LOUISVILLE, Ky. – When a US trucking fleet required a larger nosebox for its trailers’ expanding electronic requirements, Phillips set out to develop a larger and more durable compartment.

That new product is referred to as the “i-Box,” – what Phillips indicates is a durable, non-corrosive housing which can withstand harsh weather conditions, and is much larger than previous boxes.

“The new Phillips i-Box, short for ‘intelligent nosebox,’ offers 35% more interior working room than standard noseboxes,” says the company’s director of sales, Bill Phillips, who was demonstrating the nosebox at the Mid-America Trucking show.

Phillips’ new design came about because the modern trailer has become more electronically complex, according to the director of sales, and must accommodate extra wiring for additional electronic systems such as ABS, trailer tracking, and weigh-in-motion systems. Ample space for existing and future connections reduces the potential for pinched wires and connections that can become unconnected, according to Phillips.

“When designing the i-Box, we were interested in solving more than just the problem at hand,” said Phillips. “We also looked to the future to see what we could integrate into this new ‘intelligent box.’ We made room for our award-winning Permalogic trailer dome lamp controller. This all-electronic controller ensures the trailer dome lamps will be turned off by simply stepping on the brake pedal. In addition, we offer integrated USB ports to house important trailer documents such as schematics, registration information and maintenance records.”

The hinged door rotates 180-degrees to give plenty of access to the terminations inside, added Phillips, who noted that one of the most important features is the standard quick-connect socket integrated into all i-Boxes. “Let’s face it: even the best connection can corrode over time. When it does, the quick-connect socket, or QCS, can be replaced with a quick couple of turns of a ratchet.”

The Phillips i-Box is designed for dry vans, reefer trailers and doubles. It will be available through OEMs as a fleet spec’ as well as a retrofit. Phillips offered two examples of the i-Box at MATS: one was a standard i-Box with the basics, which is used on Vanguard trailers (also on display at the show). The other version of the i-Box displayed, was loaded with Phillips PERMALOGIC trailer dome lamp controller, which also includes a USB flash memory.