Link Mfg. recently added aftermarket kits for its ROI Cabmate Semi-Active Cab Suspension.
The kits are designed to replace factory-installed cab suspensions with Link’s intelligent cab suspensions featuring Road Optimized Innovation (ROI) technology. The first of their kind to hit the commercial vehicle market since the product’s introduction in 2019, the kits target flagship 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 tuned to deliver a specific quality of ride within a narrow range of surface and load conditions, the ROI Cabmate adapts to whatever it encounters, the manufacturer said. The ROI Cabmate’s electronic control unit (ECU) uses 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 at speeds beyond human perception, adjusting shock absorber stiffness with computer-controlled precision. The result is optimized 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, ROI product manager for Link. “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, Link maintained. Regardless of what a vehicle’s wheels encounter, the ROI Cabmate responds instantly, with the ideal stiffness to control and reduce cab motion and vibration. The system also counteracts the effects of wind sheer, as well as turbulence from other vehicles.
During the process of developing and refining its aftermarket kits, Link says it logged more than 3 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 2 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. Though pricing will vary by model, the kits are expected to retail between $2,250 and $2,500. ROI Cabmate aftermarket kit part numbers are as follows: Freightliner Cascadia 2019 and newer, part number 26302010; Kenworth T680 2012 and newer, part number 26302030; International LT Series 2017 and newer, part number 26302020; Peterbilt 579 2012 and newer, part number 26302030; Volvo VNL and VNR Series 2017 and newer, part number 26302040.
Visit roicabmate.com for more information.
