The tire pressure monitoring and tire asset management provider TireStamp, has developed TireVigil InTow, a system to monitor trailer tires.
InTow works with trailer tracking telematics systems to monitor trailer tires, even when the trailer is detached from the tractor. Once the trailer is hooked to a tractor and the ignition is turned on, the system transmits hourly reports on tire pressure, temperature and vehicle mileage data to the TireVigil server. The server then determines whether or not the data is within the optimal range set by the fleet customer. If it is out of range, the server sends a notification, warning or critical alert depending on the situation’s severity.
The hardware designed for the application includes a battery pack that powers the system when the trailer is unhooked. Once unhooked, the system operates on its external battery and the data collection mechanism switches to a power-efficient mode and enters a “sleep” state. It is programmed to wake up at customer-determined time intervals to detect flat tires. If there’s indication of a catastrophic tire condition, the server issues an e-mail alert to the fleet.
“The benefit of this system is that when a trailer is dropped for long periods of time, it advises the fleet that the unit has a flat tire before it dispatches a tractor to pick up the trailer,” said Peggy Fisher, president, TireStamp. “The fleet then can arrange for tire service at the trailer’s location, thus eliminating driver delay time and an emergency road call.”
TireVigil InTow notifies fleets both when drops in the cold inflation pressure occur and when tires are experiencing high temperatures. The TireVigil servers compare the temperatures on all the axle ends and alert fleets so they can correct the problems before tire fires erupt, or drum and tire/wheel assemblies detach while a vehicle is en route.
InTow components include TireStamp’s Tire Data Monitor, a telematics device with GPS and wireless connectivity, TPMS sensors, TPMS receivers as required by the TPMS system, an external battery pack, and electrical harnesses, connectors and clamps as needed.
