New from SAF-Holland is the Electronic Lock Indicator technology enhanced (ELI-te) Fifth Wheel Coupling Assistant. It is an automatic LED lighting system to allow quick recognition of a successful or failed coupling attempt between a tractor and a trailer.
With the system, drivers no longer need to guess on the success of a couple, says the company’s product manager, fifth wheels, Bryan Redeker.
SAF-Holland is a global manufacturer of trailer suspension and axle systems, truck suspensions, fifth wheels, landing gear and coupling products (www.safhollamd.com).
An exclusive Holland brand innovation, ELI-te provides drivers with LED light indicators for quick recognition of a successful or failed coupling attempt.
An unsuccessful coupling triggers flashing red LED lights to notify the driver of an issue – a failed attempt – prior to a “tug test.”
A successful coupling triggers white LED lights, providing illumination of the fifth wheel lock to assist the driver with visual lock inspection prior to performing a tug test. These lights shine for 5 minutes.
ELI-te is available as an integrated option on the Holland FW35 Series Fifth Wheels, and is available for FW31 and FW33 Series Fifth Wheels.
With over a decade of SAF-Holland experience in trailer-sensing electronic technology – the Electronic Lock Indicator was introduced in 2000, Redeker says the ELI-te Fifth Wheel Coupling Assistant uses state-of-the-art components to ensure robust performance in an economical product. A long-life, application-specific, electronic control module is mounted directly to the fifth wheel top plate, and features electrical output capability to support connection with remote indicators.
Expensive problem
“Dropped trailers are an expensive and preventable situation,” notes Redeker. “Fifth wheel performance alone cannot assure successful trailer coupling since driver habits are crucial to the effectiveness of the coupling procedure.
“The Holland ELI-te system supports safety needs by enhancing driver awareness during the trailer coupling procedure.”
Drivers working with the ELI-te receive simple, immediate and actionable feedback after each coupling, he explains. When a trailer kingpin is properly coupled to an ELI-te equipped fifth wheel, four high-intensity white LED lights, strategically positioned under the fifth wheel top plate for maximum function, reliability and protection, automatically illuminate the lock jaws. This assists drivers with the visual safety inspection process by directing their attention to the critical connection between the lock jaws and kingpin.
If a coupling problem is detected, daytime-visible red LED lights will begin flashing from both sides of the fifth wheel to alert drivers that the vehicle is not ready for motion.
“By reinforcing standard inspection procedures, ELI-te encourages drivers to consistently and independently recognize and resolve serious hazards and be truly confident in their ability to move cargo safely,” says Redeker.
“The lights make it easy for drivers to positively confirm that they have coupled correctly, and warn them if they have not. It’s a new generation of safety,” adds Mark Molitor, the company’s vice president of engineering, Americas. “It’s an engineered, all-in-one system that will be spec’d by on-highway fleets that are looking to empower drivers to accomplish correct coupling consistently.”
Robust
Industry-proven sensors and shatter-proof lamp modules are combined with the system’s sealed, one-piece electrical harness – a one-connector assembly that requires only a low-current connection to the vehicle electrical power. For converter dolly applications, the electrical connection is designed to be compatible with ABS status signals. The complete system provides enhanced operation safety and efficiency for the fleet, and allows for efficient installation at the OEM or aftermarket retrofit.
