How does your unit operate?
The HD interprets a signal from your cab controller and causes an actuator to push in on a hydraulic master cylinder.
We have used this unit with several different brands and types of controllers and we have not found one that our unit has not responded to.
Where is your unit manufactured?
We manufacture the HD3000 actuator in our factory in Arkansas.
Do you sell outside the US?
Yes we do.
Does your system run the whole time the brakes are applied?
The HD3000 draws power only when there is a brake transition. Even if you stayed at the stoplight for an hour with the brakes on, the HD would not draw power. When you did release the brake, the HD3000 would use a brief bit of power then go back to idle.
Is the HD3000 computer controlled?
Yes, when the original HD3000 came out in early 2000, the board was analog. Times have changed and we have changed with them. Our board is totally digital, no switch or relays to stick or burn out.
Each time you brake, the board is searching for any error in the system.
Potted Circuit Board
Resistance to the salt conditions, bumpy roads and moisture are just a few reasons why we have included a potted circuit board in our unit to provide you with an excellent product.
Parking Brake?
Having been around situations where folks are loading and unloading machinery and watching them back up to their 5th wheel trailers and seeing their jack stands almost fold under the trailer, we knew there was a great need to be able to lock those brakes. With the HD3000, we have that capability. The park brake also acts as a diagnostic test station each time you turn it on to use or if you want to simply check the system to see if it is functioning correctly. Once the switch has been switched to the off position, it will check for errors.
Does your system work with drum hydraulic brakes?
Yes, we provide a unit tailored to operate with Drum Brakes.
I currently have electric brakes. Can I switch from electric drum brakes to hydraulic disc brakes?
Yes, we sell a kit to allow you to switch.
Is this a difficult switch to make?
If you can turn a wrench, you can make the switch.
How fast can you get to full pressure?
The HD series can achieve full 1600lbs of pressure (for disc) in as little as 8/10s of second. That timing is
to activate 6 disc calipers or 3 axles of brakes. For tandem axle disc systems
the time to pressure is less than half a second. To reach full pressure on a
drum brake system (1000 lbs) the time is a little over 1/2 second.
How fast do you release the brakes?
Release is almost as important as actual braking time. We release faster than we set. We release in approximately 2/3s the time we take to set.
What is the advantage of 2 hydraulic ports?
As with a car, two ports provide the advantage of one axle (in this case the front) getting pressure
quicker than the other (the back). This helps keep you back axle from
locking up, as it has less weight during the stopping. In the case of a line
rupture, a second port provides a measure of backup. The other hydraulic
line will provide pressure until the reservoir runs dry of fluid. In this
scenario your stopping ability will be diminished but you won't loose all
your braking ability.
I have a time based controller. Does your system work with these?
Yes and no. The HD will work with it but you would not like the performance.
Time based controllers work by increasing the brake voltage (blue wire
demand) for the amount of time you have the brake pedal pressed. You'll
find the operation jerky. We recommend getting an inertia controller when
you switch to hydraulics. We've had great success with the Prodigy from
Cequent.
Can this system be used to replace a air over Hydraulic or vacuum over
hydraulic pump?
Yes it can. All you need do is install the HD and re-plum
to the actuator. We have a lot of folks converting with great success.
Can your system achieve 1600Lbs pressure?
Yep but we are still wondering who has set that bar. We've found in our testing that 800 - 1000
lbs of pressure will lock up the wheels on a trailer. When you go beyond
that setting you start to degrade the brake components.
How long is your warranty?
We have a (5) five year warranty.
I have an old livestock trailer which isn't really worth a lot. Why would I want to put one of your systems on my old trailer?
Even if the value of your trailer isn't high, the safety provided by our system for you, other vehicles with occupants on the road and the load you are carrying far outweigh the actual value of your trailer. Safety is the most important aspect of our system. One of our recent customers
indicated that when rolling down the highway with his fifth wheel trailer behind him and a school bus full of children pulled out in front of him, our system paid for itself in those next few seconds. The value of saving lives far outweighs what you may think your trailer is worth. Also, you may want to do like many
of our customers do and keep your old parts to put back on if you decide you want to update later on.
What is Tow Brake LLC's goal with the release of the HD system?
Safety is our number one concern. We want to be at the heart of every reliable trailer brake system in the country. We want to be your one-stop for brake information and assistance. In short we want to be the brake experts in the trailer industry. Food for thought! You have pulled some type of trailer whether small or large at some point in your life. The mentality of folks who have never pulled a trailer usually goes like this "I have got to get in front of that person driving the trailer because they will slow me down". How many times have they pulled right out in front of you only
to go a block or so up the road and turn off causing you an incredibly stressful moment? Think Tow Brake!!!
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