As today's commercial vehicle fleets face a wide and constantly changing range of roadway conditions, trailer stability plays an increasingly crucial role in everyone's highway safety. Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, the North American leader in commercial vehicle active safety and braking system technologies, has addressed some of these challenges by improving its flexible and innovative Bendix TABS-6 Advanced roll stability system with new spring-ride suspension compatibility and more advanced options.
The Bendix TABS-6 Advanced roll stability system combines antilock braking (ABS) with a set of trailer sensors, which monitor stability and can quickly and automatically trigger braking interventions when conditions that may lead to a rollover are detected. Available in single-channel (SC) and multi-channel (MC) configurations, TABS-6 delivers solutions suitable for a variety of fleet needs.
Bendix TABS-6 Advanced is now compatible with most spring-ride suspensions and remains available for most air-ride suspensions. The system can also be connected to the new BendixTrailer Information Module, an easy-to-use system that offers comprehensive access to key vehicle data.
"More than 40 heavy-truck rollovers occur every day in the United States, and nearly two-thirds involve tractor-trailer combinations," said TJ Thomas, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions, Controls group. "Fleets can truly benefit from the most comprehensive stability offering when the BendixTABS-6 Advanced roll stability system is used in concert with the BendixESPfull stability system installed on the tractor. This powerful protection combination is particularly attractive for fleets that run high value trailers and loads."
Both SC and MC configurations offer customized benefits for specific fleet needs.
In its single-channel configuration, TABS-6 Advanced is a simple and popular solution built on an ABS configuration of two sensors and one modulator (2S1M). Without sacrificing performance, this option adds less weight and allows for easier installation and maintenance. The single-channel configuration presents an optimal choice or retrofit for fleets looking to add trailer stability to an existing ABS system.
The multi-channel option is a more complex solution that addresses different demands. For instance, a TABS-6 Advanced MC will be easier to install on vehicles with ABS systems already built with multiple sensor-and-modulator configurations, such as 2S2M or 4S2M. Tandem axle trailers are also better served by the MC option, since each axle is sensed and controlled, and a vehicle with a tridem configuration will be easier to plumb with a multi-channel option.
The Bendix TABS-6 Advanced system can work with a variety of trailer electrical requirements, handling between 8 and 32 volts without a separate power converter. Custom applications such as automatic trailer axle air suspension dump control are also available.
While trailer stability systems can dramatically improve a fleet's safety, Bendix testing has shown that the best stability protection is achieved by pairing the TABS-6 Advanced trailer stability system with a tractor equipped with the BendixESPElectronic Stability Program full-stability system. Together, these systems can address a wider range of potential rollover scenarios and apply more braking power during system interventions. They are part of the Bendix commitment to lower total cost of ownership, safety, performance, and after-sale support – critical areas for today's fleet operators.
When connected to the BendixTrailer Information Module, TABS-6 Advanced provides information on diagnostics, maintenance schedules, and stability events that can be accessed by fleet technicians. TABS-6 data can also be downloaded using the BendixAComdiagnostic software.
"We know that no safety system can replace the need for alert, safe drivers practicing safe driving habits, along with continuous, comprehensive driver training. The driver is always responsible for the control and safe operation of their vehicle at all times," Thomas said. "But by providing fleets and drivers with the most effective commercial vehicle safety systems on the market, we hope to keep building on our legacy of making all our highways safer."
