Bendix makes announcements at TMC

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Updated Mar 13, 2013

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems rolled out several initiatives this morning at the 2013 Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition in Nashville.

Among them are a new trailer information module, which provides easy access to key trailer operational and safety data; Bendix SmarTire TPMS, which now offers crucial trailer information to both fleets and drivers; Bendix says it has built upon its TABS-6 advanced stability system, with multiple configurations to offer flexibility to meet fleet needs.

The Bendix Trailer Information Module

The Bendix Trailer Information Module makes a wealth of critical information about trailer safety and operational systems available with a simple three-button navigation system.

“The Trailer Information Module is another asset fleets can use to keep trailers on the road and operating safely,” said TJ Thomas, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions, 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.

The Trailer Information Module also allows a user to view the trailer’s roll-stability system interventions, axle load, ECU test capability, and a real-time clock. It can be mounted almost anywhere on a trailer and is designed for use with Bendix® TABS-6™ Advanced and Bendix®
TABS-6™ Advanced MC stability systems for trailers. On trailers equipped with a J1939 version of the SmarTire® Trailer-Link Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) by Bendix CVS, the Bendix Trailer Information Module will also provide tire pressure and temperature data.

If a trailer problem develops on the road, the TIM provides the driver with quick access to diagnostic codes, allowing for phone consultation with technicians to resolve the issue. Fleet maintenance teams can also customize the Trailer Information Module to their specific service schedules by programming it to count down a set number of miles driven before delivering a service alert.

The SmarTire Tire Pressure Monitoring System

The SmarTire Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) by Bendix CVS now offers trailer wheel-end monitoring and integration with Bendix’s SafetyDirect system, allowing fleets and drivers to improve fuel economy, extend tire life, and enhance vehicle safety. SmarTire TPMS allows drivers to view real-time tire alerts, pressure or temperature data via an in-vehicle display or integrated OEM dashboard. In addition, fleet operators can now view the same alert, pressure and temperature information remotely using  the secure SafetyDirect portal.

SmarTire technology continuously monitors the pressure and temperature of each tire on a commercial vehicle to provide real-time tire status information to the driver or maintenance technician. The latest version of SmarTire for tractors automatically detects the SmarTire Trailer-Link TPMS trailer system so no driver intervention is necessary. Once connected, the dash will display both the truck and trailer tire information on the existing TPMS driver display. If the tractor is not equipped with a SmarTire® by Bendix CVS TPMS system, the SmarTire Trailer-Link TPMS system can use a lamp mounted to the nose of the trailer that will blink to notify the driver there is a problem.

Bendix improves TABS-6

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems says it has improved its Bendix TABS-6 Advanced roll stability system with new spring-ride suspension compatibility and more advanced options.

The Bendix TABS-6 Advanced roll stability system combines antilock braking (ABS) with a set of trailer sensors, which monitor stability and can quickly and automatically trigger braking interventions when conditions that may lead to a rollover are detected. Available in single-channel (SC) and multi-channel (MC) configurations, TABS-6 delivers solutions suitable for a variety of fleet needs.

Bendix TABS-6 Advanced is now compatible with most spring-ride suspensions and remains available for most air-ride suspensions. The system can also be connected to the new Bendix Trailer Information Module, an easy-to-use system that offers comprehensive access to key vehicle data

Jason Cannon has written about trucking and transportation for more than a decade and serves as Chief Editor of Commercial Carrier Journal. A Class A CDL holder, Jason is a graduate of the Porsche Sport Driving School, an honorary Duckmaster at The Peabody in Memphis, Tennessee, and a purple belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu. Reach him at [email protected]