LOUISVILLE, Ky. – ArvinMeritor Commercial Vehicle Systems will make the first phases of its new DuraSlide trailer air suspension available beginning May 2005.

The new sliding tandem air suspension system is the evolution from the RideStar RHP11 and includes engineering enhancements to several sub-components, which are to be introduced in several stages.

Implementation will begin with the new upper control arms and Meritor’s 5000 Series axle.

The introduction of the slider later this year will mark the final phase of evolution from the RHP11.

At that time, the complete system will be available under the DuraSlide name (previously announced as the RXP Series).

Features of the DuraSlide suspension system include:

* No dock walk and smooth ride with parallelogram design

* Integrated slider, trailer axles and brakes for a “complete undercarriage” solution

* Roll-stability and resistance to curbing damage

* Slider design optimizes material placement for extra durability

* New crossmember design for pin mechanism protection;

* Relocation of the pin handle to the front of the suspension for easy access

Trailer axles will be available with a full range of spindle profiles, such as the packaged-bearing TL, as well as the TN and TP. The system can be customized with a full line of products, including the Meritor Tire Inflation System by P.S.I., Meritor automatic slack adjusters, Q Plus cam brakes, and EX225 air disc brakes.

The DuraSlide is designed for sliding tandem dry van and refrigerated trailer applications.

It will be assembled in the company’s Frankfort, Ky. manufacturing facility.

Aftermarket parts will be available through ArvinMeritor’s aftermarket distribution centres in Florence, Ky. and Brampton, Ont.