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KALAMAZOO, Mich…Dana Corporation’s Commercial Vehicle Systems group has started production of its new Dana Spicer® RS 40 SmartRide™ trailer suspension. The announcement comes in conjunction with the recent delivery of 100 new Wabash National® DuraPlate® HD trailers equipped with the new SmartRide suspensions and Dana Spicer® TIMS™ (Tire Inflation and Monitor System) to Dart Transit Company of Eagan, Minn.
“We’re confident this initial production order, coupled with interest from other major customers, begins a long, successful run for these two exciting products,” said Mark Holley, product manager of trailer axle and chassis control systems at Dana. “Our trailer suspension systems continue to evolve to meet the demands of our customers.”
Dana’s newest air ride trailer suspensions, the SmartRide RS 40 and RS 46, are now available at all major dry van and reefer trailer OEMs. The suspensions were designed with Dana’s proprietary shape optimization and computer analysis software, which resulted in roughly 60 pounds of weight savings, increased payloads, and improved fuel efficiency. This same computer-modeling technology allowed Dana to simultaneously maximize the strength and reliability features of the new SmartRide suspensions.
Not only is Dana the first in the industry to offer 5-3/4-inch diameter axle tubes, but company engineers were able to reduce the weight of each axle by 30 pounds when compared to a traditional 5-inch diameter axle. The large diameter axle also decreases deflection by 15 percent to reduce tire wear and improve fuel economy.
Dana Spicer TIMS is now available as a stand-alone product or integrated with Bendix® TABS-6 trailer ABS. TIMS features a two-solenoid manifold design that allows for non-pressurized seals and lines when not inflating tires for improved safety and maximum seal life. TIMS is available for factory and off-line installation on all makes and models of trailers manufactured in North America.
For more information on Dana Spicer systems and other Roadranger products and services, visit the Internet at www.roadranger.com, or write to Roadranger Marketing, P.O. Box 4013, Kalamazoo, MI 49003. To reach a Roadranger right now, dial 1-800-826-HELP (4357) in the U.S. and Canada. In Mexico, dial 01-800-826-4357.
The Roadranger® solution is an unbeatable combination of the best drivetrain, chassis, and safety components from Dana Corporation and Eaton Corporation, all backed by the Roadrangers – the most experienced, most expert, and most accessible drivetrain consultants in the business.
Dana’s Commercial Vehicle Systems group, part of the Heavy Vehicle Technologies and Systems Group, designs, manufactures, and markets front-steer, rear-drive, trailer, and auxiliary axles; driveshafts; steering shafts; brakes; suspensions; tire management systems; and related systems, modules, and services for the commercial vehicle market. Major components and modules are marketed under the Spicer® brand name. Dana’s strategic marketing alliance with Eaton Corporation’s Truck Components group provides innovative drivetrain systems under the Roadranger® brand name.
Dana people design and manufacture products for every major vehicle producer in the world. Dana is focused on being an essential partner to automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle customers, which collectively produce more than 60 million vehicles every year. A leading supplier of axle, driveshaft, engine, frame, chassis, and transmission technologies, Dana employs 46,000 people in 28 countries. The company is based in Toledo, Ohio, and reported sales of $9.1 billion in 2004. Dana’s Internet address is www.dana.com.
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Wabash National® DuraPlate® is a licensed trademark of Wabash National Corporation.
Bendix® is a licensed trademark of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC.
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