Dexter Tow Assist provides anti-lock braking (ABS), an odometer function and sway mitigation. The system is installation-friendly for OEMs, the company says.
With electric ABS, Dexter Tow Assist provides trailer anti-lock braking, utilizing the most performance out of each trailer brake while reducing the risk of tire skid or lockup and improving maneuverability to avoid obstacles, Dexter says.
Dexter Tow Assist provides valuable mileage tracking with the built-in odometer function. Perform critical maintenance at precise intervals all while keeping track of your trailer or even an entire fleet. Continually monitoring your trailer, Dexter Tow Assist’s sway mitigation keeps the trailer in-line without any driver input. The system intuitively knows when to apply braking, maintaining trailer stability, without significantly reducing speed or skidding the tires, the company says.
“Dependably and affordably bringing ABS, sway and mileage tracking to the trailer space is long overdue. Similar technologies have been adopted in automobiles for decades,” says Bryan Thursby, executive vice president, sales and marketing, Dexter. “Embracing these advancements is sure to save lives and provide safer and more enjoyable towing experiences, all while capturing maintenance details and helping to ensure well-functioning operation of the trailers equipped with Dexter Tow Assist.”
Dexter says it offers the Tow Assist system on a 12-in. x 2-in. electric brake platform in late 2019. Initial sales efforts will focus on OEM implementation, with aftermarket upgrade kits to follow.
The system incorporates a Tow Assist control module, power-axle wiring harnesses, indicator light, 12 in. x 2 in. Nev-R-Adjust brake fitted with wheel speed sensor and a 8 on 6.5-in. brake drum with ABS tone ring cast-in. The Tow Assist system will be offered on both D70 Sprung and #12 Torflex axles rated up to 7,000 lb. Ongoing development will focus to output additional brakes and drum sizes in 2020, the company says.
“Collaborating with Dexter has given us an opportunity to bring ABS technology and sway mitigation to a new vehicle segment,” says David Schumacher, vice president, active safety systems, Bosch in North America. “One that will increase the safety of towing trailers and RVs globally.”
