The caster is one of the least understood angles in a vehicle’s suspension system but is crucial to proper alignment. It is the forward or backward slope of a line drawn through the upper and lower steering pivot points.
Stabilizes Vehicles
Stabilizer bars are used in many vehicle suspension systems to help force opposing sides of a vehicle to lower or rise to similar heights when driving over curves, sharp corners, and large bumps. The stabilizer bar is a “U” shaped rod made of tubular steel that sits between the front tires and is securely attached to the frame or unibody member in two locations using bushings or sockets. The links on the stabilizer bar get pushed down when the vehicle turns, and apply torsion to the rod. The torsion then moves the link at the opposite end of the stabilizer bar, forcing the suspension on the other side of the vehicle to lower or rise to a similar height.
Stabilizes Trailers
Suspension casters are often used to stabilize trailers. These include travel trailers, fifth wheels, and RVs towed to camping sites or destinations like the beach. Stabilizers work to reduce the bouncing of your camper or 5th wheel when you drive over rough terrain and when people walk inside it. They also help to reduce turbulence in the suspension and tires, which can wear out and cause damage. The best trailer stabilizer systems are permanently installed on your RV. They work by attaching to the RV’s frame and jacks using a hardware kit with the stabilizer. These kits come with two stabilizer tubes that bolt to your RV’s frame and attach to each front jack from side to side. Once the system is set up at camp, it is just a matter of tightening the t-handle on each tube to lock them in place.
Stabilizes Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are an essential means of transport for many people. Whether manual or powered, wheelchairs provide their users with significant independence. However, as wheelchairs traverse obstacles and uneven ground surfaces, their drive wheels and casters frequently lose contact with the ground. This can result in several unpleasant and potentially dangerous outcomes for the wheelchair user, including losing control or even a rearward tip.
In an attempt to mitigate the effects of this loss of contact, various attempts have been made to improve the stability of wheelchairs while negotiating different terrains and obstacles. One proposed solution is a suspension system that includes a frame, a pivot arm, a front caster, a drive assembly and a rear caster. Movement of the drive assembly in a first direction urges the pivot arm away from the first position, and movement of the rear caster in a second direction forces the pivot arm towards the first position.
Stabilizes Equipment
Suspension casters are a common item in the fleet and are a great way to help keep your vehicle stable. Using the right kind of casters for your application can make all the difference in how your truck handles and maneuvers around obstacles and traffic. The most common use for suspension casters is to keep a trailer or a dolly from rolling. The best casters have commercial-grade springs that absorb heavy or light loads and even variable load conditions. The top-of-the-line casters are also used to keep equipment safe from falling targets. The best casters for the job feature springs, a locking mechanism to prevent accidental dislodging, and a rubber or urethane tread that won’t scratch or mark the surfaces of your cargo.
