Brackets for mounting auxiliary suspension systems, such as lift axle systems, to vehicles are disclosed herein. For example, brackets are disclosed for attaching lift axle hanger brackets and lift axle load springs to corresponding frame members. In some embodiments, the frame brackets can include physical features (e.g., a series of graduated steps in an edge portion thereof) to facilitate visual alignment of the lift axle with the vehicle frame members during installation. In other embodiments, the frame brackets can be two-piece brackets that enable the load springs to be removed and replaced without having to detach the frame bracket from the frame rail.

Brackets for mounting auxiliary suspension systems, such as lift axle systems, to vehicles are disclosed herein. For example, brackets are disclosed for attaching lift axle hanger brackets and lift axle load springs to corresponding frame members. In some embodiments, the frame brackets can include physical features (e.g., a series of graduated steps in an edge portion thereof) to facilitate visual alignment of the lift axle with the vehicle frame members during installation. In other embodiments, the frame brackets can be two-piece brackets that enable the load springs to be removed and replaced without having to detach the frame bracket from the frame rail.

Systems, methods, and computer readable storage media provide dynamic chassis and tire status indications associated with a vehicle. Lift axle status data may be graphically represented by a lift axle indicator dynamically provided in a shared notification/messaging space positioned within the driver's line of sight during a lift axle transition. The lift axle indicator may include a side-view representation of the vehicle including a plurality of axle sections indicating the status of each axle. The lift axle indicator may be suppressed when air pressure is stabilized. Additionally, a graphical representation of data associated with statuses (e.g., air pressure, temperature) of each tire may be provided in a top-down view representation of the vehicle including its associated tire/axle configuration and the tire pressure for each tire. The graphical representation may be configured to reflect the correct number of axles and tires per position, and may further include a tractor versus trailer designation.

A steerable vehicle suspension can include an axle, at least one retractor having a length that decreases in response to a pressure increase applied to the retractor, and at least one wheel spindle. Resistance to rotation of the wheel spindle relative to the axle increases in response to the pressure increase applied to the retractor. A method of operating a steerable vehicle suspension of a vehicle can include allowing steering knuckles rotatably mounted at opposite ends of an axle to rotate relative to the axle while the vehicle moves forward, and applying an inwardly directed force simultaneously to each of the steering knuckles. Another steerable vehicle suspension can include two rotatably mounted steering knuckles, and two retractors connected to the steering knuckles. An inwardly directed force is applied by each retractor to a respective one of the steering knuckles in response to pressure applied to the retractors.

A trailer having a liftable first axle and an air suspended second axle includes a controller, a first valve coupled to the first axle and a second valve coupled to the second axle. The controller receives an air suspension exhaust request signal and a pressure signal from an air suspension bellows coupled to the second axle. The controller transmits an air suspension control signal to the second valve in response to the air suspension exhaust request signal and transmits a lift axle control signal to the first valve to lower the first axle in response to the pressure signal being less than a predetermined pressure value.

A lift axle suspension for a tandem trailer has first and second suspension air bags for first and second axles. There is a lift air bag that, when pressurized, applies a lifting force to lift the second axle relative to the first axle. A first pneumatic circuit supplies compressed air to the first suspension air bag and a diverter valve and is controlled by a height selector valve that is opened and closed based on the ride height of the trailer. The diverter valve selectively supplies compressed air to the second suspension air bag and a pressure regulator that limits air pressure to a predetermined pressure. A second pneumatic supplies compressed air to the lift air bag and is controlled by a pilot valve.

A method for controlling the safe operation of a rear axle of a set of combined axles powered by a motor vehicle, particularly for a vehicle designed to carry loads and which have 6×4, 8×4 or 10×4 type traction configurations, or tridem models formed by three drive axles. The method includes a set of steps and activities that ensure proper and safe operation of systems and mechanisms for uncoupling and raising a rear axle of a vehicle, and more specifically checking a status of certain operating parameters of the rear axle and of the vehicle itself in order to permit or prevent uncoupling and coupling, as well as raising and lowering of the rear axle of the vehicle.

Provided are an air spring upper support, a vehicle air spring assembly, and a vehicle. The air spring upper support is used for a vehicle air spring. The air spring upper support is configured to be of a split structure having an upper housing and a lower housing, the upper housing and the lower housing are connected to each other and form a receiving space, the air spring upper support further has a bushing, and the bushing is arranged in the receiving space.

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a lift axle of a vehicle. To assist with braking according to an operation of a forward collision avoidance (FCA) system by using the lift axle in an emergency braking situation, the vehicle lift axle control apparatus includes a lift axle actuator that drives the lift axle of the vehicle, an interworking device that interworks with the FCA system, and a controller that controls the lift axle actuator based on information obtained from the FCA system.

A vehicle suspension includes at least one anchor bar, at least one axle lift spring, an auxiliary drop-type axle which may be selectively lifted or lowered and a single, integrated support attaching the at least one axle lift spring and the at least one anchor bar to the auxiliary drop-type axle, wherein the single, integrated support provides the only attachment of the at least one axle lift spring and the at least one anchor bar to the auxiliary drop-type axle, and wherein the support includes an open area configured to allow the passage of a cardan.