MORryde Independent Suspension: Quantifying the Ride Improvement with Data Analysis

Changing Lanes partners with MORryde to install independent suspension on an RV and meticulously measure the before-and-after ride quality. Using advanced sensors and AI-powered data analysis, Chad dives deep into the numbers to quantify the improvements in vibration, harsh impacts, and overall ride smoothness. This video isn't just about subjective feelings; it's about hard data proving the effectiveness of the MORryde IS system.

The Quest for Data-Driven Suspension Analysis

Chad from Changing Lanes, known for his tech-savvy approach to RVing, embarks on a mission to scientifically evaluate the impact of MORryde independent suspension (IS). Leaving behind subjective impressions, he employs inertial measurement units (IMUs) strategically placed throughout the RV frame. These IMUs log acceleration, angles, and magnetic fields at an impressive rate of 200 times per second. This detailed data collection sets the stage for a rigorous analysis aimed at uncovering the true benefits of the IS upgrade.

The team captured data from both a 'before' and 'after' test drive, traversing the same route and maintaining consistent speeds. This controlled environment was crucial for ensuring a fair comparison between the stock suspension and the upgraded MORryde IS. The goal was to move beyond anecdotal evidence and provide concrete, quantifiable results that the RV community could rely on. As Chad mentions in the video, "I love to have data rather than feelings when I can."

Enter the AI Data Analyst: ChatGPT

Recognizing the complexity of the data, Chad enlists the help of a powerful AI tool: ChatGPT. Tasked with analyzing the vast amounts of data collected by the IMUs, ChatGPT identifies vibration patterns, impact forces, and frequency of shock events. Chad acknowledges his non-expert status in data analysis and allows the AI to do its work, creating a unique partnership between human curiosity and artificial intelligence.

Chad meticulously outlines his interaction with ChatGPT, starting with feeding it the raw data files and their corresponding sensor locations. He emphasizes the importance of ChatGPT's ability to independently analyze the data without leading prompts. Impressively, the AI recognized and accounted for the Earth's gravitational pull on the sensors, showcasing its ability to handle real-world complexities.

Key Performance Indicators: Vibration, Impacts, and Frequency

The data analysis reveals several key performance indicators that highlight the effectiveness of the MORryde IS. The first metric examined is overall vibration, measured using Root Mean Square (RMS). The results show a noticeable improvement, particularly in the middle and rear of the RV. While the front experiences less change due to its connection to the unmodified truck kingpin, the overall reduction in vibration is a positive sign. Chad notes, "the independent suspension is not only helping with the big hits, frame damaging kind of stuff... but it does dampen vibration overall, which is good."

Moving beyond average vibration, the analysis focuses on the top 1% (P99) and 0.1% (P999) of the harshest impacts. These metrics provide insights into the IS's ability to mitigate the most jarring and potentially damaging forces. The results are striking, with the P99 analysis revealing reductions of 15.5% and 23.6% in the middle and rear, respectively. The P999 data is even more compelling, showing an average reduction of 26% in those super harsh impacts.

Perhaps the most significant finding is the reduction in the frequency of shock events. By analyzing the data, ChatGPT determined the rate at which these high-impact events occur. The results indicate a dramatic improvement, with a 69% reduction in the rear and a 71% reduction in the middle. This substantial decrease in shock frequency translates to a significant reduction in stress on the RV frame over time. As Chad explains, "Basically a 70% reduction in total shock events on that frame during that test drive."

Validating the Results: Skepticism and Transparency

To ensure the validity of the findings, Chad embraces a skeptical approach, challenging ChatGPT to provide detailed data and formulas for verification in Excel. This commitment to transparency reinforces the credibility of the analysis and allows viewers to independently assess the results. By sharing both the raw data and the AI's analytical process, Changing Lanes encourages further scrutiny and discussion within the RV community.

One potential source of error that Chad investigates is the difference in test ride durations, as the post-IS ride was slightly longer due to a train delay. To account for this, he prompts ChatGPT to analyze the total number of shock events over the entire drive, rather than the rate per minute. The resulting graphs are remarkably similar, reinforcing the robustness of the initial findings.

Key Takeaways

Here are the key takeaways from Changing Lane's data-driven analysis of the MORryde independent suspension system:

Overall Vibration Reduction: The IS system effectively dampens overall vibration, leading to a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Harsh Impact Mitigation: The system significantly reduces the severity of the harshest impacts, protecting the RV frame from potential damage.
Shock Frequency Reduction: The frequency of high-impact events is dramatically reduced, further minimizing stress on the RV's structure.
Data-Backed Improvement: The improvements are not just subjective; they are supported by robust data analysis using advanced sensors and AI.
Frame Stress Reduction: The combined effects of vibration and impact reduction translate to a substantial decrease in stress on the RV frame over time.

Conclusion: Is Independent Suspension Worth It?

Changing Lanes demonstrates the significant improvements offered by the MORryde independent suspension system through rigorous data analysis. By combining advanced sensor technology with the analytical power of AI, Chad provides compelling evidence of the system's effectiveness in reducing vibration, mitigating harsh impacts, and ultimately protecting the RV frame. For RV owners seeking to enhance ride comfort and extend the lifespan of their vehicle, the MORryde IS appears to be a worthwhile investment. Be sure to watch the full video from Changing Lanes to see all the data for yourself!