Decoding Truck Suspensions: Rubber Block vs. Air Ride Explained!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- Ever wondered about the nitty-gritty of truck suspensions? Today, join us as we dive into the world of heavy-duty truck suspensions, comparing the rugged Hendrickson rubber block system to the smoother air-ride setup.
First up, we explore the Hendrickson rubber block over walking beam suspension. Learn why the rubber block adds a cushion to the walking beam, providing a tough, no-maintenance system with highway articulation. Discover firsthand experiences of driving trucks equipped with this system, from the smooth ride with a load to the shake without.
Next, we unravel the complexities of air-ride suspension. From airbags to leveling valves, we break down the components that contribute to a softer and more comfortable ride. Understand the trade-offs, including increased maintenance, additional airlines, and potential air leaks.
Take a closer look at the comparison between the Hendrickson Primax and the air-liner suspension. Delve into the details of torque arms, wishbones, and the sway factor that can affect bushing wear. Gain insights into the preferences for specific applications, from highway cruising to off-road adventures.
As we explore various suspension types, including primitive spring packs and heavy-duty off-road setups, you'll see why choosing the right suspension is crucial for the intended use of the truck.
But here's where you come in! We're introducing a new membership program for our most dedicated fans. Get exclusive access to behind-the-scenes decision-making, where you can contribute your thoughts on crucial aspects like suspension choices, battery mounting, and even the color of the truck. Join us in shaping the future of Edison Motors!
Hit like, subscribe, and become part of the Edison Motors community. Your input matters, and we're excited to have you on this journey as we build the toughest trucks with your insights in mind. Stay tuned for more exciting content and updates on our electric truck prototype! ⚙️🔧
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🔧 Built by Truckers, for Truckers 🔧
Founded by Chace Barber and Eric Little in 2016, Edison Motors is a testament to the trucking spirit. Beginning with a 1969 Kenworth Logging Truck named "Old Blue," they journeyed from Merritt, BC, hauling logs to the Yukon and drilling rigs in Alberta. Frustrated with newer trucks, they rebuilt classics from the frame up, expanding into power generation and off-grid solar systems in 2019. Their journey led to the creation of the Edison Truck, a robust electric truck tailored to logging and heavy vocational industries.
🔩 Upgrade Without Replacing: Edison Electrification Kit 🔩
Keep trucks on the road longer with the Edison Electrification kit. Upgrade your driveline to electric without replacing the entire truck. Ideal for vocational applications, this kit is a cost-effective solution. Unlike other electric trucks, Edison Motors offers customer choice. Choose between Rebuilding (utilizing existing cab and frame rails) or Remanufacturing (brand new frame and chassis).
🚚 Payload Efficiency: The Weight Balance 🚚
Edison Trucks match the weight of a normal diesel truck. With reduced motor weight and additional fuel balancing out battery weight, experience efficiency and increased payload capacity. The L series, though slightly heavier, remains comparable to a normal diesel truck.
🛠️ Keep Your Equipment with Rebuilt Trucks 🛠️
For vocational trucks, keep your equipment with a rebuilt truck. Edison's e-pto and control system integrate seamlessly. No need to replace your entire body when upgrading to an electric truck.
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The manufacturing process at Edison Motors is a testament to their commitment to customer satisfaction. Each Edison Truck undergoes a meticulous five-step process, from frame and rolling chassis preparation to final touches and rigorous testing. The focus is on building a truck that reflects the customer's requirements, embracing the philosophy of "Building The Truck Of The Future With The Quality Of The Past."
🔌 Electric or Diesel-Electric: Your Power, Your Choice 🔌
Edison Motors offers both fully electric and diesel-electric vocational trucks based on customer demands. The onboard generator ensures continuous operation in areas lacking charging infrastructure.
💡 Advantages of Electric: Power, Torque, Longevity 💡
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www.EdisonMotors.ca - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I have to say I love how genuine these videos are, you can tell its not a bunch of marketing BS like most manufacturers spew, while talking up their truck. Chase finding a random wrench was probably my favourite moment
ESTIMATED WEIGHT? Estimated weight difference with an alike conventional truck?
That wrench was funny
@@01mustang05
You havin a stroke, bud?
@@01mustang05
They went over the weight difference in another video. Your comment was just wildly out of place so it threw me off at first lol
@@i-love-comountains3850 I don't subscribe to this channel but YT keeps recommending videos by this one, so I watched a few but didn't come across any weight info, which is an issue I know other thing they have with E-Trucks being too heavy for already crappy roads; so I just wanted to see if they might be right, by posting a question or two, hoping for an answer without contempt and stupidity, that would save me from watching who knows how many videos that likely contain Letter Kenny speech that I already find annoying an might not even find what I was curious about, while I don't have all the time in the world to research.
Great video! As someone who's studied railway locomotives mostly its really interesting to see how other types of vehicles go about their suspension!
Have you looked into torsion bar suspension systems? They're rather fascinating, in my opinion. Simple, proven, reliable.
I keep saying how much I respect not just the product you guys are trying to create, but the method you're using to develop it. You're not just going straight to some Gucci parts that will be as easy as possible on the system, you're picking base line parts that will STRESS the system. It's all fine and dandy to make a highway vehicle and specify exactly how it's supposed to be used but you know that's not what your making or how the operators are gonna use it. In my line of work, we constantly deal with two classes of equipment, the stuff made for literal warzones, and civilian quality equipment; and that truck could be used in a war zone.
Honestly I'm a bit surprised there's not more EdisonMotors-style powertrains in military vehicles. Seems like it would be advantageous.
@@i-love-comountains3850i though that there's a experimental a1m1 Abram that has a similar drive system
I'm also surprised by it. Especially for something like military vehicles which by and large tend to start pretty lightweight for recce vehicles, but quickly balloons as you go down the list of types of vehicles. Even "light Armoured vehicles" like the Canadian LAV6 would benefit greatly from it. My only concern is the volatility of current battery tech, but I'm sure the US military industrial complex is working on that lol.
100% on the money Hendrickson Primaxx is hands down the best off road truck suspension. Keep up the good work!
Scania suspension is up there
Chalmers suspension is the best off-road, heavy load suspension system. It rides good empty and can handle huge loads with ease.
Off-highway Heavy FTW.
People are always saying something like, "Yeah, but electric can't do X, Y, Z."
Efficiency? The most efficient highway truck is riding on a rail car.
Build the truck you would want to drive every day… it’s just the best place to start. The insight into this build is fantastic, I’m a truck driver / marine engineer who used to build heavy towing equipment like tugs. Grunt is everything.
Aussie truckie here I used to drive twin steer hook lift and bogey tippers and had to go off road to get loads or drop them off. Airbags are useless off road compared to spring....ur articulation is hampered. As said unloaded it's a rougher ride but at least it gets u thru the rough stuff and gets u home.....ur not waiting for a tow or hoping ur not last to rip off in the quarry and u have to sleep in ur truck lol
100% cost and lead time are always the best deciding factor
Keep up the good work. It is easy to tell that you have a good crew of hard working men working for you.
Thought you would like to know I'm in the HDM course at TRU, and we watch your videos in class. Ain't that a trip! 😂 love your content man, keep it up!
You guys are so incredible! keep up the amazing work!
Love what you guys are doing! Keep up the good work!
Camelback holds up pretty well
The ending LOL I love You guys!
I drove a 1965 Peterbilt with Hendrickson leaf spring walking beam. It had an aluminum frame and would beat the daylights out of you. It was worst between 38-42 MPH. You will definitely test everything with that suspension.
We run dump trucks and find the Hendrickson leaf spring walking beam is way better off-road than airliner. Traction is way better and gives us way less problems.
With all due respect, unless they're engineering a truck themselves or have worked on trucks in the past, I don't think anyone else but your team really needs to have any input. You know what you need when you get to the part that's being worked on and we, as viewers and supporters only really know what we're told. Too many opinions can make for a really bad time
Love these long for videos BSing about trucks! Keep them coming
Chase; try the hendrickson AR2, it is also a good option. Greetings from Colombia!👏🏽
I feel like a combo of rubber block and something like that Bose seat tech they sold (and might still sell) in some newer trucks could be golden, combo the bulletproof nature of that rubber block with something more localized to save the driver from getting rattled might be golden.
The primaxx is good ! One issue is the big pivot bolt comes loose!
Chase. Your awesome , straight forward common sense just great
You know a lot of stuff, thanks for sharing brother!
I’m in the uneducated pile for sure. But suspension is top of the pet peeve dept. when it comes to trucks and trailers.
What they do for the heavy duty does not come close to comparing what you get for light duty mass marketing “performance”mind set.. albeit ignoring obvious safety issues appeasing most owners that throw away their truck after the new shiny ones come out.
My old square body pick-ups will out do most newer bubble trucks with their thousand bells and whistles that add -0- value to said vehicle only to break within the first couple of years.
What I just learned here was invaluable.
Thank you.
Your videos remind me of old school GM videos where they sell you a product by showing its quality. Not with marketing bull.
We run new Kenworth’s and get Chalmers, but deal with a ton of mud. I’ve ran air, spring and Chalmers. I like Chalmers the best but heard good things about haulmax set up especially for mule trains like mine.
The concept will be sweet for a highway application as well with the hybrid power train
When I started driving it was on a '95 L9000 with the Hendrickson walking beam. The toughest suspension besides a camel back for the old bulldog.
Really enjoying the content and mission, you guys are great.
Much love from Tacoma Washington down in the States
Both Chace and I (Theron Danger) have trucked through Tacoma.
Thank You for your support.
@EdisonMotors when you make the pickup retrofit kit, pleaaaase make a front e axle
Finally Chace barber if you lived in quebec we would be friends I praise spring and rubber bloc suspension for years people call me crazy
If You Put Airbags Checkout Hare Bag In Australia And The Airlines That Equalise Between The Bags Is 1-2” Hydraulic Hose For Faster Reaction Of Air Between The Bags And Ride Height Valves On All Four Sides Instead Of Two One Front And One Rear
Just curious why did you capitalize every single word lol
@@NIHILWR Same Reason You Did It To Your Username, Looks Cool 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@@FromLandVegemiteSamichhow hard do you think it is to get a job driving trucks in Australia as an American? Been my dream to run down there for a few years.
@@WillBilly.You gotta go to driving school in whatever state you're trying to move to, get your HC license and then get your MC if you have experience with multiple trailers. Jobs aren't too hard to come by.
@@WillBilly. Shouldn’t Be Too Hard If Have Experience Driving Roadranger Manuals, I’m Not 100% Sure What You Need To Do But What The Other Guy Said Sounds About Right
They have a Western Star facility by me in Ridgefield WA, occasionally i see their prototypes driving around with tape over the emblems
Yep. Gotta use what’s proven to make sure that it’s durable before actual production
The peterbilt airtrac suspension does good off-road. I drive a 93 379 and have loaded the dump body several times well above 18 yards and she handles it just fine. Even had a dump body break at the hinge while dumping around 20 yards of topsoil and the truck stood proud as the hydraulic cylinder snapped like a twig.
If you want great air suspension, check out europe Volvo's or Scania's suspension and driveline. There is many features, like weight transfer between drive axles, continuously adjustable suspension height from drivers seat. They also have tandem drive with liftable second drive axle with power cutoff so when the truck is empty you can drive only one drive axle on the ground, less fuel consumption and easier maneuvering on tight places. That would also be good on electric truck, lower electricity consumption when driving with empty truck
th-cam.com/video/AvgDYT83mqs/w-d-xo.html
That sounds like a neat system! Effectively shortening the wheelbase, and increasing efficiency, genius!
@@goosenotmaverick1156 originally that is a Finnish invention, Finnish truck manufacturer Sisu has been manufacturing that system since year 1993 😁. But they don't have air suspension
th-cam.com/video/0xE764Jp5gc/w-d-xo.html
I work for a fleet company that has alot of trucks that service mining industrial and in town customers. And we have 2006 model scania P310s that have had less suspension work done (replacing bushes etc) than the 2017 plus model DAF CFs
This is my favorite video in a while just cause you can see the next four Edison R-Series truck bodies in it.
I believe keep everything extremely simple to focus on the E axles and getting everything 100% in that department before getting into air ride and sliding turn tables ect ect . Limit the potentials of other things that may fail
We run dump trucks and find the Hendrickson leaf spring walking beam is way better off-road than airliner. Traction is way better and gives us fewer problems.
I like the leaf springs or blocks as well. The only time I've gotten stuck with a truck with springs was when a pipe under the dirt road collapsed. The air ride was just a pain off road
Skookum. Never heard that word before. love ti.
Cant wait to see on road truck like a real western star fetures kinda with a sleeper ill be 1st inline
I do like a walking beam for off highway use, DumB trucks and Log trucks, the air bag stuff is a nice ride, but you will get stuck easier...
That aside, can you guys source drop in center sections? to convert existing axles?
I'm pretty sure that's been done, but the existing axles seem to struggle with the torque and speed of torque applied. I sure it can be done but it'd probably be more expensive and time consuming to get it dialed down.
I drove a Diamond T with the blocks and yes it was rough. We also had a Reo with it and they ended up replacing it with springs.
Painfully Rough suspension = best suspension
Best for the use. Not best for the ride.
You would be surprised how much the tires affect the ride. My ‘59 Oshkosh has a 12” spring pack and only 1/2” clearance to the helper springs. Same spring pack with helpers up front as in back. Despite this stiff suspension and short wheelbase, the ride is actually good. I feel that’s because of the 54” 16-20 tires that have a flexible sidewall, despite having a 14k wheel capacity. Something to consider.
Great content! The color on the video turned yellow around 9:15, you might want to set your camera not to adjust mid-scene or just lock it down to Manual white balance.👍
The camera is new to me, I’m still learning.
Thanks for your suggestions, I will look into that.
- Theron Danger
For your bush off road suspension.. you should consider military surplus 5 ton rigs. BMY Harsco m931a2 or Stewart Stevenson. I own both as suplus trucks on my ranch. Indestructable. Built for the battlefield, proven in the cornfields.
Good work. Other than you truckers, who would have thought there are so many choices.
Definitely the most heavy duty you can build with still being able to carry the same amount of weight as the diesel you have 4k extract in weight that you can beaf the truck up with
Good work!! I think I am going to build a hybrid truck also. Been thinking about it.
loved this!
I mod for video games and this has really helped thank you!
And I love it when drivers complain their 2022 cascadia rides rough 😹
My favorite suspension is chalmers rubber block
Gotta include air ones. It's better even rough terrain because you can lift and lean to clear obstacle
So when you say you went with rubber block on the prototype to save time and prefer air ride, are you going to run all production trucks air ride or will rubber block be an option?
The walking beam in the back of my roll off doesn't beat on you half as bad as the 20k front axle with 425s does 😂 I find they're more stable than air ride, and they do articulate better off road, both of those things matter big time loaded heavy on construction sites and in the landfill 😁
Peterbilt airtrack suspension is a very good suspension for both of road and on highway it is a 46000 lb suspension with a very good ride and the best traction of any suspension ever made for these semi’s it is also a very reliable suspension with only torque arms that you would have to replace.
You should change the rubber with hockey pucks
Enjoy the videos, but I will 100% disagree that an air ride suspension needs more maintenance, and I’ve been around this stuff for for 30 plus years
Spring over walking beam here. Plus they tend to behave way better in the mud than airbag. Kenworth will argue with you about suspension i personally like Chalmers the mhc salesman argued how much better rhe eight bag is didnt buy a new kenworth bought a cutoff for the ol 86
lol the old Rock n roll suspension 😂
When I worked in Russia our bed trucks had rubber block and Big Six suspensions. Great for top heavy loads. Terrible in the sand. They had to be equiped with front drive axeles to even move in the sand. Any amount of crow hop would cause a shower of drive shafts. The only Canadian trucks that worked well had planetaries and were 6x6 or 6x8. The Russian trucks ran circles around us as they were tuned to work in sand. They just were not set up to move rigs. When winter came our trucks ruled again.
Humm Wrench.. Hahaha I am glad to see that happens to others..
Love it
Ah Wrench. Wicked deadpan.
Do you mean 'anti-vibration battery enclosures?' I'm available for marketing editorial services, lol. Cheers,ed
6:07 “Jesus wept” 😂
Regenerative suspension, recharge on every bump. Wonder how much regen you could get fully loaded?
BPW Single Point With Springs Are Great Offroad
Do you have to test each suspension setup on the truck with the extra torque from the new E-axles?
I say build the truck as tough as you can, like a tank lol
I know this sounds a little far fetched but could you do a independent front suspension with a center mounted electric motor? That way you can have a 6 wheel drive truck? Would be great for a mixer
That wrench must be a 10 mm.
No way he would find a 10mm wrench.
@@AlexKallsomeone has to find a few the 10 mms that have been lost
What’s your opinion on charmers walking beam? Thanks
farmers going offroad in muddy field know a "walking beam,mack camelback or ford Haulmax " will have more traction than air ride. Big fan of dump truck w/haulmax,ride is good.
ESTIMATED WEIGHT? Estimated weight difference with an alike conventional truck?
I wouldnt ask for help of the community, people say alot of what they like or what they dont like.
In the end many of them lie consious or unconsious to them self.
Louis Rossmann has a great video about that topic.
This truck has largely been built and engineered by our community. It’s a group effort
👍
The ol Mack camel back is pretty stout, and pretty rough riding. Not a fan of the Pete air ride or the KW 8 bag, the Pete always felt squishy and the 8 bag at least on a 187" wheelebase was worse than rubber bushing or steel springs. I don't remember which air ride the one Mack with air I drove had, rode pretty good.
Air is alright off road if the off road is mainly decently maintained dirt roads. For what I do, I like the steel springs just because if I have to turn around in a field or clearing I don't have to worry about poking a hole in an air bag. The 2023 Mack Granite I have at work with steel springs and disk brakes combined with Mack's top load axles doesn't leave much hanging down for stuff to snag.
Hendrickson makes off road military spec air ride, they might be able to figure out a way to bolt them up to the E axles you are using.
We had a Louisville Ford with a spring pack at each wheel on the drives.
Piss in front of a tire, and it would get stuck.
Sounds like Reyco suspension.
The main question who left that spanner behind?
Is it going to at least have a air ride seat?
Kind of off topic, what type of pickup truck do you like to drive daily
worst KW's TBB torsion bar. also a strange one was Freightliners Velvet ride? Not a fan of all the four spring Freightliner or Reyco's a lot of just hopping up and down when in sand.
you forgot to mention the one and only mack camelback suspension.
I have that style in my military truck but no rubber blocks at all, straight bolted to the chassis. Great that I can load it to 45k on the truck, but good grief it is rough on dirt/rocky (not gravel) roads
How is the arm?
❤
Chace and his E-Truck Race
The multi-part documentary available on TH-cam. Kinda.
I Like New Way
I love the 8 bag KW heavy spec suspension. Rides nice, tough.
I found it no good off highway lowbedding 120 psi and barely off the bump stops.
You must be a door swinger
Must have had a 220+ inch wheel base, cause I drove a T800 with it on a 187" wheelbase and it sucked.
Beautiful ride on-road, but terrible for traction off-road. The 8-bag allows the axles to corrugate the loose surface and lose traction.
If you think of the simplicity to no air bag systems....the owner saves more money...cheaper to run...less dot stops....ohh yeah😏👍...I dont care if it doesn't ride like a cloud but gives a ka ching in the pocket now a days due to so many policies than the modern system on trucks that's so expensive to run....I'm a happy person to spend less to operate more in the pocket
Could you show a Tri-axel and what that looks like?
Thanks man that’s what I was wondering
If I had to guess, I'd guess those e-axles aren't a penny less than $14k your cost, each.
What about Chalmers ?
When all the trucks are stuck the Hendrickson will still have traction
What about the front?
Haha Six Rod, My First Truck Had That, My Back Hated It
Are you going to make highway trucks?
Why not have a walking beam with air bags?
As a log truck truck driver in the lower 48 I’m curious to know will your trucks be legal here in the USA if not there could be a wonderful market for your truck in the western Arkansas eastern Oklahoma area just want a truck with a bob tail weight of around 19,000 pounds if possible