A sensor system for actuating the lifting of a steerable axle of a wheeled vehicle includes at least one proximity switch mounted on a first structure of the wheeled vehicle and at least one magnet mounted on a second structure of the wheeled vehicle, wherein at least one of the first and second structures pivots relative to the other structure. When at least one of the first and second structures moves to a predetermined position relative to the other structure, the at least one proximity switc...

There is disclosed a vehicle air suspension of the trailing arm type in which a system for lifting one or more road wheels whose load-bearing capacity is not required comprises a cradle having a platform member on which is supported an air bag. The air bag is disposed, on inflation, to act on a longitudinal member of the suspension so as to urge that member, and a road wheel attached thereto, upwardly. The cradle has a pair of arms which pass to opposite sides of the longitudinal member. Embodim...

A vehicle suspension comprising first and second arms mountable to a vehicle frame for vertical swinging movement adjacent opposite sides of the vehicle frame, each of which mounts an axle for rotatably supporting at least one ground-engaging wheel thereon. Air springs are mounted between the arms and the frame in load-transmitting relation therebetween. An improved axle lift mechanism for lifting the axles and the at least one wheel responsive to relief of air pressure in the air springs is pro...

A multi-piece axle employing assembly hardware for forming a rigid axle structure which, in addition, connects the multi-piece axle to a suspension, thereby eliminating conventional axle seats. More specifically, a multi-piece axle having dual function hardware for simultaneously assembling the axle into a single rigid member as well as assembling a suspension portion thereto.

A shock absorbing auxiliary wheel for a mobile home with a set of wheels positioned on a lower surface thereof. Further provided is at least one auxiliary wheel assembly positioned behind the wheels of the mobile home. The wheel assembly is adapted to engage the ground and absorb any shock associated with such engagement.

An apparatus and lifting method for a vehicle axle having a first bracket, a second bracket, an air spring and at least one connector. The first bracket has two substantially vertically oriented slots. The second bracket has a substantially horizontal plate and a bar secured to the plate. The ends of the bar extend through the vertically oriented slots. The air spring is located under the horizontal plate. Connectors connect the bar to the axle housing so that when the air bag is inflated the se...

A steerable lift axle/suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle such as a semi-trailer or a straight truck, includes a pair of steering dampers and a backup lock. The steering dampers minimize shimmy of the steerable wheels during over-the-road operation of the vehicle, and straighten the wheels on such steerable axle/suspension systems having a lift feature when the system is raised. The backup lock secures the wheels in a straightened position when such liftable systems are raised and the veh...

A modular wheeled suspension system which may be actuated to move a cargo holding deck or vehicle frame between a ground engaging load position to facilitate the loading of cargo and a transport position out of contact with the ground is provided. An adjustable telescoping frame for the cargo holding deck is further provided to accommodate loads of different sizes. The suspension system employs an arrangement of air bags supported between pivoted bracket elements located adjacent to the vehicle ...

An auxiliary axle assembly in which a pair of pivoted swing arms, each supporting a wheel are mounted to a frame member to extend downwardly and outwardly therefrom. Controllably pressurized air springs are mounted to a respective swing arm to set a desired level of the axle assembly when hitched to a loaded vehicle. The wheels swing on the arms to automatically align with the radius of a turn arc.

A lift axle suspension includes an axle and a first suspension air bag acting one of directly or indirectly in a downward direction upon the axle. A lever is provided having a first end, a second end, and a fulcrum selectively positioned between the first end and the second end. The first end is linked to the axle. A second lift air bag acts in a downward direction upon the second end of the lever. This causes the lever to pivot about the fulcrum such that the first end of the lever, which is li...