Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC announced the development of the Bendix TABS-6 Stability System for Trailers, a high-performance electronic stability technology specifically designed for a broad range of trailer types and configurations. The technology will be available in early 2008.
Bendix TABS-6 Stability System for Trailers is a roll-stability, ABS-based technology that replaces the company's current TEBS-4 trailer stability system.
The TABS-6 platform has been a primary driver of the Bendix trailer business, which experienced incremental growth of more than 40 percent year over year during the past two years. This growth is due to a renewed emphasis by Bendix toward its trailer product offerings, aimed at providing highly effective and efficient solutions and full system coverage for a broad range of trailer applications.
The Bendix TABS-6 Stability System for Trailers is compatible with single, double, and multiple axle configurations, as well as trailer dollies. It works with multiple ABS configurations, from two-sensor, two-modulator (2S/2M) up to 6S/3M configurations. It functions with electrical power configurations from 8-volt to 32-volt systems with no need for an external power converter.
A trailer information module (TIM G2) is also available with this new system. The module can collect and store information such as mileage, trip distance, service interval status, brake diagnostics, and stability events. Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Elyria OH.
Accuride launches light steel wheels
Accuride Corp introduced its new Accu-Lite steel wheels that weigh eight pounds less than the company's previous industry-standard steel wheels. The two hand hole Accu-Lite weighs 70 lb, while the five hand hole design weighs 68 lb.
“We are committed to designing premium products to serve as solutions for our customers,” Larry Taylor, Accuride's senior vice-president of sales and marketing, said during a press conference at the Mid-America Trucking Show. “As new emission standards are resulting in weight being added to vehicles, we knew our customers needed an easy solution for counterbalancing the added weight.”
“Accu-Lite's eight pounds of weight reduction per wheel translates to a savings of at least 144 pounds for tractor/trailer combinations,” said Taylor. “When you compare the weight savings of Accu-Lite to the competition, the competition doesn't offer comparative savings. Accu-Lite is 11 pounds lighter than domestic competitors and anywhere from 14 to 23 pounds lighter than overseas competitors.” Accuride Corp, Evansville IN.
ArvinMeritor unveils trailer suspension
ArvinMeritor, Inc introduced its RideSentry trailer suspension with a revolutionary slider locking mechanism.
The PinLoc locking mechanism uses an angled pin design and an air assist with a parking brake interlock to securely engage the slider pins before the trailer is put in transit. The new slider pin system will be in production in June 2007.
“Our research has shown that many trailers are operated without the slider pins properly engaged, which can lead to an on-road hazard. The patented PinLoc system reduces the chances of this happening,” said Sergio Carvalho, vice president and general manager of North American Trailer Systems for ArvinMeritor.
Carvalho said the company's new suspension is optimized for dry and refrigerated van trailers in capacities of 38,000 and 40,000 pounds, and the addition of the PinLoc slider locking mechanism provides a reliable safety feature.
PinLoc combines an air assist, parking brake interlock, and its groundbreaking angled pins. These features combine to compensate for operator error and ensure pins engage in body rails. If the trailer is operated without pins engaged and trailer brakes are applied, conventional pins will ratchet down body rails until the slide box impacts with the stop bar. Tests have shown that at speeds above four miles-per-hour conventional pins will not engage.
PinLoc has been tested up to speeds of 70 mph with the pins engaging in the first body rail hole every time. Drivers will appreciate PinLoc as it improves slider relocating efficiency and increases safety due to its simple operation. ArvinMeritor, Inc, Troy MI.
Aurora ramps up online ordering system
Aurora Parts & Accessories is ramping up a new order management system, called FleetPer4m. The online system, available on www.auroraparts.com, will be available to Aurora partners, both fleet and authorized dealers, in the third quarter of 2007.
Once online with FleetPer4m, users can choose from the easy-to-use menus to search for parts using a variety of methods: by category; sub-category; vendor; VIN number; or part number. Once the required parts are located, the system verifies pricing upfront. FleetPer4m ensures standardized pricing throughout the nationwide Aurora dealer network.
Users have online access to billing statements, account summaries, and invoice reprints. Aurora consolidates billing statements so a single statement is sent for all purchases. In addition to saving time, the system sends out email alerts for new orders and modified orders.
FleetPer4m is packed with product information, including a comprehensive electronic parts catalog and PDC stocked part number inventory identification. Users may view product pictures, study component illustrations, and easily access a cross-reference guide to determine what part to choose if the part of choice has been discontinued by the manufacturer. Aurora Parts & Accessories, Lebanon IN.
Grote switches on WhiteLight LEDs
White LEDs highlighted the new produces that Grote Industries announced at Mid-America.
Performance tested in the grueling Baja 1000 race, the Grote is offering white LEDs as an alternative to fluorescent lighting in refrigerated trailer applications. Unlike fluorescents, LEDs produce a warm color without the heat generated by incandescent bulbs.
The company also introduced new military LED applications that can operate in conventional lighting mode or in tactical or blackout mode. Tactical mode uses a combination of red and white or blue and white to allow soldiers to see while being less visible to the enemy. Grote Industries, Madison IN.
Thermo King introduces Spectrum
Thermo King introduced the Spectrum SB multi-temperature system with SmartReefer2 (SR-2) controller for trailers.
The Spectrum system features the SR-2 controller with enlarged display screen. All temperature zones are viewed simultaneously, which allows for quick unit checks in the yard. Text messages, along with codes, are viewable, and customers have the option to choose between 22 language settings.
The Spectrum SB Multi-Temperature trailer unit achieves temperature balance in up to three different zones with various configuration possibilities. Remote evaporators make each temperature zone act like an individual trailer. Reduced fuel consumption is realized at all operating ranges. Cool, moist air circulates throughout the entire cargo area, keeping product dehydration to a minimum and allowing produce to be delivered in the freshest state.
Optional rear remote control and electronic door switches are available. The hybrid model 50 units offer electric-to-diesel-switching as standard. All Spectrum SB Multi-Temperature models come standard with Whisper quiet technology and feature bio-diesel compatible engines. Thermo King Corp, Minneapolis MN.
Ancra unveils E-Z Torque cargo winch
A gear-drive cargo-control winch that substantially reduces the effort required to tighten cargo control straps has been developed by Ancra International.
The gear-drive winch replaces the standard 34-inch winch bar with a six-inch handle. The device will achieve about 1,500 pounds of tension on the webbing with as few as a dozen rotations of the removable handle once the slack has been removed from the straps. Ancra International, Hawthorne CA.
R L Polk measuring customer loyalty
R L Polk is now offering reports that detail the loyalty of commercial vehicle owners.
The Polk Commercial Vehicle Loyalty Analysis is designed to enable commercial truck and engine manufacturers to better understand the loyalty of their customer base, analyze growth opportunities, and take pre-emptive action against potential defectors. R L Polk & Co, Southfield MI.
Air-powered cargo control winch shown
Ancra International LLC and Traction Technologies Inc. have teamed up to manufacture, market, and distribute an air-powered cargo control winch.
Traction Technologies' device uses air pressure to tighten and maintain tension on load straps. Ancra will handle manufacturing, sales, and distribution for Traction Technologies.
Cinch allows operators to tighten their loads with just a two-button operation. Cinch initially was developed to prevent load-shift related roll-overs. Traction Technologies' parent firm, Forensic Dynamics, is one of Canada's leading forensic engineering firms. The company had studied such mishaps as part of its accident reconstruction activities. Traction Technologies, Kamloops BC, and Ancra International, Hawthorne CA.