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

Back to TOC Page 6 215T-Trailer-ISM-RevF-03-24-21
Suspension Mounting
Refer to the engineering drawing for the range of ride
heights available and clearance requirements .
The suspension installer has the nal responsibility
of aaching the suspension to the vehicle frame.
Weld-On Installation Procedure
Recommended locations of customer-furnished ller
plates and supporting crossmembers for the hang-
ers and air spring mounting plates are shown on the
engineering drawing.
Welding method must use a minimum weld
tensile strength of 70,000 psi, per AWS specications.
1. Mark desired location of the hangers and ller
plates on the 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.
NOTE: Protect other chassis components from
weld spaer during installation, if necessary.
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.
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 locknuts or locknuts with hardened
washers are recommended.
• Bolt holes are not provided in the air spring
mounting plates. Clamp mounting plates and
ller plates, if used, in place and drill (minimum)
two bolt holes in each mounting plate for installa-
tion onto the chassis.
Final Assembly and Inspection
1. Verify welds of frame hangers and air spring
mounting plates.
2. Inspect for loose/missing fasteners on the sus-
pension assembly. Verify suspension component
bolts/nuts are torqued to proper values (Pg 12).
3. Install wheels and tires.
When lowering an auxiliary axle on
an unloaded vehicle, pressure to the load air
springs must be reduced to below 10 psi. Failure
to reduce the air pressure could cause the ve-
hicle’s drive axles to rise from the ground and the
vehicle could roll in an unsafe manner.
4. Check that tires are inated to recommended
pressure. Check wheel hubs for proper level of
lubricant recommended by the manufacturer.
5. Lift the axle to the raised position. Check the air
system tubing and connections for leaks.
6. Check that wheels can rotate freely and that
brakes and slack adjusters are properly adjusted.
7. Raise and lower the suspension assembly (wheels
and tires installed) through the entire range of
travel. Make sure that sucient clearances for air
springs, brake chambers and other components
has been provided.
Do not lower the auxiliary axle while the
vehicle is moving above 10 mph.
Shock Absorber Kit (Optional)
The shock absorber can be installed after the suspen-
sion has been assembled and mounted on the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
Refer to the shock kit engineering drawing for the
correct mounting locations and installation angles for
the upper and lower mounting brackets on individu-
al RCA-215 suspension models.
Welding method for lower mounting bracket
must use a minimum weld tensile strength of 70,000
psi, per AWS specications.
1. Disconnect and remove the load springs from the
suspension assembly. Protect the lift springs from
welding spaer.
2. Remove the upper air spring mounting brackets.
continued on next page

215T-Trailer-ISM-RevF-03-24-21 Page 7 Back To TOC 
Regulate load with air spring pressure
The load capacity of the auxiliary axle is adjusted
by increasing or decreasing the pressure to the air
springs. By applying more air, the lift axle takes on
a greater percentage of the load’s weight. The load
capacity is decreased as the air pressure decreases.
Accurate readings of the load capacity can be ob-
tained by parking a loaded vehicle over a calibrat-
ed scale and lowering the axle onto the scale. The
air pressure to the air springs is manually adjusted
up or down to obtain the axle load weight at vari-
ous air pressures.
Do not exceed the rated load capacity of
the suspension system or other components. Ex-
ceeding the capacity can cause component failure
and void the warranty.
3. Weld replacement upper air spring mounting
brackets provided in shock absorber kit to frame
crossmember with 3/16” llet weld.
4. Measure the shock absorber to axle (lower)
mounting bracket location from the edge of the
axle seat, not from the axle weld. Clamp the
bracket into place. Use a 5/16” llet weld to weld
the lower mounting bracket to the axle at the
forward and rear edge only. Do not weld perpen-
dicular to the axle centerline.
5. Aach the shock absorbers to the mounting
brackets with supplied HHCS and locknut.
Torque locknut to 160-200 ft-lb (217-271 N-m).
6. Install load springs. Torque to spec. (Pg 12).
Connect load springs to air system.
7. Raise and lower suspension to make sure that
shock absorbers clear the air spring mounting
plates and do not overextend.
Failure to torque bolts/nuts of suspension
components to specications can result in failure of
the suspension and void the warranty.
continued from previous page

Back to TOC Page 8 215T-Trailer-ISM-RevF-03-24-21
Air Control Kit - troubleshooting
Problem Possible Cause Solution
Air springs ll
but do not exhaust.
— Obstructed air line.
— Faulty controls wiring.
— Manual override pushed in
— Check for pinched/blocked lines.
— Check wiring with voltmeter and correct
wiring/installation.
— Release manual override.
Air system leaks
down after a short
period of time.
— Leak in air system beyond
accepted standards.
— Pressurize system and spray soap water
solution onto the tubing, valves and t-
tings. Check for bubbles (leaks).
Note: Some valves leak at acceptable rate.
— Check that tubing cuts are straight and
smooth. Re-cut and reassemble ing
joints, if necessary.
Auxiliary unit will not
stay up
— Loose Air Fiings or
Damaged Air Lines.
— Air lines to lift and
load air springs are reversed.
— Damaged or Worn Air Springs.
— Check and retighten ings. Repair or
replace component, as necessary.
— Check installation. Air line from regulator
goes to (load) air springs.
— Replace if worn or damaged.
Auxiliary unit not geing
the correct lift
— Air lines to lift and
load air springs are reversed.
— Lift air springs
do not have proper air pressure.
— Interference with driveline
or other chassis components.
— Air control system
not installed correctly.
— Check installation. Air line from regulator
goes to (load) air springs.
— Check for loose ings or worn/damaged
lines. Verify air tank pressure with gauge.
— Visually inspect unit operation for the
proper clearance. Check for loose fasteners
and retighten.
— Check air control system installation; refer
to OEM installation procedures.
Connect the load and lift air springs and an air con-
trol kit to the air system (Figure 5).
The air control kit (ACK) consists of a pressure
regulator with a gauge connected to an air valve
controlled by an electric switch or manual knob. The
ACK allows the operator to control the air spring
pressure so that the auxiliary axle can support dier-
ent loads.
Ridewell has a number of manual/electric ACK
congurations available. Installation will vary by the
type of conguration.
The installer is responsible for making sure
that air system requirements comply with the appro-
priate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Air Tank
Air Control Kit (ACK)
Quick Exhaust Valve Air Springs
(Load)
Quick
Exhaust Valve
Air Springs
(Lift)
Pressure Regulator
Pressure
Protection Valve (PPV)
(Required with air brakes)
Electric Valve
Figure 5.
Example of Air Control Kit (ACK) installation

215T-Trailer-ISM-RevF-03-24-21 Page 9 Back To TOC 
MAINTENANCE
The pivot bushing can be checked without disassem-
bling the suspension. 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
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.
Pivot Bushing Inspection Procedure
Every 12,000 miles of use
Inspect air springs for damage/excessive wear.
Torque bolts/nuts to spec (Pg 12/ENG Drawing).
Check air lines and connections for leaks.
Lubricate Brake Cams and Slack Adjusters.
First 50,000 miles of use
___ Torque suspension components to specifications
(Pg 12/Engineering Drawing).
NOTE: Do not re-torque shear-type pivot bolt.
___ Check wheel ends for excessive play.
Annually/100,000 miles of use
___ Inspect pivot connections for worn pivot
bushings and replace, if necessary.
Torque pivot hardware and component bolts/
nuts to specifications (Pg 12/ENG Drawing).
___ Check suspension hanger and air spring
mounting plate connections to frame.
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
lubrication level. Refill/Replace as needed
(TMC RP 631 “Level 3 Lubrication Level Inspection”
(TMC RP 618 “Wheel Bearing Adjustment”).
___ Check air system for leaks.
___ Test air system pressure protection valve
(if equipped).
___ Check brake chambers and brakes for damage
and proper function.
Failure to torque bolts/nuts of suspension
components to specications can result in failure of
the suspension and void the warranty.
Daily/Pre-Trip Inspections
___ Check tires for proper inflation, damage or
excessive wear.
___ Check wheel-ends for obvious signs of lubri-
cant leakage. Check for missing components.
___ Check
axle assemblies for damage/
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 compo-
nents.
___ Make sure air controls are operating properly.
Drain all moisture from air reservoirs.
First 6,000 miles of use
___ Torque suspension components to specifications
(Pg 12/Engineering Drawing).
NOTE: Do not re-torque shear-type pivot bolt.
___ Verify the suspension is operating at the
designed ride height.
Refer to these Technology & Maintenance Council
(TMC) publications for maintenance information
RP 609 Brake Adjuster Installation/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 Recommendations for
Wheel End Lubrication
RP 643 Air Ride Suspension
Maintenance Guidelines
RP 728 Trailer Axle Maintenance
Recommended Service Intervals
Ridewell Suspensions recommends these minimum service intervals for standard duty, on-highway usage
applications. More frequent intervals are recommended for heavier duty applications.

Back to TOC Page 10 215T-Trailer-ISM-RevF-03-24-21
Figure 6.
RCA-215T Trailer Suspension – Drum Brakes
Refer to the suspension model engineering drawing for the individual component part number.
Adjuster
Plate
Alignment
Washer
Hanger
(Left-Hand)
Flat Washer
Air Spring
(Load)
Wear Washer
Beam/Bushing Assembly
(LH)
Mounting Plate
(Air Spring)
Lock Washer
Bolt
(Air Spring)
Pivot Bushing
(Narrow)
Pivot Bolt*
(Shear-Type)
Pivot Nut
(Flanged Lock Nut)
*Bushing Replacement Kit
w/ traditional pivot hardware instead of shear-type bolt is available.
Crosschannel
(Customer-Supplied)
Axle
Locknut
(Air Spring)
Locknut
(Air Spring)
Locknut
(Lift Spring)
Locknut
(Lift Spring)
Lock Nut
(Lift Spring)