Meritor Inc. and Pressure Systems International (P.S.I.) are making it easier for fleets to check wheel-end pressure output by expanding availability of an optional feature on their automatic tire inflation system. The control box check point option was previously available on a limited basis with the Meritor Tire Inflation System (MTIS) by P.S.I. Now, it can be included with any MTIS by P.S.I. system purchased for new trailer installations or retrofits. With the new feature, maintenance personnel and drivers can check the regulated air pressure at the control box without shutting off the system and disconnecting the supply line from the control box, the company explained. The control box air pressure is set slightly higher than customers’ specified tire pressure. This is done by design so the system delivers the desired pressure to the tires after passing the check valves.
“Fleets want a simpler way to change their desired system pressure or validate their current setting,” said Charlie LaFuente, P.S.I.’s engineer and quality control manager.
MTIS by P.S.I. is an automatic system that immediately provides air pressure to any trailer tire should the pressure fall below the desired setting, dramatically reducing interaction by the driver and technician.
By keeping tires properly inflated, MTIS by P.S.I. improves tire maintenance management, trailer uptime and bottom-line ROI and reduces compliance, safety, accountability (CSA) violations. The simple and reliable design can be installed as new or as a field retrofit on any type of trailer, including van, liquid tank, logger, flat bed, chassis, livestock, platform, drop frame, dump, deep drop, doubles, dry bulk, reefer, auto transporter and military. Proper inflation boosts tire life, increases fuel efficiency and safety, maximizes recap potential and keeps trailers on the road. The patented ThermALERT option warns drivers of excessive wheel-end heat, which helps avoid trailer fires and damage to the undercarriage, the company explained. Currently, more than 50% of P.S.I.’s production is specified with the ThermALERT feature. MTIS by P.S.I. is compatible with the Meritor WABCO PLC Display for tractor-trailer communications as well as other telematic devices. Meritor trailer systems and components are backed by Meritor’s competitive warranty, global services and support.
