Dana begins SmartRide production

Dana Corp.'s Commercial Vehicle Systems Group has begun production of the new Dana Spicer RS 40 SmartRide trailer suspension. According to Mark Holley, product manager of trailer axle and chassis control systems, both the SmartRide RS 40 and RS 46 are now available at all major dry van and reefer trailer OEMs.

The suspensions were designed with Dana's proprietary shape optimization and computer analysis software, which resulted in roughly 60 lb. of weight savings for increased payload and improved fuel efficiency. According to Dana, this same computer-modeling technology allowed it to simultaneously maximize the strength and reliability features of the SmartRide suspensions.

The company also noted that Dana Spicer TIMS (Tire Inflation and Monitor System) is now available as a stand-alone product or can be integrated with Bendix TABS-6 trailer ABS. TIMS features a two-solenoid manifold design that allows for non-pressurized seals and lines when not inflating tires for improved safety and maximum seal life. TIMS is available for factory and off-line installation on all makes and models of trailers manufactured in North America.

Dana noted that recently 100 new Wabash National DuraPlate HD trailers equipped with both SmartRide suspensions and TIMS were delivered to Eagan, MN-based truckload carrier Dart Transit Co.
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