Anti-Lock Braking Systems for North American Buses, Coaches and Motorhomes

The United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards were amended in 1975 requiring Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) to be installed on nearly all buses, coaches and motorhomes operated within the U.S. This paper reviews ABS operation and the components required for typical ABS installations. Recommendations for the ABS configuration most appropriate for common North American bus, coach and motorhome chassis, drivetrain, and suspension combinations are provided. Automatic Traction Control (ATC), an optional enhancement available with ABS, is also discussed. Application issues of integrating ABS/ATC with the electronically controlled engines, transmissions, retarders and air suspensions commonly applied on North American buses coaches and motorhomes are described. ABS maintenance, reliability, ease of service, and supplier support are reviewed to assist bus, coach and motorhome manufacturers and operators understand ABS in order to successfully specify, install, operate and maintain ABS in compliance with the FMVSS regulations.