Tyres, Brakes, Wheels & Suspension - Why do Ifor Williams trailers have leaf spring suspension when most other manufacturers are using independent systems?

FAQs

F.A.Q: Tyres, Brakes, Wheels & Suspension

Frequently Asked Questions regarding technical issues of the tyres, brakes and wheels used on our trailers.

1. Why do Ifor Williams trailers have leaf spring suspension when most other manufacturers are using independent systems?

It's always difficult to answer a question like this objectively as our views are obviously biased!

However, we have stuck with the leaf spring arrangement because we believe it to be the best solution, particularly on trailers used that are to be heavily loaded.

Loading to the maximum gross weight has minimal effect on the attitude of the wheels and therefore the way the trailer steers, even on a well worn trailer. Tyre wear also tends to be more even because of this.

The beam axles act as anti-roll bars, stiffening the loaded trailer and minimizing roll and yaw.

Whilst cars have almost invariably used independent suspension systems for many years, this is not generally the case with the rear axles of commercial vehicles. Even car derived vans often have the rear suspension replaced with a beam axle.

We are convinced that the beam axle system is the best solution on all but the lightest trailers and will offer greater reliability and longevity. Our track record supports this.

Our system has been developed over a period of over forty years and now comprises single and twin parabolic taper leaf springs with progressive spring rates, tubular beam axles and what we believe to be the largest wheel bearings in use anywhere on trailers up to 3500kg gross weight. Bearings are no longer the twin conical units. As good as they were, they required regular adjustment and lubrication. They have now been replaced with sealed-for-life unitized bearings of the type used on motor vehicle front wheel hubs.
- Updated: August 15, 2001
[Back to the FAQ]
Frequently Asked Questions regarding technical issues of the tyres, brakes and wheels used on our trailers.

1. Why do Ifor Williams trailers have leaf spring suspension when most other manufacturers are using independent systems?: It's always difficult to answer a question like this objectively as our views are obviously biased!

However, we have stuck with the leaf spring arrangement because we believe it to be the best solution, particularly on trailers used that are to be heavily loaded.

Loading to the maximum gross weight has minimal effect on the attitude of the wheels and therefore the way the trailer steers, even on a well worn trailer. Tyre wear also tends to be more even because of this.

The beam axles act as anti-roll bars, stiffening the loaded trailer and minimizing roll and yaw.

Whilst cars have almost invariably used independent suspension systems for many years, this is not generally the case with the rear axles of commercial vehicles. Even car derived vans often have the rear suspension replaced with a beam axle.

We are convinced that the beam axle system is the best solution on all but the lightest trailers and will offer greater reliability and longevity. Our track record supports this.

Our system has been developed over a period of over forty years and now comprises single and twin parabolic taper leaf springs with progressive spring rates, tubular beam axles and what we believe to be the largest wheel bearings in use anywhere on trailers up to 3500kg gross weight. Bearings are no longer the twin conical units. As good as they were, they required regular adjustment and lubrication. They have now been replaced with sealed-for-life unitized bearings of the type used on motor vehicle front wheel hubs.
- Updated: August 15, 2001
[Back to the FAQ]