points: rather the Air Link™ relies on durable polyurethane bushings for all pivot points. The Air Link™ will provide low maintenance and less down time. Typical visual inspections are required and all bolted connections should be checked at regular intervals to ensure they remain within torque specifications.
Raydan provides a full one year coverage on all Easy Slider™ parts.
Click here to see Raydan's Warranty Certificate for the Easy Slider™ Sliding Kingpin.
Raydan offers a full one year warranty on all the work that they perform and the components that they install. This would be backed by the axle and transfer case, or hydraulic system suppliers which will have their own warranty for those components.
Click here to see Raydan's Warranty Certificate for the Front Wheel Drive Conversion
Raydan offers a one year full warranty on all parts and labour for all Air Link™ suspensions and we stock all commonly replaced parts for fast customer service.
Click here to see Raydan's Warranty Certificate for the Tandem Drive Rear Air Link™
Raydan offers a full one year warranty on all parts and labour for all Air Link™ suspensions and we stock all commonly replaced parts for fast customer service.
Click here to see Raydan's Warranty Certificate for the Tandem Drive Rear Air Link™
Raydan offers a full one year warranty on all parts and labour for all tandem steer spring suspensions and we stock all commonly replaced parts for fast customer service.
Click here to see Raydan's Warranty Certificate for the Front Tandem Steer Suspension
The Easy Slider™ is a perfect candidate for any trailer which has the clearances required to fit the slider within the frame of the trailer.
Each customer has their conversion catalogued within our customer database which makes servicing your unit or purchasing parts easy. Contact us anytime.
Air Link™ parts are available through the OEM parts network for all Air Link™ suspensions installed directly by the OEM at the factory. Also, Raydan can be contacted directly for all part inquiries.
Air Link™ parts are available by contacting Raydan directly. We stock all commonly replaced parts to ensure a fast response to any of our Air Link™ customer requests.
The tandem steer spring suspension is customized for each application; however commonly wearing parts are typically available at any spring shop (ie. spring pins, bushings and replacement springs). Raydan also carries replacement parts for the tandem steer spring suspension in order to service all our customers as efficiently as possible.
Replacement parts are typically available through the trailer manufacturer when the trailer is bought with the Easy Slider™ system. Raydan can be contacted directly to get any required parts in all cases.
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