LiquidSpring emergency vehicle suspension is installed on 97% of Type 1 ambulances nationwide. That same technology is available for Type 3 ambulances on both front and rear axles.
Type 3 ambulances, built on E-series Ford or G-series Chevy cutaway chassis, are the workhorses of small-town and rural EMS services. They’re more budget-friendly than Type 1 units, making them practical for communities with limited resources. But budget-conscious doesn’t mean compromising on ride quality, safety, or vehicle reliability.
The Type 3 Advantage And Challenge
Type 3 ambulances offer several benefits for smaller EMS operations:
- Lower purchase cost and better fuel economy
- Easier to maneuver in tight areas or narrow roads
- Familiar chassis that most mechanics can service
- Sufficient patient care space for most calls
The challenge? Traditional cutaway suspensions were designed for commercial use, not transporting critically ill patients over long distances on poorly maintained rural roads.
Why Rural EMS Needs Better Suspension
If you’re running EMS in a rural area, you may face:
Long transport times. Hospital runs of 45 minutes to over an hour each way are common.
Rough roads. Potholes, patched asphalt, gravel sections, and surfaces that haven’t been resurfaced in years. Construction zones make it worse.
Health concerns. Working at the front or back of an EMS vehicle on rough roads takes a toll on EMS drivers and crew. Smoother rides mean fewer work-related injuries on calls.
Limited budgets. Maintenance costs, early replacement needs, and worker injuries may add up.
Front AND Rear: Complete Ride Improvement
Most Type 1 departments already understand the value of a better ride. That’s why 97 percent of Type 1 ambulances nationwide use LiquidSpring on the rear axle. It delivers a smoother ride, better stability, and safer loading. But many Type 1 agencies still skip the front upgrade, leaving the driver and front attendant to absorb every rut, pothole, and railroad crossing.
Type 3 units face a different challenge. E-Series and G-Series cutaways rarely receive any suspension upgrade at all. Yet the driver and EMT sit directly over the front axle, absorbing the harshest part of the ride. Often, the crew in the cab takes more impact than the patient in the back.
With LiquidSpring on both axles, everything changes. The ambulance settles down, steering becomes steadier, and the whole vehicle handles with more control and confidence. Patients ride smoothly. EMTs stay fresher. The truck takes less abuse over the years.
LiquidSpring can be installed on both front and rear axles.
This delivers benefits across your entire operation:
For Your Crew:
- Reduced fatigue over long transports
- Better visibility and vehicle control
- Lower injury risk from jarring impacts
For Patient Care:
- Smoother ride for critical patients
- Easier for paramedics to perform procedures
- Better equipment stability
For Your Budget:
- Reduced structural stress on body and components
- Lower maintenance costs
- Extended service life before replacement
How LiquidSpring Works
LiquidSpring actively monitors and adjusts to road conditions in real time. A compressible liquid-based strut changes spring rates automatically based on what the vehicle encounters. An onboard microprocessor monitors speed, steering, braking, and road inputs.
Key features:
- Automatic load-leveling for consistent ride height
- Real-time adaptation—soft for bumps, firm for cornering
- Proven durability in harsh conditions
Installation and Compatibility
LiquidSpring systems for Type 3 ambulances are available through our nationwide certified installer network. Installation typically takes 4-5 days.
Compatible chassis:
- Ford E-350/E-450 series
- Chevrolet/GMC G-series (3500/4500)
We work with your team to minimize downtime and maintain ambulance coverage during installation.
Your Crew Deserves the Best
Type 3 ambulances serve communities that face demanding challenges. Long transport times, rough roads, and limited resources mean every vehicle upgrade must justify itself through real performance and cost benefits.
LiquidSpring delivers both. Improved crew comfort, better patient care, reduced maintenance costs, and extended vehicle life make this investment pay for itself over time.
Next Steps
Ready to explore emergency vehicle suspension upgrades for your Type 3 ambulances?
- Contact LiquidSpring to discuss your vehicle configuration
- Connect with our installer network for timeline planning
- Explore financing options for your budget cycle
