AL-KO
Trailerbodybuilders 9184 Al Ko 2link System 0
Trailerbodybuilders 9184 Al Ko 2link System 0
Trailerbodybuilders 9184 Al Ko 2link System 0
Trailerbodybuilders 9184 Al Ko 2link System 0
Trailerbodybuilders 9184 Al Ko 2link System 0

AL-KO adds anti-skid system for commercial trailers

Sept. 21, 2018
AL-KO is making its Trailer Control anti-skid system available for commercial trailers.

AL-KO is making its Trailer Control anti-skid system available for commercial trailers and adding new technology, including the AL-KO 2LINK connectivity system with tire pressure monitoring.

The AL-KO Trailer Control (ATC) system is designed to lessen the effect of “evasive” maneuvers, bridge cross winds and wind pressure on trailers by “quickly and gently” braking the trailer and putting it back on track.

The company said its emergency system has been proven in caravans for more than 10 years, with nearly 200,000 installations in Europe, where ATC already is standard equipment for many manufacturers.

For the system to work properly, the weight of the trailer must remain within specific, clearly defined parameters, AL-KO said, including any construction machines on the trailer, such as compressors or concrete pumps. The company said ATC also is suitable for specialty trailers like food trailers. Various ATC versions are tailored to the total weight on the trailer, from 750 kilograms (1,653 pounds) to 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs).

The system permanently controls the behavior of the trailer. Sensors detect the slightest lateral movements and lateral accelerations before a stabilization program in the towing vehicle can register the oscillating movement. In critical driving situations that cause the trailer to roll, the ATC control electronics react automatically, AL-KO said.

If the characteristic oscillation periods and vibration curves occur, the trailer brake is immediately activated by a servomotor and the trailer gently brakes. Braking power of a few seconds is enough to stretch vehicle and trailer and restore safe driving conditions, AL-KO said. Since the ATC sits directly on the axle and acts via the brake linkage, no intervention in the overrun device is required. The ATC sensors, the control electronics and the servo motor for the brake intervention are housed in a compact, splash-proof housing. It is permanently mounted on the axle, coupled to the trailer brake and connected to the existing on-board electrical system of the trailer.

The new 2LINK connectivity system complements ATC, and will include a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) starting in November, 2018, the company said, with the information displayed on a smart phone.

AL-KO said having the right tire pressure at all times offers decisive advantages:

  • Shorter braking distance
  • Better driving and cornering characteristics
  • Less fuel consumption
  • Less tire wear

The TPMS sensor can be mounted directly on the rim at the tire dealer instead of a standard valve. Installation of the 2LINK-Box and sensors is available at every trained AL-KO service point and in every AL-KO customer center. The basis for the transmission is the 2LINK-Box. It sends tire pressure data to a smart phone via Bluetooth. The tire pressure is displayed in the 2LINK app, which is available to download free for Apple and Android devices.

AL-KO introduced its new trailer technology at the 2018 IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hannover, Germany. For complete coverage of IAA 2018, make sure to pick up the November issue of Trailer/Body Builders magazine.

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