Cruisemaster ATX with Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Understanding the Cruisemaster ATX Hydraulic Braking System

When it comes to serious off-road touring, reliability and control are everything. Signature Off Road Campers & Caravans partners with Cruisemaster, the industry leader in premium suspension systems, to deliver exceptional performance and safety on rough terrain.


For our top-spec models equipped with Cruisemaster ATX Airbag Suspension and Hydraulic Disc Brakes, there are specific towing-vehicle electrical requirements to ensure everything operates seamlessly — particularly when combined with our advanced 48 V EcoFlow Power System.


 

How the ATX Hydraulic Braking System Works

The Cruisemaster ATX is an airbag suspension system with hydraulic disc brakes, designed for heavy-duty off-road caravans.


Unlike conventional electric drum brakes that rely on an electric brake magnet controlled via the tow vehicle’s brake controller, the ATX system uses a hydraulic pump and accumulator mounted on the caravan chassis.

Here’s how it operates:

  1. Hydraulic Pressure Generation:
    When braking is applied (via the in-car brake controller or Elecbrakes system), a signal is sent to the hydraulic pump module.

  2. Hydraulic Fluid Delivery:
    The pump pressurises brake fluid in the accumulator and sends it through hydraulic lines to each wheel.

  3. Disc Brake Activation:
    Calipers at each wheel clamp down on ventilated discs, providing smooth, linear braking force.

  4. System Modulation:
    The pressure is automatically adjusted to match the braking input, offering superior control, shorter stopping distances, and less brake fade on long descents.

  5. Integrated Air Suspension Control:
    The same 12 V power source also supports the ATX air compressor that maintains airbag pressure for ride height and levelling adjustments.


 

Power Supply Requirements

The ATX Hydraulic Braking System and air compressor require a reliable high-current power feed.

If your new Caravan or Camper has a 12v REDARC Battery Management System – the Hydraulic Disc Braking System will be powered from the Caravans Lithium Batteries/12v System – there is nothing further required from your Tow Vehicle.


If your new Caravan or Camper has a 48v ECOFLOW Power System, Signature specifies the use of a dedicated 50 A Red Anderson Plug connection between the vehicle and the caravan. – PLEASE READ ON

Electrical Specification
(for 48v Ecoflow Fitted Caravans)

  • Plug Type: Red 50 A Anderson Plug (to prevent confusion with the Grey charging line)

  • Cable Size: Minimum 6 B&S twin-core tinned copper cable (approx. 13 mm²)

  • Circuit Protection: 50 A inline fuse mounted within 300 mm of the vehicle’s start battery

  • Connection Path:

    • Vehicle Start Battery → 50 A Fuse → 6 B&S Cable → Red Anderson Plug → Caravan ATX Power Harness

This circuit is completely independent of the main 120 A Grey Anderson plug used for battery charging. The separation prevents voltage drop and ensures stable current delivery when the ATX pump or compressor is active.


 

Integration with the 48 V EcoFlow Power System

When paired with Signature’s 48 V EcoFlow Energy System, the caravan operates an advanced high-efficiency power network.
While the EcoFlow system handles 48 V house battery storage, solar input, and 240 V inverter output, the Cruisemaster ATX system remains 12 V dependent for its hydraulic and compressor functions.

To maintain safe and consistent operation:

  • The ATX hydraulic module draws directly from the tow vehicle’s 12 V system (via the Red Anderson plug).

  • The EcoFlow 48 V system remains isolated from these loads, ensuring its power capacity is reserved for the caravan’s internal appliances, air-conditioning, and off-grid functions.

  • This design prevents overload on the EcoFlow’s DC-DC interface and ensures full braking and suspension performance, even if the caravan’s 48 V battery is low.


 

Why the Dedicated Red Anderson Plug Is Critical

The 50 A Red Anderson plug serves a specific purpose:

  • Prevents circuit confusion: Using red distinguishes the ATX supply from the 120 A grey charging circuit.

  • Ensures reliable current: 6 B&S cable provides minimal voltage drop, crucial for the hydraulic pump’s instantaneous draw.

  • Protects both systems: A 50 A fuse isolates the braking power feed, preventing fault feedback into the EcoFlow 48 V system.

  • Meets manufacturer standards: Required by Cruisemaster to maintain warranty and safety compliance.


 

Summary

ComponentFunctionPower SourceConnectionCircuit Protection
ATX Hydraulic Pump / CompressorProvides hydraulic braking & air suspensionTow Vehicle 12 VRed 50 A Anderson Plug6 B&S Cable + 50 A Fuse
EcoFlow 48 V Power SystemRuns caravan appliances, inverter & solar chargingCaravan 48 V Battery BankGrey 120 A Anderson Plug (charging)EcoFlow internal BMS & protection

 

In Short

For caravans equipped with the Cruisemaster ATX Hydraulic Disc Braking System and 48 V EcoFlow Power, always ensure:

  • Your tow vehicle is fitted with a Red 50 A Anderson Plug,

  • Wired with 6 B&S twin-core cable, and

  • Protected by a 50 A fuse or circuit breaker near the battery.

This setup guarantees optimal braking performance, compliance with Signature’s electrical standards, and worry-free off-road travel.

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