Fontaine Fifth Wheel’s “AWB” Air Slide product line will be discontinued and replaced by the “HDS” Air Slide product line as its recommended heavy-duty air slide bracket solution, the company recently reported. The transition reflects Fontaine’s ongoing commitment to providing customers with greater durability, simplified maintenance, and enhanced operational convenience. 

Introduced in 2022, the HDS was developed as the next-generation evolution of the AWB platform. The HDS incorporates multiple design enhancements that improve reliability, reduce maintenance requirements, and deliver a lower total cost of ownership compared to the legacy AWB design. 

One of the most significant advancements is the HDS bracket’s integrated flip-up blocking system for no-tilt operation, the supplier noted. Unlike AWB, which relies on a separate pull bar to block the top plate, the HDS enables operators to engage the no-tilt function using built-in flip-up blocks. This is designed to eliminate the need to store, transport, and manage a separate pull bar when the no-tilt feature is not in use. 

The flip-up block design also is meant to provide added flexibility for fleets. Units can be converted to a no-tilt configuration in the field through the installation of KIT-NO-TILT, eliminating the need to replace the entire assembly. This allows customers to adapt equipment to changing operational requirements while minimizing downtime and replacement costs. 

“The HDS Air Slide product line was developed to provide a more efficient and reliable solution for today’s fleets operating in heavy-duty applications,” said Aaron Puckett, senior v.p. of business development. “By simplifying critical components and reducing routine maintenance requirements, the HDS delivers meaningful value to customers while providing a clear upgrade path from the AWB platform.” 

Another key enhancement is the incorporation of maintenance-free bracket liners that require no lubrication. Compared to the AWB bracket design, the HDS liner system significantly reduces routine service requirements, helping fleets lower operating costs and maximize equipment uptime, according to Fontaine Fifth Wheel. 

The HDS also features an updated cylinder and linkage design that reduces overall component complexity. With fewer moving parts and wear points, the system is engineered to minimize long-term wear, improve reliability, and reduce maintenance costs throughout the life of the product. 

Customers currently using AWB Air Slide systems are encouraged to transition to the HDS platform for future replacement and service requirements. Fontaine will continue to support existing AWB installations by making replacement parts available “for the foreseeable future.”