Independent Rubber Suspension (IRS)
AL-KO is able to produce a range of custom built axles. Options available are:
- Range of capacities (for definition of capacity see figure 1)
- Zinc plated or galvanised
- Bolt-on or u-bolt fixing
- To suit most wheel types
- To suit common brake types
- Available braked or unbraked
- Multitude of brake options
- Special stub axle lengths
- Special shock absorber mountings on some models
- Up to 3 ride heights
- Click here for copy of the specification sheet to assist you with your axle requirements.
AL-KO (IRS) Axles
Featured on over 8 million caravans and trailers around the world, the AL-KO I.R.S. axle system is now the benchmark for fully independent trailer suspension. The trend to independent suspension first revolutionised the passenger car, then four wheel drives and is now the choice for trailers too.
The AL-KO I.R.S. axle has been proven in tough Australian conditions – from dirt tracks to fast freeways, from mountain tracks to desert highways. The demands of marine trailer towing, with the additional affect of salt water, are also met with the AL-KO I.R.S. system.
Conventional suspension componentry can suffer on Australian roads leading to instability and dangerous snaking under heavy loads. AL-KO’s remarkable I.R.S. system makes towing instabilitya thing of the past.
Here’s how it works
The AL-KO I.R.S. axle uses simple and effective engineering. The hexagonal axle tube houses three rubber elements held in place by a triple fluted inner tube. Suspension movement between bump and rebound compresses the rubber elements thus providing dampening of road shocks.
The unique self-dampening characteristics of the rubber elements slows down the rebound (as shown in figure 1). Every AL-KO I.R.S. axle is manufactured to exact engineering standards and tested for toe-in and camber as well as load rated deflection using state-of-the-art alignment technology. The AL-KO I.R.S. axles are also available in special configurations, such as half axles.
Features and benefits
Some of the features and benefits of the AL-KO I.R.S. are listed below:
- Suitable for all types of trailer construction
- Independent suspension
- Inherent dampening reduces suspension rebound
- Absorbs shocks, provides better control for more safety
- Fewer moving parts to wear, i.e. no springs or shackle bolts
- Withstands 312 times its rating at shock load
- Available in single, tandem & tri-axle
- Each axle tested for toe-in and camber
- Galvanised / zinc plated
- Easy fitting
- Backed by international company
- Made in Australia for Australian conditions
- Corrosion resistant for marine applications
- Digital testing for optimum load rating
- Can be fitted with different types of brakes
- Robust “off road” model available
| Capacity | Tube size (T) (MM) | Brake options** | Stub length / profile (mm) | Chassis to stub centre (mm) unloaded * “Nominal” – (H) | Max wheel diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highway | |||||
| 100 – 400 | 62 | Unbraked | 205 / LM | 85 | 13? |
| 401 – 850 | 80 | 10? Electric | 205 / LM | 110 | 14? |
| 851 – 1450 | 97 | 10? Electric | 205 or 235 / Slimline | 130 | 14? |
| 851 – 1600 | 110 | 10? Electric | 235 / Slimline / Parallel | 145 | 16? |
| 1601 – 2500 | 120 | 12? Electric | 255 / 2T | 135 | 16? |
| “Off Road” (15?/16? Wheels only) | |||||
| 851 – 1600 | 110 | 10? Electric | 235 / Slimline / Parallel | 145 | 16? |
| 1601 – 2500 | 120 | 12? Electric | 255 / 2T | 135 | 16? |
| “Marine” (U-bolt fitted) | |||||
| 100 – 400 | 62 | Mechanical Disc or Unbraked | 205 / LM | 85 | 13? |
| 401 – 850 | 80 | Hydraulic or Mech Disc | 205 / LM | 110 | 14? |
| 851 – 1450 | 97 | Hydraulic or Mech Disc | 205 or 235 / Slimline | 130 | 14? |
| 851 – 1600 | 110 | Hydraulic or Mech Disc | 235 / Slimline / 1.5T | 145 | 16? |
| 1601 – 2500 | 120 | Hydraulic or Mech Disc | 255 / 2T | 135 | 16? |
** All axles are available unbraked or with the brake options as shown.
* “Unloaded” refers to the chassis being supported and suspension arms hanging free.
