A vehicle suspension system may include a first suspension assembly operably coupling a first wheel to a chassis of a vehicle, a second suspension assembly operably coupling a second wheel to the chassis where the first and second wheels form a pair of front wheels, a third suspension assembly operably coupling a third wheel to the chassis, a fourth suspension assembly operably coupling a fourth wheel to the chassis where the third and fourth wheels forming a first pair of rear wheels, and a payload extension kit that is attachable to the chassis non-permanently. The payload extension kit may include a fifth suspension assembly operably coupling a fifth wheel to a sub-frame extension of the payload extension kit, and a sixth suspension assembly operably coupling a sixth wheel to the sub-frame extension, where the fifth and sixth wheels form a second pair of rear wheels.

A spring assembly for a vehicle bogie suspension arrangement. The spring assembly includes a set of washers moulded into an elastomer body. The spring assembly has an axial extension in an axial direction and the washers are arranged relative to each other in the axial direction. At least one of the washers is a spring washer including a spring washer body and at least two spring tongues. Each spring tongue has a spring base connected to the spring washer body and a spring tip distal to the spring base. At least a portion of the spring tongue is located at a non-zero distance from the spring base in the axial direction.

A tandem suspension system. At least two parallel axles are connected via two eyeleted leaf springs. The eyeleted leaf springs have ends that terminate in eyelets. Each eyelet receives a bushing and adjustable pin. A bracket secures the axles to the eyeleted leaf springs. The eyeleted leaf springs are camelback leaf springs, planar leaf springs or bent leaf springs. Additional leaf springs are also provided.

A spring assembly for a vehicle bogie suspension arrangement. The spring assembly includes a set of washers moulded into an elastomer body. The spring assembly has an axial extension in an axial direction and the washers are arranged relative to each other in the axial direction.

At least one of the washers is a spring washer including a spring washer body and at least two spring tongues. Each spring tongue has a spring base connected to the spring washer body and a spring tip distal to the spring base. At least a portion of the spring tongue is located at a non-zero distance from the spring base in the axial direction.

A tandem suspension system. At least two parallel axles are connected via two eyeleted leaf springs. The eyeleted leaf springs have ends that terminate in eyelets. Each eyelet receives a bushing and adjustable pin. A bracket secures the axles to the eyeleted leaf springs. The eyeleted leaf springs are camelback leaf springs, planar leaf springs or bent leaf springs. Additional leaf springs are also provided.

A suspension system for a vehicle includes: a composite leaf spring having a protective member which covers an outer surface of the composite leaf spring; and an abrasion-preventing pad coupled to the composite leaf spring and shielding. The protective member and the abrasion-preventing pad are disposed at a portion of the composite leaf spring to which a U-bolt is mounted.

A suspension system for a vehicle includes: a composite leaf spring having a protective member which covers an outer surface of the composite leaf spring; and an abrasion-preventing pad coupled to the composite leaf spring and shielding. The protective member and the abrasion-preventing pad are disposed at a portion of the composite leaf spring to which a U-bolt is mounted.

The invention relates to a suspension (20) in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention that permits reducing the number of load cells (14) incorporated in a suspension (20) of a vehicle or a trailer such as a semi-trailer to be towed by a towing vehicle. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention reduction of the number of load cells (14) is accomplished through the use of pivot joints (34) (that pivotally attach the suspension rockers (32) to the hangers 26) of reduced friction. In particular embodiments of the invention, the number and location of the low and lower friction pivot joints (34) may be chosen such as to increase the accuracy of measurement of the load cells. The invention also relates to load cell pins (62) for defining the pivot joint (34) that pivotally attaches rockers (32) to hangers (26) of the suspension (20).

A vehicle wheel suspension including a spring unit suspending a vehicle wheel on a vehicle body. The spring unit including a leaf spring portion extending along a Y-axis. The spring unit including a wheel carrier portion receiving a vehicle wheel. The wheel carrier portion at an end or outboard side of the leaf spring portion. The wheel carrier portion extending transversely to the leaf spring portion.

A suspension system for a vehicle includes: a composite leaf spring having a protective member which covers an outer surface of the composite leaf spring; and an abrasion-preventing pad coupled to the composite leaf spring and shielding. The protective member and the abrasion-preventing pad are disposed at a portion of the composite leaf spring to which a U-bolt is mounted