Volvo puts a stop to trailer slips with braking technology19 December 2013

Volvo's braking system, dubbed Stretch Brake, will now be available on FH and FM semi-trailer rigs from 2014.

Last year, Volvo introduced Stretch Brake for its FH trucks pulling drawbar trailers, extending this to FM trucks earlier this year.

The system is designed to prevent rig instability or jack-knifing when driving drawbar trailers along slippery roads or on downhill gradients.

Mats Sabelström, brake specialist at Volvo, explains that the system automatically retards the trailer and straightens up the rig.

It complements the rig's ESP (electronic stability programme), which works best at higher speeds, he says, adding that it is only operational at speeds below 40km/h.

"As the rig approaches a downhill slope, the driver manually activates the system," says Sabelström.

"When the driver then releases the accelerator, the brakes on the trailer are automatically applied in pulsated mode all the way down the hill until the gradient levels out and speed can once again be increased."

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
Volvo Group UK Ltd

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