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2025
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Don't install the ABS incorrectly. In these cases, 6 channels are actually worse than 4 channels.
To achieve better braking performance, driving safety, and reduce tire wear, many truck drivers are planning to install ABS on their trailers, but they are unsure how to choose between four-channel and six-channel systems, and how to avoid spending unnecessary money.
● What are 4S/2M and 6S/6M?
First, let's understand the basic concepts. Many people don't know what the parameters behind ABS mean. Take 4S/2M as an example. Its full name is 4 Sensor/2 Modulator valves, which translates to four wheel sensors and two ABS solenoid valves.
ABS Wheel Sensors
So, the 'channels' we often refer to actually refer to ABS wheel sensors. A four-channel ABS has four sensors, while a six-channel ABS has six. Therefore, 4S/2M is an official way to describe the structure of the ABS system.
图The video is from a truck enthusiast: 'Semi-trailer ABS'
● Four-channel and six-channel
After understanding the basic concept of ABS, let's look at its practical application. Four-channel ABS is used on tri-axle trailers and usually only monitors the wheel status of the first and third axles. Each solenoid valve controls three wheels on the same side of the vehicle, meaning that the two solenoid valves control a total of six wheels on the left and right sides, respectively.
Because for domestic trailers, the first axle bears the least load when empty and is prone to locking during braking, while under load, the first axle bears the most load and the third axle bears the least, making it prone to locking. The second axle, however, is least affected whether empty or fully loaded. This is why sensors need to be installed on the first and third axles for monitoring. When the wheels are about to lock, the ABS intervenes in braking to control the vehicle's posture and prevent skidding and loss of control.
The two solenoid valves, 4S/2M, respectively control the wheels on both sides of the trailer (at the green arrows).
The 6S/6M solenoid valve individually controls six sets of wheels.
Now let's look at the six-channel ABS. Each axle is controlled by a separate control unit, which includes a relay valve and two solenoid valves used to control two sets of wheels. In addition, the air storage cylinders of the six-channel ABS have also increased to three. Therefore, it is easy to see that, compared with a four-channel ABS, the six-channel ABS provides more precise monitoring and control of the wheels.
● Besides performance, there’s also cost-effectiveness.
After all is said and done, many people are still more concerned about whether a six-channel system is worth installing. After understanding the working principles and differences mentioned above, many might feel that six channels are definitely better than four. While this is technically correct, we also need to consider another factor: cost-effectiveness.
Adding a six-channel ABS requires additional costs.
Although the control of a six-channel ABS can be precise for each set of wheels, very close to the optimal braking effect and performance, the price for this is higher costs. For trailers that frequently travel on good road surfaces, the braking performance of a standard 4S/2M system is already excellent, of course, provided that proper installation and maintenance methods are used.
When driving long-term on good road surfaces, a four-channel ABS is already fully capable.
So, if you are not regularly driving in extremely harsh conditions such as coal mines, mountain roads, wet or uneven surfaces, then a four-channel ABS is sufficient to meet your needs. It performs well in both braking ability and reducing tire wear. After all, the price difference is still considerable.
● Be cautious of 'good products that are not practical'
In the article "Hu Ge Talks Braking (23): Exposing the Myth of ABS Lasting Forever," we mentioned that no matter how good an ABS is, it is still only a semi-finished product. To make an ABS perform at its best, in addition to strict, standard installation, the quality of surrounding components is also highly important. For example, a six-channel ABS has even higher requirements for the air reservoir quality than a four-channel ABS.
For six-channel ABS, this old-fashioned iron air reservoir is obviously unable to meet the requirements.
Summary: While it's true that you get what you pay for, we should also choose according to our actual needs. If you mostly drive on good roads throughout the year, opting for a more cost-effective four-channel ABS is already sufficient. It saves quite a bit of money and improves the overall braking performance of the vehicle—so why not?
Finally, we want to remind all drivers again that when installing ABS on a trailer, it must be done strictly according to regulations and standards. The ultimate effectiveness of ABS is influenced by many factors, such as the diameter and length of the air lines, the position of the air reservoir, wiring, and so on. No matter how high the quality or performance of the ABS is, if it's not installed properly, it will be useless.
Focus on the research and development of automotive brake systems and pneumatic brake valves to promote the development of the auto parts industry!
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