In today’s heavy transport industry, air bag suspension weighing has become a critical part of maintaining legal compliance, road safety, and operational efficiency. With more trucks and trailers adopting air suspension systems (FleetMaintenance.com), the need for accurate, real-time onboard weighing is higher than ever. That’s where Loadsense steps in—with advanced wired and wireless RF onboard weighing systems designed specifically for air bag suspension setups.

This guide explores how air suspension works, the different types of air bags used in truck and trailer systems, and how Loadsense’s truck and trailer weighing sensors turn pressure readings into precise axle group weights.

✅ What Is Air Bag Suspension in Trucks and Trailers?

Air bag suspension (TruckingTruth.com) is a type of vehicle suspension that uses inflatable air springs (air bags) in place of traditional steel springs. These air bags are filled with compressed air and provide a smoother ride while automatically adjusting to changing loads.

In a typical truck or trailer, the air suspension system includes:

  • Air bags placed between the axle and chassis

  • Height control valves to regulate the ride height

  • An air compressor and tank

  • Electronic control system or pressure sensors

The system adapts in real-time to load conditions, making it ideal for integration with onboard weighing technology like the systems from Loadsense.

🔍 What Is Air Bag Suspension Weighing?

Air bag suspension weighing is a method of calculating the weight carried by a truck or trailer using the air pressure within the suspension bags. As weight increases, so does the pressure in the air bags—this correlation allows for accurate onboard weight measurement when paired with calibrated pressure sensors.

This type of weighing is especially effective for:

It’s fast, accurate, and doesn’t require a visit to a weighbridge (Mainfreight.com).

⚙️ Types of Air Bags Used in Truck Suspension Systems

Understanding the type of air bags used helps optimize onboard weighing systems. The three main types include:

  1. Single Convoluted Air Bags – Compact and used in light-duty or lift axle applications.

  2. Double Convoluted Air Bags – Common in heavy-duty trucks; provide more vertical travel and weight-bearing capability.

  3. Rolling Lobe Air Springs – Used in trailers and highway rigs; offer smooth ride and long service life under heavy loads.

Each bag type produces different pressure responses, making accurate air suspension weighing dependent on advanced sensor calibration—something Loadsense excels in.

🧠 How Loadsense Truck & Trailer Air Bag Suspension Sensors Work

Loadsense has developed a specialized range of weighing sensors for truck and trailer air suspension that connect directly to the air bag lines. The sensors measure the pressure inside the air springs and convert this into an accurate weight reading by axle group.

Two sensor types are available:

  • Wired Weighing Sensors – Hardwired into the vehicle’s electrical system and ideal for single-unit trucks or where a fixed solution is required.

  • Wireless RF Weighing Sensors – Use radio frequency (RF) technology to transmit weight data to a receiver or in-cab display, perfect for trailers or modular fleets.

The system works seamlessly across steer axles, drive axles, and trailer axle groups (NZTA), giving drivers and operators access to real-time axle group weights.

🚛 Key Benefits of Air Bag Suspension Weighing with Loadsense

Integrating Loadsense weighing sensors into your air ride suspension system delivers a range of performance and compliance advantages:

  • ✅ Real-Time Axle Group Weighing

  • ✅ No Need for Weighbridges

  • ✅ Legal Compliance

  • ✅ Enhanced Safety

  • ✅ Operational Efficiency

  • ✅ Easy Installation

🔧 Applications in the Real World

Loadsense’s air bag suspension weighing systems are used across a range of transport sectors:

Whether you’re using a B-double, semi-trailer, or rigid truck, Loadsense has a scalable and dependable solution.

✅ Final Thoughts: Smarter Weighing Starts with Smarter Sensors

Air bag suspension weighing offers major ride quality and safety benefits—but pairing it with a smart weighing system like Loadsense unlocks its full commercial potential.

By leveraging air pressure sensors, RF wireless technology, and intelligent axle group monitoring, Loadsense is leading the way in onboard air suspension weighing.

Start weighing with confidence. Visit LoadsenseScales.com today to explore wired and wireless weighing solutions for air suspension systems.