Xtra Lease is installing SAF-Holland P89 air disc brakes on over 6,000 dry van and refrigerated trailers that it has purchased this year, the equipment rental and leasing provider announced.

The company said it chose to upgrade its trailers to ADBs from traditional drum brakes to provide a lower-maintenance option for fleets needing rental or leased trailers. Xtra Lease expects to start receiving dry vans equipped with ADBs in June.

“A reliable, low-maintenance trailer is something every fleet prizes,” said Bill Franz, president and chief executive officer of Xtra Lease. “With air disc brakes on our trailers, reliability just got better. Fleets will see a new level of performance, as air disc brakes will produce significantly longer intervals between brake jobs.”

Xtra Lease also chose ADBs for performance advantages over drum brakes, including shorter stopping distances, longer brake pad life, and lower risk for out-of-adjustment violations. They are less prone to overheating as well, resulting in more consistent brake performance. ADBs also have a weight advantage over drum brakes, saving as much as 50 pounds, according to Xtra Lease.

“We’re also pleased that air disc brakes result in enhanced braking performance, which will satisfy drivers and their companies,” Franz added. “Our customers work hard to maximize productivity. Getting a trailer spec’d to minimize downtime with air disc brakes and maximize productivity with our new free cargo sensors gives them the value they need to stay competitive.”

Related: Spec’ing a Low-Maintenance Trailer