ELYRIA, Oh. — Bendix has introduced TABS-6 – it’s latest generation of trailer ABS which the company says delivers unprecedented functionality, diagnostics and customization options.<br>
<br>
TABS-6 is a scalable ABS system for trailers with features that are specially designed for the trailer market. The standard TABS-6 system is optimized for “2 Sensor/1 Modulator” configurations which are used by about 90 per cent of the trailers built in North America. A premium 4S/3M system is also available.<br>
<br>
The new ABS system is smaller and lighter than other systems on the market, Bendix claims, and it has fewer components to install and connections to make. The ECU includes a pressure equalization feature that allows air molecules to pass through, but not water, which increases the system’s durability in adverse operating environments.<br>
<br>
“Bendix TABS-6 emphasizes our drive to develop products that not only improve safety on the North American highways, but reduce the cost of vehicle ownership for fleets and vehicle operators,” said Paul Waszkowski, product manager for trailers, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems. “TABS-6 was designed to be the simplest, most durable and most flexible system for trailers in North America.”<br>
<br>
The system eliminates electrical connections from previous systems. It boasts a five-pin power connector that allows the trailer’s chassis ABS electrical connector to be plugged directly into the ECU, eliminating the need for a pigtail cable. The unit can also be tank- or frame-mounted without modification eliminating the need to stock multiple part numbers for different mounting styles.<br>
<br>
Trouble codes are easily cleared after a repair is made, without moving or lifting the trailer. And advanced blink code functionality provides time-saving, detailed information to service professionals that leads them to the fault and streamlines troubleshooting and repairs.<br>
<br>
TABS-6 also features a customization feature called Auxiliary Design Language (ADL) which enables special functions that would normally require their own ECU. This accommodates quick, custom subprograms while strictly maintaining the integrity of the ABS function using a virtual barrier. ADL allows users to develop a system that can monitor, adjust, interlock, control, broadcast or perform many basic tasks such as tire maintenance, trailer tracking, lift-axle actuation, slider-pin actuation and ride-height adjustment.<br>
<br>
The new ABS system also integrates with the Dana Spicer Tire Inflation and Monitor System.<br>