Meritor Wabco Vehicle Control Systems has introduced its new Roll Stability Support trailer system, RSSplus, designed specifically for the North American trailer industry.
RSSplus will be available in late first quarter 2008
through trailer original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and as an aftermarket retrofit through trailer OEM dealers.
The new system builds upon the company's current RSS offering, which incorporates its ABS functionality with other safety features such as improved roll mitigation. The system retains Meritor Wabco's field-proven, side-by-side wheel end control, which provides superior stability management and helps prevent tire flat spotting and abnormal tire wear. Additionally, the system offers simplified installation and advanced "intelligent" communication capabilities through on-board data recording with event broadcasting capability via Power Line Carrier (PLC) communications or telematic devices.
Jon Morrison, president and general manager of Meritor Wabco Vehicle Control Systems, said, "As pioneers of this significant technology, we are pleased to be bringing the next echelon of trailer stability capabilities to the marketplace at a more reasonable cost."
Meritor Wabco introduced its first trailer stability system, RSS, in 2003. Today, there are more than 4,000 of the company's units in place with several OEMs adopting the technology as standard equipment on their trailers.
RSSplus is a two-modulator roll mitigation system that integrates several features, including ABS and PLC functionality, reducing individual component requirements. The new system is also compatible for use with spring suspensions, as well as air ride suspensions.
A new cable connector system allows for more positive connections and cable stabilization to prevent damage and mitigate potential problems with connector corrosion.
Standardized SAE diagnostics make troubleshooting much simpler and are now a conventional feature of the system. The diagnostics have also been integrated into the company's Toolbox PC software. System diagnostics can also be performed using standard blink codes that eliminate the cost of additional diagnostic tools.
By adding Power Line Carrier (PLC) capability to the RSSplus electronic control unit (ECU), the system can communicate between the tractor and trailer utilizing a PLC display. Additional messaging can also be accommodated via telematic devices. Examples of events that can be communicated include suspension weight, tire pressure, wheel-end temperatures or other customer-specific data. On-board data recording within the ECU allows for the retention of vehicle performance data in the ECU memory to enhance fleet management. Such "intelligent" data can be utilized to help improve operating efficiencies.

For more information, visit www.arvinmeritor.com or www.wabco-auto.com.