Purpose-built suspension delivers industry's first non-torque-reactive design at 35k capacity, setting new standards for durability, stability and equipment protection.
SIOUX CENTER, Iowa, March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Link Mfg., Ltd., the leader in specialty-engineered suspensions, suspension controls and air management products, and a Tier-1 supplier to major heavy-duty commercial truck and fire truck manufacturers, announced the introduction of its new RespondAir heavy-duty rear air suspension system. Developed specifically for fire and rescue vehicle applications, RespondAir is the industry's first non-torque-reactive suspension rated from 30,000- to 35,000-pound capacities, addressing the unique demands of modern fire apparatus through innovative engineering and robust construction.
"Through extensive voice-of-customer research with fire departments and OEMs, we identified critical needs around maintenance, stability and equipment protection," said Mark Molitor, senior product manager for Link Manufacturing. "RespondAir represents Link's 26-plus-year commitment to those industry needs with a purpose-built solution that eliminates common pain points while delivering superior performance in emergency response situations."
The RespondAir suspension's non-torque-reactive design represents a significant advancement in stability and control. Unlike conventional torque-reactive suspensions that can cause unwanted chassis movement during braking and acceleration, RespondAir's innovative upper and lower control arm configuration minimizes axle movement and reduces stress on driveline components and vehicle occupants.
Link engineered the suspension with significantly larger, more durable natural rubber bushings, compared to the smaller bushings favored by other suspension suppliers. The bushing's increased surface area reduces the stress the rubber experiences, diminishing maintenance requirements and extending service life. The elimination of U-bolt connections in favor of optimally engineered weld-on axle brackets further enhances long-term reliability. RespondAir suspensions are configured to fully integrate with Meritor/Dana axles.
The suspension's V-Rod configuration, versus the conventional torque and track bar configuration, provides superior lateral stability and reduced tail swing — especially critical for aerial apparatus with extended overhangs. High-strength cast steel components and seamless tubing construction ensure durability under extreme duty cycles.
RespondAir is engineered for both single axle (30k-35k) and tandem axle (60k-70k) configurations, making it ideal for aerial trucks, rescue pumpers, tankers and other heavy-duty fire apparatus. The system integrates Link's proven 500 Series height control valves, offering the highest flow rates available for optimal leveling performance. The air suspension system also features a rapid air-dump function that allows fire trucks to reduce their overall height, enabling access to older station houses with lower door clearances.
Link will back the RespondAir with an industry-leading warranty featuring coverage on structural components and wear components. The system will be available through OEM partners starting in late 2025.
All RespondAir suspensions are treated with Link's exclusive Link-KOAT migratory self-healing metal treatment. This proven protective coating provides superior corrosion resistance and rust protection, even when surfaces are exposed to harsh de-icing chemicals, excessive road abrasion and extreme-duty environments commonly encountered in fire service operations.
"The RespondAir suspension directly addresses the industry's most pressing needs in heavy-duty fire apparatus applications," added Molitor. "By developing a true non-torque-reactive system with larger, more durable bushings and eliminating traditional U-bolt axle connections, we've created a suspension that directly addresses industry demands, significantly reduces maintenance requirements, and enhances stability and ride quality. This purpose-built design, backed by our industry-leading warranty, demonstrates our commitment to providing fire departments with equipment that performs reliably when lives are on the line."
Fire apparatus manufacturers and department representatives can preview the RespondAir suspension at FDIC International 2025 in Indianapolis (Booth #5951). Link's engineering team will be available to discuss integration capabilities and performance specifications.
Link's RespondAir suspensions can be ordered through local OEM dealers. For more information on RespondAir suspensions, please call (800) 222-6283.
To access high-resolution images and video of the RespondAir suspension, please visit .
About Link Mfg., Ltd.
Link develops and manufactures a variety of suspensions, suspension controls and specialty air management products, engineered to address the unique needs of commercial vehicle, trailer, motorcoach, transit bus, shuttle bus, recreational vehicle and specialty vehicle markets. Link is the worldwide leader in heavy-duty truck cab air suspensions, marketed under the brand name Cabmate. The company is also a leading innovator in vehicle air management and dynamic air suspension control technologies, marketed under the brand names SmartValve, Smart Air Management Systems (SAMS) and Road Optimized Innovations (ROI). With manufacturing locations in the United States and Canada and distribution in Europe, Link is an IATF 16949– and ISO 14001: 2015 (EMS)-certified company whose primary products include cab, auxiliary and chassis suspensions, including heavy vocational, off-highway and air suspension management technologies. Link also manufactures specialty products, such as Cat's Eye-brand tire pressure monitoring and equalization systems, ramps, and other products designed to enhance the productivity of commercial vehicles. For more information on how Link is driven to outperform, visit .
Link and Link-KOAT are registered trademarks of Link Mfg., Ltd.
RespondAir is a trademark of Link Mfg., Ltd.
Names of equipment manufacturers may be trademarks of their respective organizations. References to vehicle makes, models and product designations are for reference purposes only. Neither Link Mfg., nor its products are sponsored or endorsed by reference, and there is nothing else in the use of these designations that should lead a reader to believe that there is an association between Link Mfg. and these organizations.
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