INtroducing
tars - Tractor anti-rollover system: the worlds first decoupling fifth wheel safety mechanism
Coyright 2021, Axicle. Patent Pending
a fifth wheel solution for Preventing rollovers
9,100+
Trucking industry deaths and injuries combined that occur each year in the United States due to class-8 rollovers
$3.5B
Insurance payouts that occur each year in the United States due to class-8 rollover accidents
2M+
Class-8 drivers that currently exist in the United States. This high-risk profession is the most popular job in 28 states
Our Solution and how it works
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
The fifth wheel
Compatible with all Fontaine, SAF holland, and JOST rails, Axicle’s fifth wheel contains two independent latching mechanisms that are used to secure it to the tractor at an optimal distance apart. The clamping systems only release when their corresponding actuators are triggered during an unrecoverable rollover condition. From there, gravity simply separates the trailer from the vehicle. The Axicle TARS fifth wheel can either fully detach, or remain attached on one side.
Our fifth wheel will never prematurely jettison the trailer to millesecond reliability - faster than any driver or autonomous driving assistance feature.
Watch our video below.
Rollover
As a tractor’s roll angle increases at a critical roll rate, the trailer is unrecoverable, and must be decoupled to save the tractor and driver. The tractor and its occupants account for 75%+ (est.) of the total insured value of the tractor-trailer. Unpredictable environmental factors, forced decisions by autonomous & human drivers, and trucking infrastructure means we must jettison of the root cause of a rollover; the trailer.
SensE
A series of built-in, rugged sensors monitor roll angle and rate of the tractor every millisecond. This algorithm can detect the trailer’s threshold limits and whether a rollover event is unrecoverable with 99.99% accuracy, based on a feed-forward physics based control algorithm.
Release
After detection, the electronics initiate an actuator to decouple the trailer, allowing the tractor to safely evade danger. This method can be executed without any increased risk to the public; analogous to a launch-escape system for a spacecraft riding atop a lower rocket stage.
Why should you adopt TARS for your fleet?
Cost RELIEF
Our partnerships with insurance providers allow a single TARS fifth wheel to save you $2,000+/yr (est.) with credits. The trucking industry is in much need of cost relief as premiums have increased to help cover nuclear payouts from rollovers and other accidents. A TARS fifth wheel pays itself off after less than two years or from day one on a new tractor. The TARS fifth wheel can provide significant savings over the lifetime of the product allowing fleets to be more profitable and increase up-time. Use our savings calculator to find how much you can save.
Driver Safety
Improving driver safety has long been demanded by drivers and advocacy groups, however, no products are available that eliminate all tractor rollovers - even if they claim they do.
Changing Demographics
The trucking industry has struggled with a growing driver shortage. To assist, legislation now allows 18-year-olds to obtain a CDL for interstate travel. This puts more inexperienced drivers onto our roadways.
Technical Features
With a 55,000 lb. load capacity, 150,000 lb. drawbar pull, a <320 lb. weight, and a structurally optimized design for strength and durability, our design easily matches or exceeds the feature sets of industry standard fifth wheels.
Our Partnerships
SAVING YOUR BOTTOM LINE
We have partners that are global leaders in providing creative insurance solutions and risk management advice. They can show you how adapting TARS fifth wheels to your fleet can provide insurance premium discounts and a significant return on investment. Axicle predicts $2,000/yr annual insurance premium savings per tractor after installing the TARS device. Contact us to learn more today.
Welcome to the new gold standard in trucking safety
Contact us today to discuss your options. Still have questions? Review our FAQs. Already convinced that the TARS fifth wheel is right for you? Order now.