KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Dana Corporation’s commercial vehicle systems group has started production of its new Dana Spicer RS 40 SmartRide trailer suspension. The announcement comes in conjunction with the recent delivery of 100 new Wabash National DuraPlate HD trailers equipped with the new SmartRide suspensions and Dana Spicer TIMS (Tire Inflation and Monitor System) to Dart Transit Company of Eagan, Minn.

“We’re confident this initial production order, coupled with interest from other major customers, begins a long, successful run for these two exciting products,” said Mark Holley, product manager of trailer axle and chassis control systems at Dana.

Dana’s newest air ride trailer suspensions, 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 officials say resulted in roughly 60 lbs. of weight savings, increased payloads, and improved fuel efficiency. Dana said the computer-modeling technology also allowed them to simultaneously maximize the strength and reliability features of the new SmartRide suspensions.

Dana officials say they are the first in the industry to offer 5-3/4-inch diameter axle tubes, but company engineers were able to reduce the weight of each axle by 30 lbs. when compared to a traditional five-inch diameter axle. The large diameter axle is designed to decrease deflection by 15 per cent to reduce tire wear and improve fuel economy.

For more information on Dana Spicer systems and other Roadranger products and services, visit www.roadranger.com