Meritor’s newest air-ride trailer suspension-family members are the MTA25 (25,000-lb capacity) and MTA30 (30,000-lb capacity). These trailing-arm suspensions are aimed at various vocational markets, including platform, tanker, grain, logging, plus bottom-, side-, and end-dump trailers.
 
Both suspensions, as well as the previously offered MTA23, are available with the company’s new optional lift kit. It’s a quick-response system that allows users to raise select axles "efficiently", the company says. Available in painted or galvanized finishes, the lift kit can be installed as original equipment or an "easy" field retrofit.
 
Among six technology advancements on the new suspensions are a patent-pending axle-wrap design for a secure and durable axle connection. As well, they sport bigger, more robust shock absorbers with three times the damping power of its competitors, Meritor claims. The larger-bore design provides greater suspension control and more consistent tire contact with the ground, reducing tread wear, improving braking and enhancing handling.

The patented pivot bushing is said to absorb road inputs, bringing a softer ride, more cargo protection, and reduced stress on the trailer’s structure. Patented steel interleaf shims in the bushing are said to provide superior fore-aft stiffness that helps improve axle alignment while reducing both tire wear and roll steer.

Introduced in 2010, the MTA23 was the first member of the new suspension systems family. It will be expanded with the introduction of new low-mount models next summer.
 
The MTA trailer suspension system is integrated with Meritor trailer axles and Q Plus Cam Brakes. All are covered by the company’s five-year, 500,000-mile warranty on structural components. Optional components include air disc brakes, automatic slack adjusters, the SteelLite X30 drum and lightweight hub, and the Meritor Tire Inflation System by P.S.I.