In 1985, Donvel’s founder was challenged by a fellow driver to “do something about the way these trucks handle in the front end.” With a machinist background and over two million miles of driving experience, he accepted the challenge. Over the next several years, he developed a steer axle air ride prototype for his Marmon truck. Initially, the prototype provided control at low speeds but not at high speeds. Solving that problem led him to invent the DVI Motion Controls for which there is one patent and another patent pending.

With the addition of the DVI Motion Controls, the prototype became the Donvel Steer Axle Stabilizers, a ride control system. By almost instantaneously controlling the action of the air springs, leverage could now be applied to the leaf springs and chassis reducing over compression and snap back. This, in turn, stabilized the steer axle reducing excess bounce. In addition, the constant holding and releasing action of the air springs gave increased stability to the truck‘s front end, making cornering safer and extending steer tire life.

With a successful product in place, word spread among his fellow drivers and in 1991 the first Steer Axle Stabilizers kits were sold. From 1991 to 1994, he and his wife custom designed and built Stabilizer kits in their home shop in between road trips. When orders increased, they retired in 1995 from their driving career of 40 years and devoted their full energies to the new company named “Donvel Inc..”

In 1995, the present Donvel manufacturing facility was purchased which is located at 10752 U.S. Highway 271, Gladewater, Texas, 75647. Beginning in 1997, advertising was purchased in national trade magazines and newspapers. Customer referrals have been an increasing source of business. In fact, customers‘ requests have led to a further development of the Donvel ride control products. In 1999, a customer complained about the way his cab and sleeper were rocking and swaying, making his time at the wheel more stressful. He asked what, if anything, could be done about it. The DVI Motion Controls were adapted for the existing cab/sleeper air springs and greatly reduced the side to side swaying and bouncing at the back of the cab.

In 2000, a driver recovering from back surgery asked if his seat could be made more comfortable by reducing the vertical bounce. Again, the DVI Motion Controls were adapted for the existing seat air spring which reduced the extreme up and down movements. This kept the seat in the mid range and in a better position to absorb the fore and aft snap of the truck. This helps many drivers by reducing the severity of back slap. It also greatly reduces bottoming out on bad bridges. In 2002, a customer wanted to reduce the bounce and side rock on the drive axles. Once again, the DVI Motion Controls were designed and manufactured for the existing air springs on the drive axles and trailer axles.

In addition to serving our own customers, Donvel is proud to supply DVI Motion Controls to other manufacturers for use on their products. What started out as a search for a solution to a problem, has grown from two people to a family business which is growing based on customer happiness and satisfaction. Donvel is committed to building ride control products that “smooth the big rig miles” and make the driver‘s life easier, safer and help his truck last longer.