GoRV - Digital Magazine Issue #90 | Page 64

RV FEATURE
The button to operate Handbrake Assist can be mounted anywhere that ' s convenient .
Handbrake Assist does not replace the caravan ’ s handbrake . Instead , it works with the existing mechanical components of the handbrake system . Handbrake Assist employs a specially designed and very clever actuator that is mounted to a chassis rail of the caravan .
In simple terms , this actuator connects to the handbrake cable ( on only one side of the caravan , as that ’ s all that ’ s necessary for this system to function ) and can apply up to 25kg of pulling force on the handbrake mechanism .
RV Electronics has developed intelligent software employed by the actuator that ensures the correct amount of tension for each individual caravan . The system does not work by brute force alone . Instead , with the handbrake cable already properly adjusted , Handbrake Assist will ‘ learn ’ the most appropriate pulling force for your handbrake setup . Essentially , this means the system becomes tailored to your van . Genius .
THE PUSH OF A BUTTON
So you ’ ve pulled up on-site . Then what ? It ’ s important to note that Handbrake Assist does not replace the need to chock your wheels . Always chock your wheels . But when it ’ s time to apply the handbrake , it is literally just a case of pushing a button . After a couple of seconds , the actuator will engage the coupling ’ s handbrake mechanism via the handbrake cable , and you ’ ll witness the handbrake lift up on its own . It ’ s sincerely impressive .
Now , when it ’ s time to disengage the handbrake , it does become a two-handed operation – for good reason . With one hand , the user must still press the button on the handbrake lever when pushing the Handbrake Assist ’ s button . This does two things : it disengages the handbrake while ensuring the user still has one hand on the brake lever – a crucial safety point . This means the user is in a physical position to quickly yank on the handbrake themselves should the van begin to roll . That ’ s right : Handbrake Assist can be manually overridden at any time . However , while the user is still required to push the lever ’ s button , Handbrake Assist will still take care of the effort required to lift the lever up further , before gently lowering it until it ’ s completely disengaged . Your back , shoulder and elbow will thank you .
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