The kits are designed and engineered to replace original, factory-installed cab suspensions with Link’s cab suspensions featuring its Road Optimized Innovation (ROI) technology. 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 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 ROI Cabmate’s electronic control unit 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 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 company says.
“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,” says 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,” DeGroff says.
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 says. 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.
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 with 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, Link says.
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.
