e q u i p m e n t

Auxiliary Brake System Shortens Panic Stops

The Emergency Braking System (EBS) from Emergency Brake Technologies is designed to brake trucks safely in panic stops.
Driver activated, the hydraulic system immobilizes the wheels of a braking rig. It is designed to be effective on slick roads, sharp curves and steep hills.
The EBS consists of a metal frame holding two polyurethane wedges with treaded rubber flaps on the bottom. This frame is attached to the front of the trailer’s suspension.
To activate the EBS, the driver hits a button (similar to the tractor’s parking brake button) on the dashboard and an electric-to-air mechanism releases the wedges. They drop onto the road in front of the tires. The tires ride up and lock against the wedges.
The weight of the trailer pushes the wedges down onto the road, causing the rubber flaps to scrape against the roadway. This slows the rig down while helping to keep it in a straight line. The rubber flaps are replaceable.
To reset, the trailer wheels are backed off the wedges. A hand crank is then used to retract the wedges back into the “ready” position.
EBS is now available for van, flatbed, tanker and doubles trailers. It weighs 600 to 800 pounds depending upon its configuration. Retrofit installation requires two people and three to four hours. Suggested retail price is $3,985.