Link Mfg., Ltd. announced the availability of aftermarket kits for its ROI Cabmate Semi-Active Cab Suspension. The kits are designed and engineered to replace original, factory-installed cab suspensions with Link’s intelligent cab suspensions featuring its Road Optimized Innovation (ROI) technology. The kits target sleeper cab makes and models, including the Freightliner Cascadia, Kenworth T680, International LT Series, Peterbilt 579, and the Volvo VNL and VNR Series.
Unlike traditional cab suspensions that are tuned to deliver a specific quality of ride only within a narrow range of surface and load conditions, the ROI Cabmate adapts to whatever it encounters, the company says. The ROI Cabmate’s electronic control unit (ECU) uses proprietary algorithms to interpret a constant data stream from an accelerometer monitoring the motion of the cab and a position sensor measuring the position and velocity of the cab relative to the frame. The system responds quickly, adjusting shock absorber stiffness with computer-controlled precision. The result is ride comfort, improved cab stability, and an overall reduction in noise and vibration.
“The contrast between traditional passive spring and damper cab suspensions and Link’s new ROI Cabmate is the difference between the analog and digital worlds,” said Eli DeGroff, product manager, Road Optimized Innovations for Link Mfg. “Our state-of-the-art ROI Cabmate suspension sets a new benchmark, responding to changing conditions in real time, making hundreds of adjustments per second and delivering an ultra-premium driving experience that simply wasn’t possible before and isn’t available with any other cab suspension.”
A vehicle upfitted with the ROI Cabmate will operate in a constant state of dynamic dampening that produces an optimal ride for drivers and passengers, improving alertness and reducing fatigue. Regardless of what a vehicle’s wheels encounter, the ROI Cabmate responds instantaneously with the ideal stiffness to control and reduce cab motion and vibration. The system also counteracts the effects of wind shear, as well as turbulence from other vehicles.
During the process of developing and refining its aftermarket kits, Link logged more than three million miles of field-testing data for the system. Among the participating fleets were C.R. England, Ploger Transportation, and Valley Transportation in the United States, and XCF Transporte Carga Consolidada in Mexico.
“I drove more than 130,000 test miles with Link’s new ROI Cabmate, and I would characterize it as nothing less than the gold standard in cab suspensions,” said Joel Morrow, head of research and development and senior driver for Ploger Transportation. “I recently received a new vehicle without the ROI Cabmate suspension, and the contrast in ride quality is remarkable. I’ll be ordering and installing one of the new ROI Cabmate aftermarket kits as soon as possible.”
Link’s ROI Cabmate Semi-Active Cab Suspension System also has an electronic height control feature that does not fill or exhaust air in response to suspension motion, minimizing air consumption compared to standard height control valves. The entire ROI Cabmate system operates on less than 10 watts of power and is designed to be ready for CAN bus integration in an OEM factory installation scenario. The system also features built-in stand-alone diagnostic capabilities.
“Over the last 40 years, Link has built its reputation as the largest and most respected cab suspension supplier in the industry, with more than two million OEM-installed and aftermarket units produced,” said DeGroff. “Our new ROI Cabmate aftermarket kits now put a best-in-class driving experience within reach of fleets and owner-operators alike.”
All ROI Cabmate aftermarket kits include hardware and installation instructions. Pricing will vary by model. ROI Cabmate aftermarket kit part numbers are as follows: Freightliner Cascadia 2019 and newer, No. 26302010; Kenworth T680 2012 and newer, No. 26302030; International LT Series 2017 and newer, No. 26302020; Peterbilt 579 2012 and newer, No. 26302030; Volvo VNL and VNR Series 2017 and newer, No. 26302040.
Click here to view a testimonial from an operator using the ROI Cabmate.
