Posted 2013-01-24 9:56 AM (#149517) Subject: Air Ride/Air Assist suspension on LQs
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Pleasant Hill, Oregon
Does anyone on this forum use, recommend, or have knowledge of "Air Ride" or "Air Assist" suspension enhancements for transporting horses more comfortably over long distances? Seems like many of our major highways are really deteriorating lately, especially in Ca. and Idaho. I travel for 2-3 days with my endurance horses, and for most events we camp in fields with rough uneven ground. I am ordering a new 31 ft. GN/LQ with estimated loaded weight of 19K. I would hate to spend 1000s of $$$ for a suspension system that rips off on rough ground or on tight turns when the trailer hangs over the edge of the road a bit. Thank you!
Posted 2013-01-24 7:39 PM (#149524 - in reply to #149517) Subject: RE: Air Ride/Air Assist suspension on LQs
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
We have it on our tow unit but not on the trailer. Ours is a Link System and in 3 years and 47k no problems at all. I really think it helps the trailer ride also. I have been around a few on trailers, and they do require a little maintenance, but sure didn't cause any problems that I knew. I don't see you getting the investment back in resale, but if you plan on keeping the trailer forever, might sure be worth it.
Posted 2013-01-26 11:18 PM (#149560 - in reply to #149517) Subject: RE: Air Ride/Air Assist suspension on LQs
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
I would also add that most trailer air suspensions that I have seen, are based loosely on over the road semi trailer's air suspension and use a lot of the same parts. They have been used for years and are pretty much bullet proof. I don't think you would have any issues.
Posted 2013-02-09 3:58 AM (#149781 - in reply to #149517) Subject: RE: Air Ride/Air Assist suspension on LQs
New User
Posts: 3
Location: ROCKY RIVER
Timbren/STI has an air ride suspension that has been the leading seller over the past 10 years. www.ridetheair.com 888-877-3058. A majority of the companies that manufacture trailers can supply it. It can be added as a retrofit as well. A warning - once you go with air ride, you will never be able to buy a trailer without it again! The big names in each discipline have it and will tell you that the ride for the horse is like standing in the pasture all day. When they arrive at the show they are not fatigued or sweaty. It is an expensive option, but your trailer will last longer, the transmission in the tow vehicle will last longer, and you no longer feel the jolt in the tow vehicle when you cross bridges so you are less fatigued when you arrive. Look at it as an investment.