Truck-Lite has integrated SKF’s Trax wheel-end monitor data into its Road Ready system using the company’s SmartBridge Integrator.

The SBI bridges smart OE trailer systems with the Road Ready network, which communicates crucial trailer data to a fleet dispatcher and provides insight into a trailer environment. The integration with SKF allows any Road Ready fleet to access this critical wheel-end data and avoid downtime by taking preventive action.

SKF's TraX wheel end monitor 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. In the event of bearing failure detection, notifications can be 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.

"If a fleet is able to prevent a breakdown due to a failed wheel end, it can avoid not only expensive repairs and downtime but also danger to other traffic on the road," said Cengiz Shevket, vice president of innovation and customer value for the Americas for SKF. "Integrating this technology with the Road Ready system helps fleets to identify and wirelessly communicate a potential issue before it becomes a serious problem."