RFS (Road-Friendly Suspension) is a performance-based suspension certification system required in Australia and New Zealand to ensure that heavy vehicles (especially trailers and semi-trailers) are equipped with suspension systems that minimize road wear.
What Is RFS – Road-Friendly Suspension
It is based on technical standards such as:
- VSB No. 11 (Vehicle Standards Bulletin – Australia)
- EU Directive 96/53/EC Annex II (technical reference)
- Required for compliance with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Vehicle Safety Standards (VSS).
RFS certification focuses on verifying key suspension performance indicators:
- Low vibration frequency (≤ 2.0 Hz)
- Adequate damping ratio (≥ 20%)
- Balanced axle load sharing (within 5%)
Why Is RFS Certification Important
✅ Legal Requirement:
In Australia, RFS certification is mandatory for registering heavy trailers and some types of trucks under the Road Vehicle Standards Act.
✅ Protects Roads:
Certified RFS suspension reduces dynamic impact on roads, preventing damage and lowering maintenance costs for public infrastructure.
✅ Allows Full Axle Load Access:
Only vehicles with approved RFS can legally carry maximum allowable axle loads, especially over bridges and weight-restricted zones. Help your vehicles obtain the higher mass limits from the general mass limits
✅ Demonstrates Quality & Compliance:
Suspension systems with RFS approval are recognized as high-quality and compliant with government road protection policies.
What We Can Do for You
As a professional RFS service provider, we offer:
✅ Suspension Testing and Data Analysis
- Full setup and instrumentation (accelerometers, LVDTs, DAQ)
- On-site or in-lab step test simulation
- Data processing, damping ratio and frequency calculation
✅ Certification Support
- Assistance with worst-case suspension justification
- Preparation of technical documents for VSS submission
- Guidance on design optimization if suspension fails criteria
✅ Engineering Advisory
- Suspension design review (air, mechanical, hydraulic systems)
- RFS upgrade consulting for existing products
- Supporting documents in accordance with VSB 11 & ADR 38/05
🌐 Ready to Certify Your Suspension
If you manufacture, import, or modify Trailer,Truck,Suspension/Axle system in Australia, RFS approval is a critical requirement for compliance and market access.
📩 Contact us today to arrange testing, consultation, or full end-to-end RFS certification services.
🔧 We simplify the process, support your technical team, and ensure you meet national standards.
