We’ve all heard the terms LSV, ABS or EBS right? But do you actually know what they all stand for or how it helps you stay on the road? EBS or Electronic Braking System is a high level brake control system whereby an electronic signal is sent by the brake pedal to activate the brakes, improving stopping distances and braking system performance. EBS also enables communication between towing and towed vehicles. For Trailers this braking system is known as TEBS or Trailer Electronic Braking System.

The Australian government is revising the Australian Design Rules, in this case (ADR38/04) to incorporate this next generation of braking systems.  These changes are currently being phased in as of July last year (2014). This will require most new trailers to have either have load proportioned braking (‘LSV’ load sensing valves) or antilock braking systems either ABS or TEBS. This is also going to be followed by (ADR38/05) which will mandate that stability control must be fitted to all new trailers.

So where does this leave you?

Load proportioned braking is the cheapest option. You will have better braking with your trailer when it is not loaded and as long as all your combination is fitted with LSV’s you will have better balance and less risk of wheel lock when you are empty. This is the bare minimum under the current rules.

Your next option is to fit a standalone antilock braking system or ABS. This will guarantee stability with no wheel lock in any weather conditions, this is for any loads too. It also eliminates tyre flat spotting and does not affect braking balance. There are a lot of flaws that come with this option. To start with your ABS trailer is either 12V or 24V. This becomes a problem if you have different trucks with varying voltages.  A voltage converter can be fitted to your truck but once you have factored this cost in you would have been better to spend extra money and fit EBS instead not to mention ABS does not have the a roll stability function so will not meet ADR38/05 and is potentially already obsolete – the Betamax of brake systems.

If you are in the right position financially to spend the extra money to have EBS or electronic braking system fitted to your new trailers you will be ready for the future. As a guide you will be looking at an addition cost of around $4k to have your tri axle trailer fitted with TEBS but the additional features it provides are well worth the initial cost. The way I see it, when the braking system does it job and stops you from locking up the brakes and potentially having to buy a whole new set of tyres, which on a tri axle trailer can be anywhere from $4k your initial investment in the TEBS system has already paid for itself. Not to mention the other features that make the TEBS system better than the standalone ABS. With the TEBS you will have faster braking in both apply and release making it have a more ‘car like’ feel. The multivolt function is a massive advantage, being able to fit behind any truck with a power connector. The Australian Trucking Association have put out an advisory manual that discussed the in’s and out’s of the EBS system in more detail. I have copied a link to their page here.  If you have the time it is a good read. 

All our 2015 rental trailers have been fitted with TEBS so if you want to ‘test drive’ this new braking system come and take one of our trailers for a few weeks and see what all the hype is about!