Dig Deeper: Smart Trailers Face a Huge Hurdle
Great Dane Makes FleetPulse Smart Trailer Platform Standard
Great Dane is making its FleetPulse smart trailer telematics platform standard, with the ability to add new smart sensors as they are developed.

Great Dane is future-proofing its trailers with standard FleetPulse telematics.
Photo: Great Dane
Great Dane is making its FleetPulse smart trailer platform standard on new dry and refrigerated Great Dane trailers, with an integrated CAN harness to prepare equipment for future smart technology adoption.
FleetPulse delivers real-time data and insights, including GPS location, mileage data, geofences, automated yard checks, tethered status, heading, speed, as well as proprietary trailer specifications and parts information.
The standard also includes built-in CAN harnessing so smart sensors can be added in the aftermarket and when new technology is introduced.
An optional upgrade to the full FleetPulsePro option provides access to a full suite of smart sensors available today. These include the ability to monitor and decipher ABS fault code alerts, tire inflation systems, door open status, light-out detection, mileage from tire rotations, cargo status, rear axle weight, and more.

Great Dane's FleetPulse delivers real-time data such as GPS location, mileage data, geofences, automated yard checks, tethered status, heading, speed, etc.
Illustration: Great Dane
FleetPulse’s real-time trailer-level data can put more predictability into maintenance schedules, according to the company, with real-time alerts from trailer health sensors creating greater productivity and return on investment.
This announcement comes as suppliers such as Hendrickson, TSE Brakes, and others are developing compelling sensors that will become commercially available over the coming years.
“One of the major hurdles to a connected vehicle future is that long trailer life can hinder the speed of innovation,” said Mike Molitor, Great Dane executive director of business development. “By equipping each Great Dane trailer with a FleetPulse device and CAN harnessing, we believe fleets are better positioned to take advantage of future technologies.”
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