
Truck-Lite Co. has integrated SKF‘s TraX wheel-end monitor (WEM) data into the Road Ready system via its SmartBridge Integrator (SBI).
Released in 2018, the SBI bridges “smart” OE trailer systems with the Road Ready network, which communicates crucial trailer data to a fleet dispatcher. The recent integration with SKF allows any Road Ready fleet to access this critical wheel-end data and avoid downtime by taking preventive action, Truck-Lite says.
SKF’s TraX WEM tracks damage to the wheel bearing from an early stage by monitoring vibration and serves as a preventive warning system against bearing failures. Integrating the TraX WEM into the Road Ready system enables fleet maintenance and the driver to be notified via wireless communication about potential wheel-end deterioration to prevent damage, interruption of service and safety hazards, the companies say. In the event of bearing failure detection, notifications are typically made thousands of miles before a problem becomes likely. In the case of an abnormal temperature reading or thermal event, the driver can be notified to pull over immediately.