VI plans blitz on trailer ABS
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• by Coln Barnett The Vehicle Inspectorate has launched a clampdown on the incorrect use of semi-trailer electronic braking systems, including ABS and EBS. From now or an immediate prohibition will be issued where a trailer is found to have electronic brakes without the ISO 7638 suzie or a suitable alternative power source being in place.
The VI reports that the problem came to its attention during investigations into a recent collision when a truck driver was killed after the semitrailer of an artic travelling in the opposite direction swung out, striking his vehicle.
The EBS-equipped trailer was found not to have its ISO 7638 suzie fitted, nor was there any alternative power source for the ABS.
Such systems are provided with an unregulated fail-safe air supply to the trailer, with the actual braking pressure modulated electronically.
Without the cable being in place. the essential tractor-totrailer power and data link is not provided, resulting in failure of load sensing. anti-lock and electronic braking functions.
The unregulated air supply is then likely to cause brake lockup and trailer swing-out.
From now on no ABS suzie will mean an immediate prohibition