Up until now, there has not been a class 8 truck without a solid axle. But startup company Nikola that's building the first hydrogen/electric hybrid class 8 truck, that's success is still up in the air, has independent suspension. There has to be a reason no big rig manufacturer has tried this yet. Other than strength (axle ratings) is there big downside to independent suspensions when towing? I personally want a solid but I would like to know how independent performs and how people think about it.

 

GMC had an independent air suspension on series 8000 cabovers 1958-1962. Worked great, but expensive. GMC and Chevy also had independent torsion bar suspension on some class 6 and 7 trucks in the early 60's. Currently, Pierce has independent front suspension on some of their fire apparatus (technically class 8), and Oshkosh has independent suspension on all axles of their large military trucks.

Strength is not the issue, cost is. Independent is much better off road so the military pays for it. Independent is more stable and rides better on-road (particularly at high speeds) and that's Pierce's selling point.

https://oshkoshdefense.com/wp-conten...Res_3.2014.pdf

http://www.piercemfg.com/Innovations/TAK-4/TAK-4-IFS