Dana Corp's Commercial Vehicle Systems group has enhanced its Dana Spicer Tire Pressure Control System (TPCS) with a new integrated Driver Display Module (DDM). In conjunction with new dash-mounted rocker switches, the DDM simplifies selection of tire pressures to maximize vehicle mobility under varying load and terrain conditions.
Provided as a factory-installed data book option, the TPCS is available on most makes and models of vocational heavy-duty trucks manufactured in North America. It has air seals built into the axles that eliminate the need for external air lines.
The newly designed driver interface supports two load modes — loaded and unloaded — and three terrain selections: highway, off-highway, and emergency. The highway mode permits high-speed travel on paved surfaces; off-highway allows for efficient operation on unpaved surfaces; while the emergency mode provides extremely low tire pressures to tackle exceptionally poor terrains and grades that might otherwise be impossible to negotiate without assistance.
The new DDM unit can display tire pressure by axle group, as well as over-speed and low tire (run-flat) operation. If the system recognizes a fault condition, the DDM will report problem areas to help bring about fast, accurate solutions. TPCS functions with a micro-processor based electronic control unit and supports industry standard diagnostic tools, including the new PC application-based Dana Diagnostic Tool (DDT).
Other TPCS benefits include:
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Elimination of more than 1,000 pounds of vehicle weight.
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Improved vehicle stability and better accessibility to the cab that results from a 12- to 14-inch reduction of the vehicle's height.
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Overall reductions in vehicle cost, complexity, and required maintenance.
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Extended tire life and improved fuel economy that results from maintaining proper tire pressure.
TPCS systems are OEM-installed and thereby fully warranted. Most tandem-drive axles (40,000 to 52,000 pounds) and single-drive axles (21,000 to 26,000 pounds), as well as steer and trailer axles, may be equipped with TPCS.
For more information, contact Roadranger Marketing, Kalamazoo MI.