Many different tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and automatic tire inflation systems (ATIS) exist. Each system runs a little differently, so it’s important for fleets to do the proper research to find which system will work best for their operation.
TPMS
Stemco’s AirBat RF TPMS is simple to install and provides immediate feedback on tire pressure with LED low-pressure indicators. The system features adjustable visual alerts for under-inflation, easy access fill ports to save time, and wireless transmission of pressures through their Driver Alert System. AirBat RF is available as factory specification or a retrofit installation.
TireStamp’s TireVigil Cloud consists of five elements, the first being its TMPS 2.0 service, which connects each fleet vehicle to the cloud using TireVigil’s onboard equipment. The automated INTELLAlerting platform enables a fleet to reduce its cost of tire maintenance and maximize efficiency by knowing the closest service location and notifying a designated individual or department about the vehicle. The list of individuals or departments to notify is pre-determined by the fleet. The scheduled reporting feature generates reports summarizing the tire service work performed and its quality. Element four is TireStamp’s Always on TireWatch service, an app that simplifies truck tire service and prioritizes tire issues. Lastly, the API data exchange facilitates the transfer of TireVigil Cloud data with other fleet management systems for additional analysis and processing. The system is available as an aftermarket product.
Continental’s ContiConnect is ideal for fleets whose vehicles return to the terminal daily. The yard reader station, mounted in the fleet yard, collects data from all the tire sensors within range, with an approximate 65’ radius. The yard reader station is typically mounted at a guard shack, fuel island, or other central point in the fleet yard. Data is analyzed and displayed in the online ContiConnect web portal, which is mobile-friendly for viewing on smartphones or tablets. The system also triggers text and email alerts for low tire pressure and high temperature, using custom thresholds set by the fleet within the system’s operating limits. All Continental tires can be ordered as intelligent tires from the factory, pre-equipped with sensors, but the sensors can also be installed in the fleet’s existing tires through a retrofit option.
Another of Continental’s TPMS, ContiPressureCheck, monitors a single vehicle in real-time, alerting the driver to tire pressure and temperature issues via an in-cab display. It is ideal for fleets whose vehicles are away from the terminal for long periods of time and for owner-operators. The system can also be connected to any of Continental’s telematics partners for remote data viewing in the telematics platform. Their current partners include Zonar, PeopleNet, and Geotab for truck and bus telematics, and Road Ready for trailer telematics. ContiPressureCheck is available as a factory specification from several manufacturers, including Gillig bus and from Cottrell car haulers as part of a telematics installation package. It can also be retrofitted into existing vehicles.
Dana’s Rhombus TireAnalytics is a cloud-based platform to be used with an existing TPMS that allows fleets to establish and maintain best practices for their tire maintenance programs. The application ensures a fleet’s policies and procedures are adhered to by tracking compliance across all terminals. Additionally, the platform identifies and predicts tire condition issues to minimize downtime and maximize the life of a fleet’s tires.
PSI’s TireView system can be used on all vehicles, including tractors, trailers, and trucks, plus other fleet vehicles equipped with hydraulic brakes. TireView will provide tire air pressure and the temperature of each tire. It can be used as a standalone product or in conjunction with ATIS. Currently, the system is available for retrofit. PSI confirms some trailer OEMs plan to offer this product as an order specification in the near future.
ATIS
Stemco’s Aeris system is designed for long life and low maintenance. It is designed to not compromise the life of wheel-end components by preventing pressurizing of the wheel-end. Aeris has a pressure relief feature allowing air to leave the wheel-end hub cap in the event of over pressurization. The system also saves fuels and extends tire life, is technician and DOT-friendly, and uses a patented sealing technology. Aeris is available as a factory specification or retrofit option.
Hendrickson’s TireMaax Pro monitors and adjusts for low tire pressure, while also relieving air pressure when necessary to prevent overinflation. The system also equalizes the pressure across all wheel positions. TireMaax Pro constantly monitors tire pressure to respond to changes in outside temperature and draws from the trailer air supply to keep trailer tires properly inflated and rolling smoothly. The system is available as a factory specification or retrofit.
Meritor’s MTIS by PSI helps keep tires properly inflated to reduce wear and increase fuel economy. The system comes standard with ThermALERT, a wheel-end heat-sensing technology that alerts drivers to overheating wheel-ends so that preventive action can be taken to avoid damage. MTIS can be installed on all major trailer models in North America. It is available for new trailers and can also be retrofitted on trailers already in service.
