Drivers of trucks, tractors, and construction and other heavy-duty vehicles often deal with back pain and other soreness on a regular basis. Having an improper vehicle seat, or one that has worn beyond reasonable usefulness, can be harmful in many ways. It can cause excess body strain, lead to chronic medical conditions, and reduce productivity and alertness. By learning more about what is an air ride suspension seat, it can help avoid these issues and has many other benefits.
What Is An Air Ride Suspension Seat?
An air ride suspension seat is a type of seat that uses an air spring suspension and shock absorber to provide adjustable cushioning and support for the occupant. The air suspension system uses air bags to allow the driver to adjust ride height, weight, personal preferences, or road conditions, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride. These seats are commonly used in vehicles such as trucks, buses, construction equipment, and agricultural machinery where operators may spend long hours seated. The ability to adjust the firmness or softness of the seat can help reduce fatigue and improve overall ride quality and comfort for the driver.
How Do Air Ride Seats Work?
Many traditional truck seats have mechanical suspensions with steel springs or coil springs, similar to a car suspension system. Air suspension seats take the idea a step further by including a pneumatic system. Pressurized air is used in an “air spring” to compensate for shocks and vibrations that occur as the vehicle travels and reacts to the road. Adjusting the air lines pressure level in the air spring allows for easy adaptability for drivers of different sizes, weights, and comfort preferences.
Benefits of Air Ride Truck Seats
Purchasing an air ride seat can yield numerous benefits even for full-time drivers, including:
- Dampened Shock and Vibration: Air suspension seats allow for much smoother travel, so drivers can increase long term comfort and mitigate impacts on their health. Pain and soreness associated with long hours on the road can be reduced or even eliminated. Air suspension systems help dampen lateral and up-and-down motion. As a result, internal shock absorbers are tuned to minimize vibration since air pressure maintains a constant force during travel and can be infinitely adjusted.
- Durable Design: Suspension components are stronger and more stable these days, than in early models. Designs have also been updated over the years to yield smoother and more efficient rides. These improvements mean that your seat can last longer and provide optimal performance through the duration of a ride and for the life of the product. Seats can also be adjusted manually for fore/aft and recline position, while many have adjustable armrests, dampers, lumbar, and more.
- Smoothness: Thanks to improvements in suspensions, forces are more evenly distributed across the system. Friction is reduced and operating functions are more user friendly. Air suspension seats have higher load capacities, improved isolation systems, and ergonomic cushions. Some are available with a choice of materials and options to provide customized seating for your vehicle or fleet.
- Improved Safety: Being uncomfortable all the time can cause a driver to lose their concentration. Pain and stiffness can also slow down their reaction time. A poor truck seat can increase the likelihood of an accident, but an air suspension seat helps a driver focus more on the road.
- Fewer Work-Related Injuries: Back, shoulder, and neck injuries are common in drivers who operate trucks sitting in sub-par seats. The body endures severe strain if it has to absorb every bump on the road. Injuries can lead to expensive medical care and require drivers to take time off work. Cushioning, shock-absorption, and lumbar protection found in air ride suspension seats allow a smoother ride and minimize physical stress on the body.
How to Adjust an Air Ride Seat
Adjusting an air ride seat typically involves adjusting the air pressure in the suspension system to achieve the desired level of firmness or softness. All seat adjustments should be made while fully stopped. Here are some general steps to adjust an air ride seat:
- Locate the control panel: The control panel for adjusting an air ride seat is usually located within easy reach of the driver, often on one of the armrests or on a console near the seat.
- Adjust the pressure: Use the controls on the panel to increase or decrease air pressure in the suspension system. Some panels may have separate switches for inflating and deflating, while others may have a single dial that allows you to adjust both ways.
- Test and fine-tune: Sit in the seat after making adjustments and test the comfort level. Make additional adjustments as needed to achieve the desired firmness or softness.
- Consult the user manual: If you are unsure how to properly adjust your air ride seat, refer to the user manual for specific instructions and guidance on adjusting the suspension system.
- Consider weight distribution: Keep in mind that carrying heavier loads may require different air pressure settings to maintain optimal comfort and support.
- Ensure you can easily reach the pedals: You want to adjust the seat forward or backward so that you can easily reach the brake, clutch, and gas pedals. If you have to strain your legs to reach the pedals, the seat is too far back.
Types of Air Ride Seats
Air ride truck seats come in different forms. At Suburban Seating & Safety, we supply air suspension seats from Sears, National, Bostrom, and other leading brands. Depending on the seat, you’ll find models in cloth, vinyl, or leather. Some have swivel capabilities, heating, and dual arms. Our Wide Ride+Serta® truck seat uses the latest technology, including a highly supportive memory foam that also provides cooling by wicking heat away. Consistent lumbar inflation and deflation prevents pain and stiffness.
Another standout model is the Sears Atlas II ActiveVRS seat. It uses an active magnetic ride suspension system with a magnetic damper and controller. Featuring a high back and ergonomic design, it also integrates a 3-position seat cushion tilt and extension. Like many other air suspension seats, it can tolerate a wide range of road conditions. It’s one of many products in our extensive catalog of air ride seats.
Place Your Order Today
Our family-owned business is committed to serving nationwide fleets while providing high-quality truck seating and accessories. We offer a simple and secure online ordering system so you can quickly receive the seats you need. Products are shipped to anywhere in the continental U.S. and Canada at competitive prices. For service outside these areas, request a quote today. Please contact us at 844-727-7328 if you need assistance.
