The Bendix Intellipark Electronic Parking Brake System is now available as a factory-installed option on all Peterbilt heavy-duty, medium-duty, and 520 Models and on Kenworth heavy- and medium-duty models.

Designed to enable electronic safety interlocks, the EPB features advanced functions including:

• Rollaway mitigation: Automatic application of the parking brakes on both the vehicle and trailer if the driver exits the vehicle without setting the parking brake

• Auto Trailer brake disengagement: Automatic release of the trailer brakes when tractor movement is detected

• Smart Unpark: Uses interlocks to confirm the vehicle is ready to be parked or unparked through sensors that monitor door position, seat belt status and vehicle movement

Easier on the Driver

Bendix’s Intellipark system replaces the traditional red-and-yellow push-pull knobs with easy-to-engage electronic switches that are more ergonomically friendly, according to Bendix.

Intellipark eliminates the “stinging” feel typically associated with manual dash valves, while helping reduce fatigue and distraction during frequent stops.

And the system offers quieter operation due to electronic activation.

The switches maintain the familiar colors, symbols, and text and include built-in LEDs that clearly show brake status at a glance.

More About Intellipark’s Safety Features

Intellipark’s features are supported by unique interlocks that verify the vehicle is ready to be parked or unparked through sensors that monitor door position, seat belt status, and vehicle movement.

Designed to help mitigate the likelihood of rollaway incidents before they occur, the Bendix Intellipark EPB system can automatically engage the parking brakes if the system determines an unintentional rollaway is about to occur. 

That’s especially important in environments such as hills where a vehicle can roll away if the parking brakes are not properly set.

As part of the system’s Smart Unpark function, sensors monitoring door positions, seat belt status, and vehicle movement help verify that the vehicle is ready to be parked or unparked.

Additional safety features include automatic trailer brake disengagement on towing models, which helps reduce tire wear, wheel-end issues, and downtime.

Other highlights, according to Bendix:

• Maintenance savings because of less parts complexity.

• Valuable data for fleet analysis and future driver training. 

• Compatible with Bendix Fusion, Bendix’s flagship advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).

Reminder: Safety Technology Doesn’t Replace Safe Driving

Bendix emphasizes that, like all advanced technologies, the Bendix Intellipark Electronic Parking Brake System is designed to complement safe driving practices. 

No commercial vehicle safety technology, including Bendix safety technologies, replaces a skilled, alert driver exercising safe driving techniques and proactive, comprehensive driver training, the company notes in a news release.

Responsibility for the safe operation of the vehicle remains with the driver at all times. Never wait for the system to intervene. Every driver should carefully review the operator’s manual and be trained by the fleet or vehicle owner on the proper operation and limitations of advanced technologies during operation.