Ask us
your question!
In 2020, the Belgian Army issued a tender for nine truck-trailer combinations with unique off-road capabilities. Together with our partner DAF/Tatra, we successfully executed this project, with the delivery of a Protected Evacuation Vehicle (PEV) as an essential component. For this purpose, the 3-axle Broshuis low loader (prototype) was developed to ensure efficient evacuation of immobilized vehicles in demanding conditions, where reliability and safety came first.
To meet these requirements, the trailers not only had to be robust and strong, but also guarantee maximum maneuverability in off-road terrain. That is why we developed a prototype equipped with our in-house engineered PL2 pendle axles, providing maximum suspension travel and adaptability. In addition, a hydraulic detachable STANAG gooseneck was chosen, offering greater freedom of movement between the low loader and the armored truck. To ensure the prototype met all quality standards, it underwent extensive testing between 2022 and 2024. During these tests, extreme scenarios were simulated to prove the reliability and field performance of the combination.
Extensive Quality Tests
To guarantee quality and performance, the combination was extensively tested under a wide range of conditions. Part of these tests took place in the Czech Republic at Tatra’s test track, where the trailer was driven at high speed across different surfaces. These tests demonstrated the flexibility of the PL2 pendle axles, clearly showing how well they adapt to varying terrains. In addition, the low loader was repeatedly extended and retracted to evaluate both speed and user-friendliness in an evacuation scenario.
Another important trial was the wading test, in which the low loader drove through a water basin of predetermined depth. This test verified the trailer’s ability to operate in water without damage to crucial components such as the axles, brakes, and electrical systems. Afterwards, the low loader was thoroughly inspected for water infiltration, functional defects, and resistance to corrosion.
In Belgium, a field test was carried out with a heavy Defense vehicle loaded on the trailer. The combination was tested under extreme off-road conditions, where high speeds and deep muddy pits once again proved the exceptional suspension and durability of the PL2 pendle axles. Throughout these intensive tests, the truck-trailer combination performed above expectations, resulting in winning the tender for nine 3-axle PL2 low loaders, delivered in 2024 and 2025. These thorough quality controls ensure that we can guarantee the same high standards for our civil customers.
Following the successful delivery of this order, we are proud to announce that the Belgian Army has once again chosen Broshuis in cooperation with DAF/Tatra. This time the order concerns 13 trailers, which will be delivered in 2025.