LANSING, Michigan - If you're heading out into the backcountry with a trailer or other outdoor gear in tow, you know that ride comfort is often sacrificed for control when you're towing a heavy load. But it's now possible for heavy-duty pickup truck owners to have both a comfortable ride and towing control, with the new RoadTamerâ„¢ suspension system from the Air Lift Company. RoadTamer delivers both comfort and control to a vehicle when it's towing a heavy load by replacing a vehicle's rough-riding steel leaf springs with soft-riding air springs similar to what are installed on commercial semi trucks.
"Our design is a scaled down version of the time-proven tractor/trailer suspension," said Brad Matznick, RoadTamer program manager, Air Lift Company. "With RoadTamer, it's now possible to have both a comfortable ride and increased control while towing heavy loads like fifth-wheel travel trailers, boats or other outdoor toys."
RoadTamer combines a fully-engineered air suspension, comprised of two control arms which connect the front factory spring mounts to the axle, and a control link (panhard rod) that is installed laterally between one of the control arms and the frame. The system controls axle movement to best stabilize and control the truck and cargo when pulling a full load, and it also increases ride quality when the truck is empty.
RoadTamer benefits include:
A smoother ride empty or loaded Better roll control Cushioned road shock Reduced stress on the vehicle, passengers AND cargo.
The "brain" of the system is Air Lift's exclusive SmartAir electronic height controlled automatic leveling system. SmartAir is used in conjunction with an upgraded, heavier duty compressor for complete hands-off control, regardless of the load. The system features an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) which is calibrated to the truck's ride height at the time of installation. When the truck is loaded, the ECU automatically senses the truck sagging and turns on the compressor, filling the air springs to level the truck. When the truck is unloaded, the ECU again senses the height change and releases air from the air bags.
RoadTamer also is available with a variety of options: A "kneeling" feature, which allows the user to remove all air from the air bags to drop the rear of the truck for easier loading and unloading; Select-a-Ride Shocks and Digital Damping System, shock absorbers with a 9-position damping adjustment capability. The shocks are manually adjustable or they can be combined with Air Lift's exclusive Digital Controller for on-the-fly adjustment. (For trucks over 10,000 GVWR only). An expansion tank, which increases the effective volume of the air springs by 35 percent and provides a smoother ride over bumps. Suggested for 1-ton trucks and recommended for ¾-ton trucks.
The system comes with a two-year limited warranty. RoadTamer carries an MSRP of $2,179.00 for the ¾ and 1-ton versions; $2749.00 for the 1 ½-ton kit; plus approximately $500 for installation.
For more than 50 years, the Air Lift Company has been manufacturing a full line of air springs, components and air suspension parts for pickups, lowered vehicles, hot rods, drag racing, custom chassis, cars and motorhomes.
For more information on the RoadTamer or for technical advice contact Air Lift at (800) 248-0892, or visit www.roadtamer.com.
