Parker pneumatics used in trailer height control

Parker Pneumatic and Meritor HVS, suppliers of brake and suspension systems to heavy goods vehicle and trailer manufacturers, have jointly developed a new vehicle dock height control system

Parker Pneumatic and Meritor HVS Limited, suppliers of brake and suspension systems to heavy goods vehicle and trailer manufacturers, have jointly developed a new dock height control system for vehicle trailers utilising air suspension - marketed as the Meritor Levelride II. The new Levelride II simplifies loading and unloading by allowing trailer deck height to be adjusted manually to the height of the loading bay, enabling easy access for handling equipment.

This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 17 May 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
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The Levelride II is installed in line between the levelling valve - which controls the trailer suspension height during normal operation - and the air springs.

Initial operation of the unit disconnects the level valve from the air springs enabling manual control of the suspension height.

Control of the system is by simple push-pull operation: push to raise the trailer height; and pull to lower.
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Reset to normal ride height is achieved manually by means of a central reset button or automatically.

Operating the reset returns control of the trailer suspension to the levelling valve.

If the driver forgets to reset the system, damage can occur to shock absorbers and attachments, check straps and air springs.

In extreme cases, the welds attaching the air suspension to the chassis can be damaged.

Even if there is no immediate failure, all of these components in the air suspension system will have their service lives seriously shortened as a result of the driver's momentary lapse.

The Levelride II system ensures that never again will an absent-minded moment by the driver result in damaged air suspension and repair bills which can easily amount to œ1000.

First application of the vehicle brake system - no matter how light - will send an electrical signal to the Levelride II and it will automatically reset the suspension to normal ride height.

The Levelride II is constructed in weight saving corrosion free plastic to IP68 standard and proof against water, road dirt, steam cleaning, etc.

Designed for ease of installation on new or existing vehicles, Levelride II features 10 mm quick-connect push-in pneumatic fittings and two metres of electrical cable, together with detailed installation instructions and all necessary fasteners.

Levelride II is backed by an international network of Meritor original parts distributors, service stations and agents.