AL-KO launches high-performance trailer axle braking system
AL-KO Kober Limited – the leading manufacturer of premium components for the automotive, commercial and leisure industries – has launched AAA Premium Brake, the company’s high-performance, automatically-adjusting braking system for commercial industrial trailers and leisure vehicles including caravans, horseboxes and boat trailers.
The new braking system – suitable for type 2051 wheel brakes and therefore compatible with most AL-KO trailer axles – addresses several key objectives in the industry, the most important being Type Approval changes due to be implemented by 2018. The changes call for automatic adjustment of braking systems to ensure that trailer braking is both efficient and safe.
A second objective of the AAA Premium Brake is to improve overall towing safety by ensuring that when required, the braking system on trailers operates efficiently to bring the trailer to a halt, or slows it down quickly and under control.
The AL-KO AAA Premium Brake system has been designed and thoroughly tested to operate in all climates and developed to dissipate heat quickly without causing operating issues within the brake drums. AL-KO Kober’s own testing has established that when correctly set up, the AAA Premium Brake system improves braking performance by bringing the towed vehicle to a halt 5 metres (the equivalent of one car length) shorter than the original brake components fitted to most caravans and trailers.
Commenting for AL-KO Kober, a spokesman says: “The AL-KO AAA Premium Brake will always deliver consistent and smooth braking action and optimum performance in all conditions and in all weather.”
They go on to say that an additional, major benefit of retro-fitting AAA Premium Brake in place of an original system, is the elimination of manual adjustment during a routine caravan or trailer service. Once the system has been fitted correctly, the new brake should not require any further manual adjustment, thus saving time during annual services.
AL-KO Kober recommends that brake drums should still be removed to check that all braking components inside the drum are correctly positioned to maintain optimum operation. Removing the drum also enables debris and dust build-up inside the drum to be removed to eliminate any risk of poor braking performance.
AAA Premium Brake is available for both original equipment and aftermarket fitment, with kits available for both 2051 and 2361 brake sizes. Each kit contains a complete back plate fitted with the new brake system. Fitting is exactly the same as the original system, the only difference is the initial adjustment of the brakes when first fitted. The new brake should be set with 3mm to 4mm of play in the Bowden cables as opposed to the 5mm to 8mm of play recommended for the original system.
The new aftermarket boxed kits will be available from February 2016 with retail prices for the kits set at ÂŁ175.00 including VAT for the 2051 brake kit and ÂŁ225.00 inc. VAT for the 2361 brake kits. To ensure the new brakes are installed and set up correctly with the right torque values and toe in and camber settings, the premium brake kit upgrade can only be carried out by Dealers and Approved Service Centres and therefore local fitting charges will apply.
The original equipment brake kits are available now and can be supplied with any new axle order. For further information please contact AL-KO when ordering new trailer axles.
Finally, to prove that AL-KO Kober’s AAA Premium Brake is installed, AL-KO AAA dust covers can be fitted to the trailer’s wheels.