Key Criteria when Purchasing Commercial Vehicles and Trailers: Comfort and Control
Everyone who works professionally with commercial vehicles or trailers knows the situation: the fleet needs to be expanded, for example, a trailer purchase is on the horizon. This comes with a range of questions: “What are the ongoing costs?” or “Which accessory purchases are really worthwhile?” Numerous factors therefore play a role in the final investment decision.
Besides the key K.O. criterion of costs, further aspects should be considered when purchasing a commercial vehicle or trailer which are of the highest priority for your personal safety. There are products among trailer accessories, in particular, which optimise comfort and efficiency on every single journey and help to minimise dangerous situations. To help you keep track of all the options, we present the top three vehicle accessory products for commercial vehicles and trailers which meet the key criteria of COmfort and COntrol.
Braking distance reduced by 5 metres thanks to the AAA Premium Brake
Trailer at a standstill!
Commercial trailers with a permissible gross weight of more than 750 kilograms are equipped with what is known as an overrun brake. With this technology, the trailer initially moves up against the braking car, which initiates the braking process. The deceleration of the towing vehicle is transmitted to the drum brakes of the trailer via a linkage.
To ensure optimal braking performance at all times, both the brake linkage and the drum brake itself must be regularly adjusted. If this is neglected, the braking distance of the combination can increase. AL-KO VT has significantly improved the braking technology with its patented solution, the AAA (AL-KO Automatic Adjustment) Premium Brake. As soon as there is too much play in the brake linings, the brake automatically makes the necessary adjustment. This protects the brake linings, ensures optimum braking performance throughout the entire service life of the wheel brake, and thus reduces the braking distance by up to five metres at a speed of 80 km/h. At the same time, driving comfort is increased: the jerky behaviour of the overrun device is now a thing of the past.
By the way
When reversing, the automatic adjustment device is not activated due to the reversing mechanism. Manual adjustments are still possible, even with automatic brake adjustment, using the adjustment wheel. The previous adjustment nut has been modified in shape, although the functionality remains the same. You can find more valuable tips on braking here.
When is it time to retrofit? At the latest, when the brake linings are worn out, the trailer should be retrofitted with the modern AAA Premium Brake. Retrofitting is possible for AL-KO VT axles from model year 1999 onwards. By the way, the retrofit kit includes new brake linings. An upgrade to state-of-the-art braking technology is therefore a worthwhile investment.
The AKS stabiliser coupling
Well and safely coupled
This is where AL-KO VT's stabiliser couplings come into play: Any snaking and pitching movements are effectively suppressed by the stabiliser couplings. The new generation of couplings for braked trailers up to 2,700 kilograms from AL-KO VT combines best-in-class ergonomics and functionality with innovations for increased safety.
The newly developed couplings AK 161 and AK 270 are the safest couplings in their class. The patented false-locking protection makes incorrect coupling almost impossible. Only when the coupling head of the trailer is correctly seated on the towing vehicle's towbar is the internal safety lever activated. At this point, the handle assumes the horizontal position, signalling that a secure connection has been made. The coupling can then be locked securely. In the closed position, the towball of the towing device makes the green safety indicator visible.
A clear signal to the operator: Towing vehicle and trailer are correctly and therefore safely coupled, and the journey can begin.
AL-KO VT lightweight chassis
Transport runs as if on clouds
Driving safety and comfort in every situation? This innovative concept for enhanced safety, improved driving dynamics and noticeably increased driving comfort is made possible by the AL-KO VT lightweight chassis. Thanks to innovative lightweight technology, significant weight can be saved on commercial vehicles without compromising the excellent stability of the frame construction. As a result, driving safety, comfort and cost-effectiveness are optimally combined: look forward to being able to carry more payload by saving weight!
Advantages of the commercial vehicle chassis include extremely high flexibility in dimensions and frame heights, hot-dip galvanisation of the lightweight frames, and excellent driving characteristics.
Transporter base vehicles with AL-KO VT chassis offer new possibilities
Vehicle operators benefit from increased efficiency and reduced operating costs. Individual requirements regarding the vehicle dimensions can be implemented in the best possible way. The combination of transporter cab and AL-KO VT chassis is ideal for anyone who needs a high payload but also values driving comfort and safety. The low-floor chassis allows for a deep entry point and a flat load area without obstructive wheel arches. This enables ergonomic and efficient loading and noticeably increases the usable volume – all with a permissible gross weight of either 3.5 or 4.6 tonnes. This concept makes numerous industry solutions possible – for example, for bakers, caterers, horticulturists and landscapers, couriers, vehicle transporters, municipal utilities and councils. Here, cost control is the watchword.
Smaller fleet operators can also sometimes reduce their costs significantly by using optimised vehicles. Key factors may include reducing the size of the fleet, improving operational efficiency and lower fuel consumption. The resulting reduction in CO2 emissions is becoming increasingly important, especially for environmentally conscious and sustainability-oriented companies.
The key criteria COmfort and COntrol for purchasing commercial vehicles and trailers are met with these products, and the figures are convincing: Optimised comfort + optimised control = optimised cost-effectiveness.
