TAKING THE EBS LEAD

IN THE 20TH CENTURY there were only three lines you had to hook up to a trailer – one electrics lead and two air hoses.

But in the past couple of decades, on more and more trailers, there has been a fourth plug at the front.

Initially it was for ABS – Anti-lock Braking System – and more recently for the superior EBS – Electronic Braking System.

EBS – or “brake by wire” – has anti-lock braking, and it can also speed up brake application as well as reduce uneven brake application and brake wear.

But EBS might also have a combination of traction control, stability control, load sensing and most significantly for new regulations this year, anti-roll functions. However, some EBS systems don’t incorporate all those amazing abilities, including roll stability.

“It is important produced by the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and several other industry groups.