Hendrickson previews new integrated sliders

July 1, 1997
VanTraax 180 designed for over-the-road dry freight van applications.Building on its commitment to supply the trailer industry with integrated air rides tailored to specific applications, Hendrickson Trailer Suspension Systems previewed its newest VanTraax air-ride slider system for over-the-road dry freight van applications. Known as the VanTraax 180, the suspension is rated at 36,000 to 40,000 lb.,

VanTraax 180 designed for over-the-road dry freight van applications.

Building on its commitment to supply the trailer industry with integrated air rides tailored to specific applications, Hendrickson Trailer Suspension Systems previewed its newest VanTraax air-ride slider system for over-the-road dry freight van applications. Known as the VanTraax 180, the suspension is rated at 36,000 to 40,000 lb., and is comparable in weight to traditional leaf-spring sliders.

Like the company's VanTraax 200, the 180 offering incorporates Hendrickson's K-2 slide and is supplied to trailer makers with axles in place.

Hendrickson has optimized the performance of the suspension by improving many of its parts. For example, the newly designed Tri-Functional bushing, TF 2, works with the suspension beam and rigid axle connection to control vertical and horizontal movements generated by braking, acceleration, and irregular road surfaces.

Measuring 31/2 in. wide, the bushing has increased diameter, new rubber formulation, and redesigned void areas. These changes allow the bushing to better handle the roll, deflection, steering, and stiffness characteristics required by van trailers. The TF 2 bushing will be covered by the same 7-yr./750,000-mi. warranty that applies to the VanTraax 200's Tri-Functional bushing.

The bushing also enabled Hendrickson to develop a new slider box, beams, and a hanger that is tapered and flared inboard to position the air springs under the slider body rails for stability.

The new beam extends rearward approximately 5 in. past the air spring to accommodate the SureLok feature, which maintains constant floor height and prevents trailer walk. Offered as an option, SureLok engages automatically when the trailer parking brake is set. It consists of two rigid supports that swing into place over the beam ends of the rear axle to lock the trailer at a stable height for loading. The unit is slated for production by mid-year 1998.

The company also announced that it has opened a new office and manufacturing facility for its auxiliary axle systems division.

Firestone rolls out steer axle radial tire Bridgestone/Firestone has introduced a new all-position, over-the-road radial steer tire that boasts improved removal mileage and increased protection against irregular wear. Recommended for both straight trucks and tractor-trailer combinations, the FS507 is designed to meet the challenges of steer-axle handling but is suitable for any position.

Chief among the design innovations are shoulder wear protector ribs that improve resistance to irregular wear and provide longer original tread life, according to the company. Stress relief siping on rib edges helps minimize river/punch type wear.

Traction has been improved by the use of see-through grooves that channel water. In addition, center groove stone rejectors help prevent stone drilling to belts and casing plies on 90-series sizes.

The new tire will replace the T589 as the standard steer tire in the company's product line. It will be available in a four-rib design for sizes 11R22.5 and 11R24.5, in 14 and 16 ply ratings. A five-rib design will be featured in the low-profile tires in sizes 295/75R22.5 14 and 16 ply and 285/75R24.5 14 ply.

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