Benefits of automatic trailer tire inflation systems

April 10, 2018
While many fleets may opt to include automatic tire inflation systems on trailers at the time of purchase, options are available to retrofit these systems on existing trailers.

Once an asset is already purchased, it’s important to note there are additional functions that may not have been available, or were not originally spec’ed, on the piece of equipment at the time of purchase.

With retrofit products available, there are ways fleets can improve trailer uptime. One such product is automatic inflation systems for trailer tires.

Technology deployment service provider Velociti and commercial vehicle aftermarket supplier Meritor recently partnered to provide the Instant ROI program to provide additional retrofitting options for automatic tire inflation systems on trailers. Fleets have the option to install the Meritor Tire Inflation System (MTIS) to existing vehicles and trailers, to automatically monitor and inflate or deflate tires as needed.

Retrofitting an automatic trailer tire inflation system, such as the MTIS, provides benefits such as:

  • Extended tire life
  • Increased fuel economy
  • Decreased maintenance costs
  • Improved safety
  • Reduced roadside calls
  • Pressure maintenance provided over the road
  • Compatible with satellite communication services and telematics systems 

Experts at Meritor say many fleets do not currently opt to retrofit automatic tire inflation systems due to budget constraints and concerns with logistical challenges with installing the inflation systems on existing trailers.

The partnership with Velociti provides deferred billing options for installation and extended payment terms.

"Velociti’s deferred billing and extended payment plan … effectively utilizes the savings generated by the tire inflation system to pay for the solution,” say experts at Meritor.

The Instant ROI program also provides the automatic tire inflation system hardware, retrofit installation and continuous remote monitoring and event reporting via telematics integration.

“Instant ROI is a fleet-wide program that provides immediate and sustained savings on fuel, tread wear, maintenance and downtime,” Meritor experts add.

About the Author

Erica Schueller | Media Relations Manager | Navistar

Erica Schueller is the Media Relations Manager for Navistar.

Before joining Navistar, Schueller served as Editorial Director of the Endeavor Commercial Vehicle Group. The commercial vehicle group includes the following brands: American Trucker, Bulk Transporter, Fleet Maintenance, FleetOwner, Refrigerated Transporter, and Trailer/Body Builders brands.

An award-winning journalist, Schueller has reported and written about the vehicle maintenance and repair industry her entire career. She has received accolades for her reporting and editing in the commercial and automotive vehicle fields by the Truck Writers of North America (TWNA), the International Automotive Media Competition (IAMC), the Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards and the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) Azbee Awards.

Schueller has received recognition among her publishing industry peers as a recipient of the 2014 Folio Top Women in Media Rising Stars award, acknowledging her accomplishments of digital content management and assistance with improving the print and digital products in the Vehicle Repair Group. She was also named one Women in Trucking’s 2018 Top Women in Transportation to Watch.

She is an active member of a number of industry groups, including the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC),  the Auto Care Association's Young Auto Care Networking Group, GenNext, and Women in Trucking.

In December 2018, Schueller graduated at the top of her class from the Waukesha County Technical College's 10-week professional truck driving program, earning her Class A commercial driver's license (CDL).  

She has worked in the vehicle repair and maintenance industry since 2008.

Photo courtesy of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Maintaining proper inflation is the cornerstone of any sound tire management effort, including semitrailer tires.
Maintaining proper inflation is the cornerstone of any sound tire management effort, including semitrailer tires.
Maintaining proper inflation is the cornerstone of any sound tire management effort, including semitrailer tires.
Maintaining proper inflation is the cornerstone of any sound tire management effort, including semitrailer tires.
Maintaining proper inflation is the cornerstone of any sound tire management effort, including semitrailer tires.