The weight displacement from sloshing liquids can make driving a tanker one of the most difficult jobs in the transport industry. However, there are systems available to enhance tanker trailer performance and assist driver comfort.
One currently available through distributors such as Gough Transport Solutions (GTS) is the WABCO Roll Stability System (RSS), a feature of the Trailer Electronic Braking System (TEBS). It features an active vehicle safety program that reacts in milliseconds if trailer instability is detected while driving, and assists the driver to confidently manoeuvre the tanker.
The RSS is built on ABS functionality with additional sensors for roll mitigation that measure steering input and yaw, all of which can be calibrated to account for the movement of liquid in tankers. “The latest generation of braking and chassis control systems has enhanced intelligence and is smart enough to respond correctly to the shifting of liquids in a tanker,” Daniel Nelson at GTS reports.
The team at GTS can assist any fleet it supplies with the calibration of the WABCO TEBS to match the tanker application and guarantees it will improve the performance and safety of the vehicle.
Recognised by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) as an effective safety technology, RSS from leading braking suppliers such as WABCO were mandated for Dangerous Goods tankers in NSW in August 2014.
“Though tankers in this category have until January 2019 to update their fleets, the tanker segment is proving to be an early adopter of the technology,” says Daniel. “Tanker drivers appreciate the high performance of modern, RSS-equipped combinations, and the fleet managers that have purchased RSS are seeing healthy returns on their investment in the reduction of driveline wear.”
Across the industry, groups including the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), the National Bulk Tanker Association (NBTA) and the Australian Road Transport Suppliers’ Association (ARTSA) have called for a national approach to stability control. According to the ATA, ‘the safety benefits
speak for themselves’ and therefore RSS systems should be implemented not just in tankers, but across the board. “Forward-thinking fleets ensure the comfort and safety of their drivers by investing in RSS performance technology and seeing the benefits,” reminds Daniel.
