Latest Developments on Independent Front Suspensions for Class A Motorhome Chassis and an Outlook to Truck Applications

This paper focuses on the design of a new independent front suspension (IFS) that ZF Passau GmbH has developed for application in class A motorhomes (also known as Recreational Vehicles, RV's). The new IFS gives the customer various benefits such as better handling and higher wheel cuts. Additionally, the suspension module features disc brakes. The background of suspension design (kinematics, parts and bearing properties) and disc brake technology are covered.

In a further section, the presentation highlights the application potentials and benefits of IFS systems in heavy-duty trucks. The expected advantages, corresponding ride and handling simulation results from ZF and a design concept that has been produced by ZF in a prototype vehicle are shown.