NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Development of a new trailer information module, and the expansion of its tire pressure monitoring system for trailers, were among the announcements Bendix made at this year’s Technology & Maintenance Council meetings.

Bendix has come out with a new trailer information module (TIM), a standalone system that provides fleets with access to key trailer data, the company announced at the Technology & Maintenance Council meetings.

The system provides a “wealth of critical information about trailer safety and operational systems” available through a simple three-button navigation system, Bendix announced.

“The Trailer Information Module is another asset fleets can use to keep trailers on the road and operating safely,” said TJ Thomas, director of marketing and customer solutions, Bendix controls group. “This stand-alone module is attached to the trailer and allows a driver or technician to quickly troubleshoot trailer ABS or pull valuable information, such as ABS brake and roll stability system diagnostics, mileage, and service interval status, without the use of additional tools.”

Data displayed includes: roll stability system interventions, axle load, ECU test capability, and a real-time clock. It can be mounted nearly anywhere on a trailer and is designed for use with Bendix TABS-6 stability systems for trailers. Trailers with the new SmarTire Trailer-Link tire pressure monitoring system will also display tire pressure and temperature data, Bendix announced. If a trailer encounters problems on the road, the TIM can provide the driver with quick access to diagnostic codes, enabling them to work more effectively with technicians to resolve the issue.

TIMS can be permanently attached to the trailer or used as a handheld tool. It works even when the trailer is not hooked to a trailer.

Also new from Bendix is trailer wheel-end monitoring via its SmarTire tire pressure monitoring system, that can now be accessed via the company’s SafetyDirect system. The new service allows drivers to view real-time tire alerts, pressure or temperature data via an in-cab display or integrated OEM dashboard while fleet managers can access the same alerts using the SafetyDirect online portal. SmarTire Trailer-Link TPMS is now available to OE trailer manufacturers and as an aftermarket retrofit kit. The latter includes eight wheel sensors, harnessing and a wireless receiver.

The newest version of SmarTire for tractors will automatically detect SmarTire Trailer-Link systems and provide information on the trailer tires via the in-cab display. If the trailer is being pulled by a tractor without SmarTire, a lamp mounted to the nose of the trailer will notify the driver when a problem is detected.

“SmarTire provides critical tire data that prompts fleets and drivers to make adjustments to improve fuel economy, tire life, and, most importantly, safety,” said Jon Intagliata, product manager for TPMS at Bendix. “Adding this technology to both tractors and trailers expands fleets’ opportunities to positively impact their bottom lines through better gas mileage and longer lasting tires.”

On the stability front, Bendix has expanded its TABS-6 Advanced trailer roll stability system to include compatibility with spring-ride suspensions. The system combines antilock braking (ABS) with a set of trailer sensors, which monitor stability and trigger braking interventions when necessary to prevent a rollover.

The expanded availability means TABS-6 Advanced is now compatible with most spring-ride suspensions, as well as air-ride suspensions, Bendix announced at TMC.

Bendix also celebrated the increasing popularity of its electronic stability program (ESP) full-stability system, with its total Classes 6-8 market penetration reaching nearly 17% in 2012. There have now been 225,000 vehicles with Bendix ESP deployed in the North American truck market since its launch in 2005, Bendix claims.