Ridewell Suspensions RCA-215T-Trailer Manual

RCA-215T - Trailer
Nonsteerable – Auxiliary Axle Suspension
Installation and Service Manual
Part No.: 9710113
Doc.: 215T-Trailer-ISM-RevF-03-24-21
Suspension Identication ---------------------------------------2
Installation
Prior to Installation--------------------------------------------------------------------3
Axle Integration------------------------------------------------------------------ 4
Suspension Mounting------------------------------------------------------------------6
Air Control Kit - Troubleshooting ---------------------------------------------- 8
Maintenance
Recommended Service Intervals -----------------------------------------------------9
Parts Illustration
RCA-215T Suspension – Drum Brakes----------------------------------------10
RCA-215T Suspension – Disc Brakes------------------------------------------11
Bushing Replacement/Torque Specications------------------------------------- 12
Axle Alignment -----------------------------------------------------------------15
Warranty------------------------------------------------------------ 16

Back to TOC Page 2 215T-Trailer-ISM-RevF-03-24-21
SUSPENSION IDENTIFICATION
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.
Introduction
The Ridewell Compact Air Ride (RCA) 215T Trailer
Suspension is available for a wide range of appli-
cations. The suspension can be purchased 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 components
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-brand-
ed 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 pro-
cedures 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 equip-
ment damage and serious injury.
MODEL: PART NO.
SERIAL NO. CAPACITY TON
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.

215T-Trailer-ISM-RevF-03-24-21 Page 3 Back To TOC 
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”

Back to TOC Page 4 215T-Trailer-ISM-RevF-03-24-21
Pivot centers
are lined up
Axle centered between
beam centers
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.
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
1. Center the axle assembly on the beams (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 prop-
erly 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 clamp-
ing the axle assembly into place.
3. Check the gap between the axle and the axle seats
before welding (Figure 4). 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”.
4. Weld the axle to the seat according to Ridewell
Weld Process #1 (Page 5).
NOTE: Mounted air springs should be covered to
protect them from welding spaer.
Figure 3.
Axle should be centered between beams.
Figure 4.
Correct axle seating for welding.
Axle Integration

215T-Trailer-ISM-RevF-03-24-21 Page 5 Back To TOC 
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