While both a spring ride trailer and an air ride trailer offer a cushion between the axle and the body of the trailer, there are some differences.
Spring ride: The front and rear axles of the trailer are connected with leaf springs between the front and rear axle. Most fleets operate using spring ride trailers. Spring ride suspensions are constructed of multiple layers of flexible steel strips in one assembly or pack. They require less maintenance on the undercarriage of the trailer and provide a smooth ride.
Air ride: An air ride trailer has an airbag suspension between the axle and the body of the trailer. Air ride trailers have a softer ride than a spring ride trailer. The disadvantages of an air ride trailer are that the airbags are much more likely to break, and they have a higher overall operational cost.
