Ridewell Suspensions RAR-260 Manual

Part No.: 9710104
Doc:
260-Trailer- ISM-RevK-03-11-21
RAR-260
Trailer Air-Ride Suspension
Installation and Service Manual
Suspension Identication ---------------------------------------2
Installation
Prior to Installation ----------------------------------------------------------------- 3
Axle Integration --------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
Suspension Mounting--------------------------------------------------------------- 6
Height Control Valve Installation – Troubleshooting ---------------------------- 7
Maintenance
Recommended Service Intervals -----------------------------------------------------8
Parts Illustrations
RAR-260-25K Overslung
RAR-260-30K Overslung -------------------------------------------------------- 9
RAR-260-15K Underslung
RAR-260-25/30K Underslung -------------------------------------------------10
RAR-260-25K Yoke Mount-----------------------------------------------------11
Overslung/Underslung – Bushing Replacement/Torque Specications------ 12
Yoke Mount – Bushing Replacement/Torque Specications ------------------- 14
Axle Alignment ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
Warranty------------------------------------------------------------ 16

GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING CERTIFICATION IS PER THE FINAL
STAGE MANUFACTURER OR ALTERER.
THIS PRODUCT MAY BE COVERED UNDER ONE OR MORE
PATENTS, ADDITIONAL PATENTS MAY BE PENDING.
www.ridewellcorp.com [phone]
PART NO:
SERIAL NO:
SUSP. NO:
Figure 1.
The Suspension Model (Suspension Number) and
date of manufacture (Serial Number) are listed on
the Suspension Identication Tag.
MODEL: PART NO.
SERIAL NO. CAPACITY TON
Introduction
The Ridewell Air Ride (RAR) 260 Trailer Suspen-
sion is available in an overslung, underslung or yoke
mount conguration. The suspension can be pur-
chased with or without an integrated axle.
Refer to the engineering drawing for detailed infor-
mation on the suspension system components and
operating parameters.
Suspension Identication Tag
A (606-) Installation/Assembly Number will be
listed as the Part Number when other system com-
ponents are factory installed with the suspension
(Figure 1).
The Suspension Number and Serial Number on the
Suspension ID Tag refer to the model and the date of
manufacture of an individual suspension system.
Please refer to the suspension number/part number
and serial number on the Suspension Identication
Tag when contacting Ridewell for customer service,
replacement parts and warranty information.
Axle-Body Identication Tag
The Base-Axle Part Number (165-) and the Serial
Number of the axle tube are listed on the Axle-Body
ID Tag of Ridewell-branded round axles (Figure 2).
The Base-Axle Part Number refers to Ridewell-
branded round axles manufactured in various axle
wall thicknesses and widths.
More information on Ridewell-branded axles can be
found in the “Trailer Axle Parts Guide” (9710029).
Notes and Cautions
All work should be completed by a properly trained
technician using the proper/special tools and safe
work procedures.
Read through the entire Installation and Service
Manual (ISM) before performing any installation or
maintenance procedures.
The ISM uses two types of service notes to provide
important safety guidelines, prevent equipment dam-
age and make sure that the suspension system oper-
ates correctly. The service notes are dened as:
“NOTE”: Provides additional instructions or
procedures to complete tasks and make sure that
the suspension functions properly.
Indicates a hazardous situation or
unsafe practice that, if not avoided, could result
in equipment damage and serious injury.
SUSPENSION IDENTIFICATION
Figure 2.
The Base-Axle Part Number (165-) and the Serial
Number assigned to the axle tube are listed on the
Axle-Body Serial Identication Tag.
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08
INSTALLATION
Installer Responsibilities
The installer of the suspension has the sole responsi-
bility for proper aachment of the suspension system
to the vehicle chassis.
• The installer is responsible for locating the sus-
pension system on the vehicle to provide the
proper load distribution.
• The installer must verify that vehicle crossmem-
bers are positioned to support the suspension at
the installing location.
• It is the installer’s responsibility to determine that
axle spacing conforms to any applicable federal
and local bridge laws.
• The installer must verify that air reservoir volume
requirements are met after suspension installa-
tion. Consult the vehicle manufacturer or Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 121 for
more information.
• The installer must verify there is sucient clear-
ance for proper functioning of the suspension, air
springs, brake chambers, axle and tires.
Prior to Installation
The suspension is designed to t up onto standard
I-beam trailer frames at beam centers that correspond
to standard axle track widths (Chart).
Installation at wider beam centers will reduce sus-
pension clearances. Installation at narrower beam
centers will de-rate the axle beam capacity.
For non-standard beam centers, frames, frame cen-
ters, axle track widths and wheel-end equipment, the
installer is responsible for verifying clearances, axle
capacity, proper t-up, and any additional required
support structure.
Refer to the engineering drawing to conrm dimen-
sional requirements and the range of ride heights
available.
Installations can vary and procedures should be
adapted for dierent vehicles as needed.
• The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is deter-
mined by the system component with the lowest
load rating. Please consult with tire, wheel, axle
and brake manufacturers before installation to
determine the GAWR.
• If vehicle chassis modications are required, con-
sult with the vehicle manufacturer to ensure that
such changes are permied.
• Welding or altering suspension components
is not permied without the express wrien
permission of Ridewell Suspensions.
Standard Trailer Dimensions
Trailer Track Width Frame Center Beam Center Air Spring Center
96” 71.5” 38” 35” 31”
102” 77.5” 44” 41” 37”
260-Trailer-ISM-RevK-03-11-21 Page 3 Back To TOC 

Pivot centers
are lined up
Axle centered between
beam centers
Figure 3.
Axle should be centered between beams with
beams and axle perpendicular to each other. Refer
to the engineering drawing for measurements.
Figure 4.
Correct axle tube seating for welding.
Axle Integration
Suspension systems are available with and without
a factory integrated axle. Customer-supplied axle
assemblies must be positioned and oriented (rotated)
properly before welding the axle to the axle seats.
Use the top-center mark on the axle, if available, to
identify the center of the axle and orient the axle as-
sembly on the suspension. The axle assembly should
be installed so that the camshafts, when activated,
rotate in the same direction as the wheels.
Failure to follow procedures and design
specications could result in injury, damage to the
axle or suspension and void the warranty.
Weld Preparation
The joint to be welded should be positioned in the
at or horizontal position. All grease, dirt, paint, slag
or other contaminants must be removed from the
weld joint.
The axle and suspension components should be at a
minimum temperature of 60°F (15.5°C). Pre-heat the
weld zone to the axle manufacturer’s recommended
pre-heat temperature, if required.
Weld Procedure
Ridewell recommends supporting the axle and sus-
pension with a weld xture during axle integration.
Contact Ridewell Customer Service for the correct
weld xture for your suspension model.
1. Center the axle assembly on the beam centers
(Figure 3).
2. Check the engineering drawing for the brake
component orientation (rotation) before clamping
into place and making the nal welds.
2.1 Drum brake camshafts are spaced o the tail
of the trailing arm beam. Make sure the brake
chamber brackets are oriented properly and
clamp the axle assembly into place.
2.2 Disc brake assemblies have a right- and
left-hand caliper assembly. Make sure the
callipers are located on the correct side and
rotated to the proper position before clamping
the axle assembly into place.
3. Check the gap between the axle and the axle seats
before welding. Side gaps should be no greater
than 1/8”. The gap at the boom of the axle seat
should be no greater than 1/16” (Figure 4).
4. Weld the axle to the seat according to Ridewell
Weld Process #1 (Page 5).
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08
SHEET OF
RIDEWELL CORPORATION
PO BOX 4586 SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI 65808
A-SIZE:
SCALE:
MATERIAL:
PROJECT NO:
APPROVED:
DRAWN BY:
CHECKED:
TITLE:
WEIGHT:
R
REV:
PART NO:
WELD PROCESS #1
RIDEWELL WELD PROCESS #1,
5" DIA. AXLE, 3 PASS WELD
CBC
2/1/2016
MDJ 2/21/2003
CJB 2/21/2003
03103
11
--
NTS
WELD JOINT PREPARATION FIRST PASS SECOND PASS THIRD PASS
3.0°
4.0°
NO WELD
TOP OF AXLE
NO WELD
BOTTOM
OF AXLE
NO WELDING ZONE
SMAW GMAW / FCAW
AXLE
BEAM AXLE SEAT
AXLE
BEAM AXLE SEAT
AXLE
BEAM AXLE SEAT
1/8" MAX
REPRESENTATIVE AXLE SEAT (PROFILE DEPENDENT ON SUSPENSION PRODUCT)
ARC STOP
ARC START
ARC STOP
ARC START
AXLE
BEAM AXLE SEAT
1.0 TYP 1.0 TYP
FIRST PASS FIRST PASS
SECOND PASS SECOND PASS
THIRD PASS THIRD PASS
REV PROJECT DESCRIPTION DATE BY CHK APPD
3/8"
ROOT
PASS
THIRD
PASS
1/2"
1/2"
SECOND
PASS
E 15101
REVISED TEXT. REMOVED LIST OF MODELS.
6/30/15 G.H. MDJ CJB
1- CAUTION: All welds must be kept away from the top and bottom of the axle where maximum stresses occur
(see “NO WELDING ZONE” illustration above). Do not test-weld the arc on any part of the axle tube.
2 - All welders and welding operators should be certified as per the requirements of the American Welding Society (AWS)
or equivalent. All electrodes used should meet the AWS specifications and classifications for welding carbon
and low-alloy steels.
3 - Recommended Welding Methods: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) or Flux
Cored Arc Welding (FCAW). The welding method used and the electrode selected must develop a minimum weld
tensile strength of 70,000 psi per AWS specifications. The best fusion and mechanical properties will be obtained by
using the voltage, current, and shielding medium recommended by the electrode manufacturer. If the SMAW method
is used, the stick electrodes must be new, dry, free of contaminants and stored per AWS specifications.
4 - Weld Joint Preparation: The joint to be welded should be positioned in the flat or horizontal position. All grease, dirt, paint,
slag or other contaminants must be removed from the weld joint without gouging the axle tube. CAUTION: Never weld
when the axle is cold. The axle and beam assemblies to be welded should be at a temperature of at least 60°F (15°C).
Pre-heat the weld zone to the axle manufacturer's recommended pre-heat temperature, if required. This will reduce
the chance of an area of brittle material forming adjacent to the weld.
5 - The axle should fit into the beam assembly with a maximum root gap of 1/8-inch between the axle and the beam axle seat
(see “WELD JOINT PREPARATION” illustration above).
6 - NOTE: Clamp the axle to the beam axle seat with a C-clamp prior to welding to make sure that proper contact occurs
(see “CORRECT” illustration below).
7 - Ground the axle to one of the attached axle parts such as the brake chamber brackets, cam brackets or brake
spider. Never ground the axle to a wheel or a hub as the spindle bearing may sustain damage.
8 - Multiple pass welding should be used on the beam/axle connection using the following guidelines: 8.1-Total fillet weld size
should be 1/2-inch. 8.2-Weld pass starts and stops should be performed as illustrated above. 8.3-Never start or stop welds
at the end of the weld joint. 8.4-Each pass must be accomplished in one or two segments. 8.5-Start welds at least 1-inch
from the end and backweld over the start. Backstep fill all craters. 8.6-If process is not GMAW all slag must be removed
between passes.
8.7-Welds must go to within 1/8-inch +/- 1/16-inch of the ends of the axle seat and must not go beyond or around the ends
of the axle seat. 8.8-Post-weld peening is recommended, but not required: Needle peen the entire toe of the second pass,
including around the ends of the axle seat. Hold the needles perpendicular to the axle. A uniform dimpled pattern
will appear when properly peened.
F 16101
ADDED MAXIMUM TO 5, ADDED GMAW NOTE TO 8.6
2/10/2016 G.H. B.B. CJB
UPDATED CORRECT VIEWS
F
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Suspension Mounting
Refer to the engineering drawing for available ride
heights; the recommended locations of any customer-
furnished ller plates and supporting crossmembers;
the torque values; and the spacing and clearance
requirements of suspension components.
The suspension installer has the nal responsibility
of aaching the suspension to the vehicle frame.
Weld-On Installation Procedure
Welding method must use a minimum weld
tensile strength of 70,000 psi, per AWS specications.
1. Mark the desired location of the hangers and
ller plates on the vehicle frame. Hangers must
be installed parallel to each other for proper axle
alignment.
2. Mark the desired location of the air spring
mounting plates and ller plates on the frame.
3. Install ller plates for the hangers and air spring
mounting plates on the frame. Weld ller plates
to crossmembers with ¼” llet welds down the
length of the crossmember.
4. Weld the hangers to the frame/ller plates with
1/4” llet welds completely around the hangers.
Stop the welds 1/2” from the corners and edges.
4.1 For hangers with wing gussets, the wing
gussets must be welded to a crossmember or
other supporting structure.
4.2 A length of 1 1/2”-diameter pipe can be
placed through the holes in the two hangers
to help with stabilization and alignment.
5. Weld the air spring mounting plates to the frame/
ller plates with 3/16” llet welds.
6. Aach a crossmember or diagonal brace to the
front of the hangers with 1/4” llet welds.
Bolt-On Installation
Before installation, check to make sure that wires,
hoses or other components will not be aected by
drilling into the frame rail.
• Bolts/nuts for aaching the suspension to the
vehicle are supplied by the installer. Grade 8 bolts
and anged lock nuts or lock nuts with hardened
washers are recommended.
• Bolt holes are not provided in the air spring
mounting plates. Clamp mounting plates and
ller plates (if necessary) in place before drilling.
Final Assembly and Inspection
• Verify the welds of the hanger and air spring
mounting plates.
• Check the location for sucient clearances of
suspension components.
• Aach beam and axle assemblies to hangers.
Note: Do not fully torque pivot hardware until
axle alignment is completed.
• Complete assembly and installation of air springs
as shown on the engineering drawing. Torque to
specications (Page 12).
• Install/connect the height control valve (HCV), if
applicable. Check the air system tubing and t-
tings after installation for leaks (Page 7).
• Verify suspension ride height is adjusted within
range shown on engineering drawing. Complete
axle alignment procedure (Page 15).
• Install shock absorbers.
NOTE: If the suspension is painted after shocks
are installed, make sure paint overspray does not
get under the shock absorber dust covers.
Failure to torque suspension components
to specications can result in suspension failure and
void the warranty.
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08
The Ridewell Extreme Air® Height Control Kit (HCK) automatically adds and exhausts air from the air sus-
pension to maintain the vehicle ride height. The (HCK) assembly consists of a lever connected to the height
control valve (HCV) and a vertical rod arm (vertical linkage) connected to the suspension/axle (Figure 5).
Refer to the Extreme Air® installation guide for installation procedures. Be sure to check the air system after
installation for leakage. The installer is responsible for making sure that air system requirements com-
ply with the appropriate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
HeigHt Control ValVe installation – troublesHooting
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
HCV is
not receiving air/
HCV is
not delivering air
to the air springs.
___ Blocked air supply line.
___ Air tank is not filling/
reaching set pressure.
___ Pressure Protection Valve
(PPV) not working correctly.
___ Pilot port is not plumbed or
is plumbed incorrectly.
___ Verify air lines are pressurized by removing
supply line at HCV. Check for pinched lines.
___ Verify air tank pressure
with manual/in-line pressure gauge.
___ Check PPV operation by making sure valve opens
when system reaches the desired pressure setpoint
(usually greater than 70 psi).
___ Check HCV configuration and reinstall if necessary –
Non-Dump; Pressure-Dump (Normally Open);
Zero-Pressure Dump (Normally Closed).
Air springs ll
but do not exhaust.
___ Obstructed air line.
___ HCV installed backwards.
___ Supply line installed
to suspension port
___ Disconnect linkage. Rotate lever to down position (exhaust).
If springs remain inflated, check for pinched/blocked lines.
___ Check installation. Reinstall, if necessary.
___ Move air supply line to HCV supply port.
Air system leaks
down in a short
period of time.
___ HCV installed backwards.
___ Leak in air system beyond
accepted standards.
___ Disconnect HCV linkage and rotate lever to the up posi-
tion (fill). If air springs do not inflate, reinstall HCV.
___ To find leak in the HCV area, pressurize system and
spray soapy water solution onto the valve and lines.
Check for bubbles (leaks):
No leak found –
Do not remove valve, check rest of system for leaks.
Check that tubing cuts are straight and smooth. Re-cut
and reassemble if necessary.
Pressure Protection Valve (PPV)
(Required with air brakes)
Air Tank
Height Control Valve (HCV)
HCK Linkage
(Lever & Vertical Link)
Figure 5.
Example of single Height Control Valve (HCV) installation
on vehicle frame with linkage attached to the axle.
Height Control Valve (HCV)
Universal Mounting Bracket
Vertical
Link
Lever
Lower Mounting Bracket (Tab)
(Customer-Furnished)
Axle
90º
(Optimal)
45º MAX
20º MIN
45º MAX
20º MIN
Height control kit should be
installed with HCV-to-lever
angles between 20o-45oto
provide the maximum valve
ow rates throughout
the jounce/rebound of
suspension travel.
260-Trailer-ISM-RevK-03-11-21 Page 7 Back To TOC 

MAINTENANCE
Recommended Service Intervals
Ridewell Suspensions recommends the following minimum service intervals for standard duty, on-highway
usage applications. More frequent intervals are recommended for heavier duty applications.
Daily/Pre-Trip Inspections
___ Check tires for proper inflation, damage or
excessive wear.
___ Check wheel-ends for obvious signs of lubricant
leakage. Check for missing components.
___ Check
axle assemblies for damage or loose
components.
___ Visually inspect suspension structure for signs of
damage or excessive wear.
___ Check for loose or missing bolts/nuts. Check for
irregular movement in suspension components.
___ Make sure air controls are operating properly.
Drain all moisture from air reservoirs.
First 6,000 miles of use
___ Torque suspension components to specifications
(Page 12/Engineering Drawing).
NOTE: Do not re-torque shear-type pivot bolt.
___ Verify that suspension is operating at the installed
ride height.
Every 12,000 miles of use
___ Inspect air springs for damage/excessive wear.
Torque air spring bolts/nuts to specifications
(Page 12/Engineering Drawing).
___ Check air lines and connections for leaks.
Every 50,000 miles of use
___ Torque suspension components to specifications
(Page 12/Engineering Drawing).
NOTE: Do not re-torque shear-type pivot bolt.
Annually/100,000 miles of use
___ Inspect pivot connection for worn pivot bushing
and wear washers. Replace if necessary.
___ Torque component bolts/nuts to specifications
(Page 12/Engineering Drawing).
___ Check arm beam-to-
axle connection welds.
Check lubrication level in wheel ends:
___ 1) Oil-Filled Wheel Ends:
Refill/Replace lubricant as needed
(TMC RP 631-“100K/Annual Inspection”).
___ 2) Semi-Fluid Grease:
Pull outer bearing and visually inspect the
lubrication level. Refill/Replace as needed
(TMC RP 631-“Level 3 Lubrication Level Inspection”)
(TMC RP 618-“Wheel Bearing Adjustment Procedure”).
___ Check air lines and connections for leaks.
___ Test air control system pressure protection valve
(PPV), if equipped.
___ Check height control valve (HCV) adjustment.
___ Verify suspension operating at installed ride height.
Failure to torque suspension components
to specications can result in suspension failure and
void the warranty.
Park the unloaded trailer on a level surface. Set the
brakes and chock the tires so vehicle cannot move
during inspection.
Insert the at end of a pry-bar between one side of
the hanger sidewall and the wear washers. Move the
pry-bar back-and-forth and look for excessive move-
ment of the beam (NOTE: A small amount of beam
Pivot Bushing Inspection Procedure
movement because of the rubber exing is normal).
Inspect the wear washers for excessive wear/damage.
Repeat the pry-bar process and wear washer inspec-
tion on the other side of the hanger. If any large/easy
movement or damaged wear washers is observed,
drop the beams for further inspection. Replace com-
ponents as necessary.
Refer to these Technology & Maintenance Council
(TMC) publications for additional information
RP 609 Self-Adjusting/Manual Brake Adjuster
Removal, Installation and Maintenance
RP 618 Wheel Bearing Adjustment Procedure
RP 619 Air System Inspection Procedure
RP 622 Wheel Seal and Bearing Removal,
Installation, and Maintenance
RP 631 Wheel End Lubrication Recommendations
RP 643 Air Ride Suspension Maintenance
RP 728 Trailer Axle Maintenance
Back to TOC Page 8 260-Trailer-ISM-RevK-03-11-21

08
Figure 6.
RAR-260-
25K Overslung
Refer to suspension
model engineering
drawing for the com-
ponent part number.
Pivot Bolt
(Shear-Type)
Adjuster
Plate
Alignment Washer
Hanger
(Left-Hand shown)
Flat Washer
Air Spring
Nut
Wear Washer
Wear Washer
Trailing Arm Beam Assembly
(LH shown)
Mounting Plate
(Air Spring)
Flanged Locknut
(Air Spring)
Pivot Nut
(Flanged Lock Nut)
Pivot Bushing
(Wide)
Locknut
Locknut/Bolt
(Shock Absorber)
Bolt
(Shock Absorber) Pipe Plug
(Hex Socket)
Nut
Pivot Bolt
(Shear-Type)
Adjuster
Plate
Alignment
Washer
Hanger
(Left-Hand shown)
Flat Washer
Air Spring
Nut
Wear Washer
Wear Washer
Trailing Arm Beam Assembly
(LH shown)
Mounting Plate
(Air Spring)
Shock
Absorber
Bolt
Nut
Locknut
Bolt
Locknut
Pivot Nut
(Flanged Locknut)
Lock Washer
Bolt
(Air Spring)
Pivot Bushing
(Wide)
Axle
Figure 7.
RAR-260-
30K Overslung
Refer to suspension
model engineering
drawing for the com-
ponent part number.
260-Trailer-ISM-RevK-03-11-21 Page 9 Back To TOC 

Adjuster
Plate
Alignment
Washer
Hanger
(Left-Hand shown)
Locknut
(Shock Absorber)
Flat Washer
Wear Washer
Nut
Wear Washer
Locknut
Upper Bolt
(Shock Absorber)
Mounting Plate
(Air Spring)
Lower Bolt
(Shock Absorber)
Trailing Arm Beam Assembly
(LH shown)
Axle
Pivot Bolt
(Shear-Type)
Pivot Nut
(Flanged Locknut)
Lock Washer
Bolt
(Air Spring)
Air Spring
Pivot Bushing
(Wide)
Figure 8.
RAR-260-
15K Underslung
Refer to suspension
model engineering
drawing for the com-
ponent part number.
Figure 9.
RAR-260-
25/30K Underslung
Refer to suspension
model engineering
drawing for the com-
ponent part number.
Adjuster
Plate
Hanger
(Left-Hand shown)
Locknut
(Shock Absorber)
Air Spring
Pivot Bushing
(Wide)
Locknut
Wear Washer
Upper Bolt/Locknut
(Shock Absorber)
Lower Bolt
(Shock Absorber)
Trailing Arm Beam Assembly
(LH shown)
Pivot Bolt
(Shear-Type)
Pivot Nut
(Flanged Locknut)
Locknut
(Air Spring)
Nut
Alignment
Washer
Flat Washer
Mounting Plate
(Air Spring)
Back to TOC Page 10 260-Trailer-ISM-RevK-03-11-21