Novel draw bar coupling makes debut on DAF FAR XF 18 February 2013

Owner driver Cameron Zab, based in Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Devon has taken delivery of a DAF FAR XF 6x2 draw bar chassis, fitted with the new VBG 575 Version 2.0 coupling.

The DAF chassis was supplied by Wessex DAF of Newton Abbot, while the new coupling and its installation kit – including the VBG (Type Approved) swing-up rear underrun bar – were supplied and fitted by local VBG service agent Turners Commercials, of Bruton, Somerset.

The new coupling is a 50mm load-bearing type, designed primarily for operation with centre-axle trailers, and overcomes well-known problems with conventional designs.

To date, guide funnel have been designed to swivel from side to side against spring pressure when the trailer eye made contact during angular movements. Further, when coupling to the trailer, it has been necessary to lock the guide funnel in the straight position.

Both are weakness a design that is not helped by driver abuse, damage and lack of regular lubrication of the moving parts.

The new VBG 575 Version 2.0 overcomes these problems by relying on a fixed wide-angle guide funnel. A pair of wedge shaped flexible compression blocks its on each side. Hinged metal plates then compress the blocks as the trailer eye comes into contact during angular movements.

The VBG design not only eliminates moving parts but also helps reduce damage from abuse by giving superior alignment of the trailer eye during the coupling procedure.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
VBG Group Sales Ltd

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