BLUDOT MANUFACTURING CUSTOM KITTING AND ABS TECHNOLOGY
BENEFITS OF ABS
ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) was developed originally for aircraft systems in 1929 and later implemented in ATVs in 1966. The primary scale implementation of ABS didn’t see the light of day until the mid-1980s. Bludot Manufacturing was established in 1975.
Bludot initially manufactured and assembled custom brake line kits for local OEM Bendix Corp. Over the past 40 years, the concept of pre-packaged brake kits and kits customized and packaged exceptionally to suit individual OEM assembly and manufacturing lines has continued to grow. In 1999, this growth prompted us to build our current 18,000 square foot facility, located in South Bend, Indiana.
Today, Bludot Manufacturing continues to thrive as North America’s most preferred supplier of custom trailer brake systems and solutions for the OEM trailer manufacturer. Many of our current customers are the same OEM companies that started with us when we started, more than 40 years ago.
WHAT IS ABS?
ABS is a feature designed for the driver’s safety helps them retain control of their vehicle by preventing the wheels from locking up when brakes are applied suddenly. An Antilock Braking System (ABS) is a sub-system designed to modulate the braking force at the vehicle wheels to prevent the wheels from sliding. The system monitors the rotational speed of the wheels on one or all axles, depending on the system specified, and automatically modulates brake pressure to give the most available braking force without the loss of wheel rotation and the resultant loss of control and tire flat-spotting.ABS allows for maximum effort braking on slippery surfaces to bring the vehicle to a safe, controlled stop. The system is available in single or all axle configurations.ABS is a feature designed for the driver’s safety, which helps them retain control of their vehicle by preventing the wheels from locking up when brakes are applied suddenly. ABS doesn’t depend on the texture of the road. Whether it is dry or wet, when the brakes are applied suddenly, it will result in a wheel lock.
Each Anti-Lock Braking System contains an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) relay valve that monitors the movement of each sensored wheel. The relay valve modulates the air pressure on the trailer brakes. A fully-sensored, two-module system gives side-to-side braking action on all wheels.
THE DANGERS OF WHEEL LOCK
Wheel lock is dangerous because the driver may lose control of the vehicle or trailer due to loss of traction. When the vehicle’s wheels stop rotating, the driver will have much higher difficulty controlling the stopping distance of the vehicle and/or the trailer.
ABS technology is installed, so the wheels do not get jammed when the brakes are applied abruptly.
ANTI-SKID ON WET SURFACES
ABS doesn’t depend on the texture of the road. Whether it is dry or wet when the brakes are applied suddenly, it will prevent wheel lock, skidding and reduces trailer swing. ABS has proven to be safe by assisting the drivers in controlling their vehicles.
LOWER INSURANCE RATES
Since it’s a thoroughly tested piece of technology, insurers are known to lower insurance costs for vehicles and trailers equipped with ABS.
RESALE VALUE
ABS technology is required in all newer vehicles, so resale increases your chances of getting a better price on your vehicle’s sale. Likewise, ABS installations on trailers provide operators with increased peace of mind.
PRODUCTS
At Bludot Manufacturing, we’ve been producing a diverse array of trailer brake systems, including ABS options, for over 40 years. Our custom, pre-packaged brake kits are designed to provide manufacturing solutions for trailer manufacturers, assemblers, and maintenance facilities.
BLUDOT AIR-OVER HYDRAULIC ABS TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEMS
Bludot Manufacturing offers two configurations of the TH series of Air-over-HydraulicABS trailer brake systems: The air over the hydraulic system is a common application for trailers being towed by light and medium-duty commercial vehicles equipped with air brake systems. Components of the air/hydraulic system are trailer-mounted and consist of a compressed air storage tank, a control valve, an air chamber/master cylinder assembly, hydraulic lines, and hydraulic disc or drum brakes. The towing vehicle supplies compressed air to the trailer storage tank and a modulated control signal through the tubing and gladhand or quick connects mounted on the tow vehicle and trailer.
BLUDOT STRAIGHT AIR ABS TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEMS
Bludot Manufacturing offers two configurations of the TA series of Straight Air ABS trailer brake systems: The straight air brake system is typically used on heavy-duty commercial vehicles and trailers. Components of the air brake system for trailers are contained within the trailer structure and consist of appropriate compressed air storage tank(s), control valves, and hoses to support the number and capacities of the axles used. Air chambers located on the trailer axles incorporate heavy springs to mechanically apply the trailer brakes for emergency situations and parking. These spring brakes must be released via compressed air to move the trailer. The spring brake release system is controlled separately from the service brake system and uses separate valves and hoses, though the air source may be common. The towing vehicle supplies compressed air to the trailer storage tank(s) and a modulated control signal gladhand hose connections mounted on the trailer and tow vehicle.
BLUDOT CUSTOM BRAKE LINE KITS AND SYSTEMS
Bludot Manufacturing specializes in manufacturing hydraulic brake lines and kits and straight air, air/hydraulic, and electric/hydraulic trailer brake systems. Our products are custom packaged and designed for OEM assembly lines and maintenance departments. Using the highest quality in-house manufacturing and pre-assembled components, our custom brake line systems are uniquely engineered to meet the specifications of both your trailer products and your manufacturing budget.
Contact one of our knowledgeable sales associates today!