Bendix SmarTire Trailer-Link TPMS

Quick Facts

Manufacturer: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems
Product Name: SmarTire Trailer-Link TPMS
Product Type: Wireless commercial-trailer tire-pressure monitoring system
System Category: Tire-pressure and tire-temperature monitoring
Primary Position: Commercial trailer tires and wheel assemblies
Measurements: Tire pressure and temperature
Communication: Wireless wheel-sensor transmission with trailer-to-tractor communication
Driver Interface: Compatible SmarTire display, integrated vehicle display, or trailer warning lamp depending on configuration
Service Interface: Compatible handheld reader and Bendix diagnostic equipment
Typical Retrofit Equipment: Wheel sensors, trailer receiver or ECU, wiring harnesses, antennas, and display or warning equipment
Common Applications: Dry vans, refrigerated trailers, flatbeds, tank trailers, and specialized commercial trailers
Inflation Capability: Monitoring only; does not automatically add air
Production and Support Status: Confirm current kit and component availability with Bendix
Primary Benefit: Provides real-time trailer-tire pressure and temperature information to the driver and maintenance personnel

Overview

The Bendix SmarTire Trailer-Link TPMS is a wireless tire-pressure monitoring system designed to extend SmarTire monitoring from a tractor to its connected commercial trailer. Sensors installed at the trailer wheels measure tire pressure and temperature and transmit that information to a trailer receiver or electronic control unit.

The trailer system communicates tire alerts and operating information to the tractor. Depending on the vehicle and installation, the driver may view the data through a SmarTire display, an integrated original-equipment dashboard, or another compatible interface.

Trailer-Link helps identify underinflation, rapid pressure loss, excessive temperature, and other developing tire conditions before they cause additional damage or roadside downtime. It is a monitoring system rather than an automatic inflation system and cannot add air to a low tire.

Key Characteristics

Wireless trailer-tire pressure monitoring
Wireless trailer-tire temperature monitoring
Individual wheel-position identification
Trailer-to-tractor tire-data communication
Real-time driver warnings
Compatible SmarTire display integration
Original-equipment dashboard integration where supported
Trailer warning-lamp capability in applicable configurations
Handheld maintenance-reader compatibility
Programmable pressure and temperature thresholds
Supports original-equipment and retrofit installations
Does not require trailer axle air passages
Can complement an automatic tire-inflation system

Major Components

Wireless wheel-mounted pressure and temperature sensors
Sensor mounting straps or approved attachment hardware
Trailer receiver or electronic control unit
Trailer antenna
Trailer wiring harnesses
Power and ground connections
Trailer-to-tractor communication hardware
Compatible tractor receiver
SmarTire dashboard display where equipped
Integrated original-equipment instrument display where supported
Trailer warning lamp where specified
Diagnostic connector
Handheld sensor reader or programming tool
Bendix diagnostic software and interface equipment
Identification labels and wheel-position records

System Type and Design

SmarTire Trailer-Link is a direct tire-pressure monitoring system. Sensors installed inside the trailer tires measure actual tire pressure and internal temperature instead of estimating pressure through wheel-speed differences.

Each sensor has an identification code assigned to a specific trailer wheel position. The trailer receiver processes the wireless transmissions and determines whether the measured conditions require a warning.

Trailer-Link then sends the applicable tire information or alerts forward to the tractor. This allows a compatible tractor display to identify problems on both the tractor and connected trailer.

How the TPMS Works

Each wheel sensor measures tire pressure and temperature at regular intervals. The sensor transmits its identification code and tire data wirelessly to the trailer receiver.

The receiver compares the reported values with the programmed cold inflation pressure and warning thresholds for that wheel position. If pressure becomes too low, pressure drops rapidly, or temperature becomes excessive, the system creates an alert.

The trailer system communicates the alert to the tractor through its configured wireless or wired communication path. The driver can then identify the affected trailer position and respond before the condition produces additional tire damage.

When the trailer is parked, technicians may use compatible diagnostic equipment or a handheld reader to retrieve sensor information and confirm tire condition without relying only on a manual pressure gauge.

Position and Function Within the Vehicle

Trailer-Link sensors are installed at individual trailer wheel positions. The receiver, antenna, wiring, and related electronic equipment are mounted on the trailer, while the primary driver interface is located in the tractor.

The system performs several functions:

Measures pressure inside each monitored trailer tire
Measures tire temperature
Identifies each sensor by wheel position
Transmits tire information wirelessly
Compares measurements with programmed thresholds
Warns of underinflation
Warns of rapid pressure loss
Warns of excessive tire temperature
Communicates trailer alerts to a compatible tractor
Supports yard and maintenance diagnostics
Creates additional visibility into trailer-tire condition

Common Specifications

System Type: Direct wireless commercial-trailer TPMS
Measurements: Tire pressure and temperature
Sensor Location: Inside the tire and mounted to the wheel using the approved hardware
Sensor Identification: Unique electronic identification assigned to a wheel position
Trailer Communication: Wireless sensor transmission to trailer receiver or ECU
Tractor Communication: Configuration-specific trailer-to-tractor data connection
Driver Display: SmarTire display, compatible integrated instrument panel, or warning interface
Diagnostic Support: Compatible handheld reader and Bendix diagnostic equipment
Wheel Coverage: Application-specific; common trailer kits may monitor eight wheel positions
Pressure Range: Sensor- and application-specific
Temperature Range: Sensor- and application-specific
Alert Thresholds: Programmable according to tire and fleet requirements
Power Supply: Trailer electrical system for receiver and communication components
Inflation Function: None

Pressure and Temperature Monitoring

The system evaluates pressure relative to the programmed cold inflation pressure for each tire position. This permits alerts to reflect the tire’s intended operating pressure rather than applying one universal threshold to every application.

Temperature measurement adds information that pressure-only systems cannot provide. Excessive temperature may indicate underinflation, overloading, tire damage, brake heat, bearing problems, or another developing wheel-end condition.

Pressure naturally increases as a tire warms during operation. SmarTire system logic uses pressure and temperature data to provide more meaningful alerts, but tire and wheel-end problems must still be confirmed through physical inspection.

Alert Thresholds and Warning Functions

Alert thresholds are configured around the fleet’s specified cold inflation pressure and system requirements. Available warnings may include:

Low-pressure warning
Critical low-pressure warning
Rapid pressure-loss warning
High-temperature warning
Sensor communication warning
Low sensor-battery condition where supported
Trailer communication fault
Unassigned or incorrectly assigned sensor

Drivers should treat every warning as a reason to inspect the affected position as soon as it is safe. The urgency depends on the warning type, tire condition, pressure-loss rate, temperature, vehicle loading, and operating environment.

Wireless and Electronic Integration

The wheel sensors use radio-frequency communication to send pressure and temperature data to the trailer receiver. Sensor placement, antenna position, trailer construction, electrical interference, and component condition can affect communication quality.

A compatible Trailer-Link installation forwards trailer information to the tractor so the driver can view alerts without leaving the cab. Certain tractors can automatically recognize a connected SmarTire-equipped trailer.

Depending on the equipment generation, tire data may be displayed through a dedicated SmarTire gauge, an integrated original-equipment dashboard, compatible diagnostics, or a connected fleet portal.

Installation and Configuration

Installation requires correct sensor attachment, receiver placement, antenna orientation, wiring, power and ground connections, trailer-to-tractor communication, and system programming.

The tires must normally be removed from the wheels to install internal sensors and mounting hardware. Sensor assemblies must be positioned so they do not interfere with tire mounting, valve equipment, balancing components, brake hardware, or wheel-end service.

After installation, every sensor must be assigned to the correct wheel position. The technician must also program the cold inflation pressure, warning thresholds, axle layout, and display configuration before verifying communication throughout the complete tractor-trailer combination.

Trailer, Tire, and Wheel Compatibility

Compatibility depends on the complete trailer, tire, wheel, tractor, and display configuration. Selection must account for:

Trailer manufacturer and model
Number of trailer axles
Number of monitored wheel positions
Dual or wide-base single tires
Tire size and cold inflation pressure
Steel or aluminum wheels
Wheel diameter and rim width
Internal sensor mounting requirements
Valve and balancing equipment
Trailer receiver and antenna placement
Trailer electrical system
Tractor receiver and display compatibility
Original-equipment dashboard integration
Diagnostic and programming-tool availability

Common Applications

Dry van trailers
Refrigerated trailers
Flatbed trailers
Tank trailers
Drop-deck trailers
Automotive transport trailers
Specialized commercial trailers
Long-haul tractor-trailer fleets
Regional delivery fleets
Drop-and-hook fleet operations
Dual-tire trailer configurations
Wide-base single-tire trailer configurations
Trailers requiring pressure and temperature visibility

Advantages

Monitors actual tire pressure directly
Monitors internal tire temperature
Identifies individual trailer wheel positions
Provides tire alerts to the driver while traveling
Can display trailer data through a compatible tractor interface
Helps identify slow leaks before severe pressure loss occurs
Can warn of rapid pressure loss
Can warn of excessive tire temperature
Supports improved tire maintenance planning
May help extend tread and casing life
May reduce tire-related roadside downtime
Can complement automatic tire-inflation systems
Supports handheld yard and maintenance checks

Limitations or Considerations

Monitors pressure but does not inflate a low tire
Internal sensors normally require tire removal for installation or replacement
Sensor batteries have a finite service life
Each sensor must be assigned to the correct wheel position
Incorrect programming can create inaccurate or misleading warnings
Wireless communication can be affected by component placement or damage
Trailer-to-tractor functionality requires compatible equipment
Older components may have limited availability
Sensor condition should be checked during tire service
Temperature warnings do not identify the exact mechanical cause
Manual tire and wheel inspections remain necessary
The system does not increase tire, wheel, axle, or trailer ratings

Driver and Operator Experience

When connected to compatible equipment, Trailer-Link allows the driver to view trailer-tire warnings without stopping to check every tire manually. Displays may identify the affected wheel position and show pressure, temperature, or warning status.

A low-pressure or rapid-loss alert requires the driver to reduce risk and inspect the affected tire at the earliest safe opportunity. A high-temperature warning may involve the tire, brake, bearing, seal, lubrication, or another wheel-end component.

The absence of an alert does not prove that a tire is structurally sound. Drivers must continue looking for cuts, bulges, exposed cords, tread separation, embedded objects, wheel damage, and loose fasteners.

Sensor Programming and Tire-Position Assignment

Every SmarTire sensor has a unique identification code that must be assigned to its actual trailer wheel position. Correct programming allows the display to identify which tire is producing an alert.

Programming should be checked after:

Initial system installation
Sensor replacement
Tire and wheel rotation
Wheel-position changes
Axle replacement
Trailer receiver replacement
Display or tractor communication changes
Repeated missing-sensor warnings
Incorrect wheel-position alerts

The programmed cold inflation pressure and warning thresholds must match the tire manufacturer’s requirements and fleet specification. Records should identify every sensor code, trailer position, installation date, and replacement history.

Inspection and Wear Points

Routine inspection should include:

Internal wheel sensors during tire service
Sensor mounting straps and attachment hardware
Sensor housings for impact or corrosion damage
Trailer receiver or ECU mounting
Antenna placement and condition
Wiring harnesses and connectors
Power and ground connections
Trailer-to-tractor communication equipment
Display or warning-lamp operation
Diagnostic connector condition
Missing-sensor or communication faults
Incorrect tire-position assignments
Sensor-battery status where available
Physical tire and wheel condition

Maintenance and Ownership Notes

Continue manual tire-pressure verification on the fleet schedule
Inspect sensors whenever tires are removed
Protect sensors during tire mounting and demounting
Maintain accurate wheel-position programming
Verify the specified cold inflation pressure
Inspect receiver and antenna mounting
Check electrical connectors for corrosion or damage
Test trailer-to-tractor communication
Confirm display and warning operation
Investigate missing-sensor messages promptly
Replace failed or depleted sensors with compatible components
Reprogram the system after sensor replacement
Maintain trailer and sensor records
Use approved Bendix diagnostic procedures and equipment

Common TPMS Problems

Missing-sensor warning: A depleted sensor battery, damaged sensor, incorrect programming, receiver problem, radio interference, or excessive distance may prevent communication.
Incorrect tire-position alert: Sensor IDs may have been assigned incorrectly or wheels may have been moved without updating the programming.
False low-pressure warning: Incorrect cold-pressure programming, major temperature changes, an inaccurate manual comparison gauge, or a sensor problem may be responsible.
Rapid-pressure-loss warning: A puncture, damaged valve, cracked wheel, bead leak, or failing tire may be releasing air quickly.
High-temperature warning: Underinflation, overloading, dragging brakes, bearing problems, tire damage, or high ambient and operating temperatures may be responsible.
No trailer information in the tractor: Incompatible equipment, communication loss, receiver failure, wiring damage, pairing problems, or a display configuration error may prevent data transfer.
Intermittent warnings: Loose electrical connections, damaged wiring, antenna placement, sensor signal problems, or developing battery failure can cause intermittent operation.
Sensor damaged during tire service: Improper tool placement or failure to identify the sensor location can damage the housing or mounting hardware.

Safety and Service Precautions

Respond promptly to low-pressure, rapid-loss, and high-temperature warnings
Stop in a safe location before inspecting a trailer tire
Do not touch a wheel end that may be dangerously hot
Do not assume a tire is safe because pressure remains within range
Deflate the tire completely before removing it from the wheel
Use trained commercial tire-service personnel
Identify sensor location before using tire tools
Protect internal sensors during mounting and demounting
Use replacement sensors and hardware approved for the system
Reprogram every replacement sensor correctly
Verify tire pressure with an accurate gauge when diagnosing alerts
Follow Bendix, tire-manufacturer, wheel-manufacturer, and fleet procedures

Identification Information

System information may be located on the trailer receiver, ECU, wiring harnesses, sensors, display, diagnostic records, or installation documentation. Record the following information before ordering components:

Trailer manufacturer, model, and VIN
SmarTire system generation
Trailer-Link receiver or ECU part number
Wheel-sensor part numbers
Sensor identification codes
Sensor installation dates
Programmed wheel positions
Cold inflation pressure setting
Pressure and temperature thresholds
Number of monitored tires
Trailer antenna and harness part numbers
Tractor display or receiver type
Diagnostic-tool compatibility
Tire and wheel specifications

Buying Considerations

Confirm current Bendix support and component availability
Identify the exact SmarTire system generation
Determine the number of trailer wheel positions
Verify dual or wide-base single tire requirements
Confirm tire pressure and temperature ranges
Check steel- or aluminum-wheel compatibility
Verify internal sensor mounting requirements
Confirm trailer receiver and antenna requirements
Check tractor receiver and display compatibility
Determine dashboard or warning-lamp integration
Confirm diagnostic and programming-tool availability
Review sensor-battery replacement strategy
Check wiring-harness and connector availability
Compare monitoring-only operation with automatic inflation
Use an installer familiar with commercial-vehicle TPMS equipment

Variants and Configurations

Original-equipment trailer installations
Aftermarket retrofit kits
Dual-tire configurations
Wide-base single-tire configurations
Two-axle trailer configurations
Multi-axle trailer configurations
Dedicated SmarTire display integration
Original-equipment dashboard integration
Trailer warning-lamp configurations
Tractor and trailer combined monitoring
Handheld maintenance-reader support
Bendix diagnostic-software support
Remote data or portal integration where equipped

Configuration and replacement-part availability depend on the system generation, vehicle integration, sensor type, trailer layout, and production date. Complete part numbers should be verified before ordering.

Comparison to Similar Equipment

Compared with the Continental ContiPressureCheck TPMS, SmarTire Trailer-Link provides Bendix-specific sensors, receivers, diagnostics, and tractor-trailer integration. The appropriate system depends on fleet equipment and support requirements.

Compared with the Hendrickson TIREMAAX PRO-LB Tire Inflation System, Trailer-Link monitors pressure and temperature but does not add or release air. TIREMAAX PRO-LB automatically adjusts tire pressure according to trailer axle load.

Compared with the Meritor Tire Inflation System by P.S.I., Trailer-Link directly reports pressure and temperature for individual tire positions. MTIS automatically supplies air to tires below a preset pressure.

Compared with the Aperia HALO Tire Inflator, Trailer-Link is an electronic monitoring system. HALO uses wheel rotation to generate inflation pressure and maintain a mechanical target.

Best Fit For

Fleets wanting individual trailer-tire pressure data
Fleets wanting trailer-tire temperature monitoring
Tractors already equipped with compatible SmarTire equipment
Drop-and-hook operations using compatible trailers
Long-haul dry van and refrigerated fleets
Tank, flatbed, and specialized trailer fleets
Fleets seeking early slow-leak detection
Operations needing rapid-pressure-loss warnings
Maintenance departments using handheld tire-data readers
Vehicles requiring monitoring without automatic inflation
Trailers combining TPMS with an automatic inflation system

Related Vehicle and Trailer Types

Related Truck and Trailer Models

Related Tire and Wheel Types

Related Tire and Wheel Products

Related Equipment Systems

Related Guides

Regulatory and Compliance Notes

SmarTire Trailer-Link does not change the tire, wheel, axle, suspension, or trailer load ratings. Programmed pressures must remain within the approved limits of every component and meet the tire manufacturer’s requirements for the actual vehicle load.

Commercial tires must still comply with applicable inflation, tread-depth, condition, load, and inspection requirements. A TPMS does not make a damaged, overloaded, or worn tire compliant.

Installation and service must preserve wheel integrity, tire balance, brake clearance, wheel-end operation, trailer electrical systems, ABS communication, and other required safety equipment.

Real World Operating Notes

Trailer-Link is particularly useful in drop-and-hook operations because it can communicate trailer-tire status to a compatible tractor without requiring the driver to inspect every position before receiving an initial electronic status indication.

The programmed wheel-position map must remain accurate. If tires and wheels are rotated without updating sensor assignments, the system may warn the driver about the wrong trailer position.

Temperature alerts should be treated seriously because the cause may extend beyond the tire. Dragging brakes, bearing damage, or inadequate wheel-end lubrication can create dangerous temperatures while tire pressure remains near its normal range.

TPMS data should supplement physical inspections and accurate manual gauges. It provides earlier visibility but cannot evaluate every aspect of tread, casing, wheel, valve, brake, and bearing condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bendix SmarTire Trailer-Link TPMS?

It is a wireless monitoring system that sends trailer-tire pressure, temperature, and alert information to a compatible tractor or service interface.

Does Trailer-Link add air to low tires?

No. It monitors and reports tire conditions but does not inflate the tires.

Does it monitor tire temperature?

Yes. Compatible SmarTire sensors measure both tire pressure and temperature.

Can the driver see which trailer tire has a problem?

Yes, when sensors are assigned correctly and the tractor uses a compatible display capable of showing individual trailer wheel positions.

Can Trailer-Link work with different trailers?

A compatible tractor may communicate with different properly equipped trailers. Exact automatic detection and display behavior depend on the installed system generation and vehicle integration.

Where are the sensors installed?

The sensors are normally installed inside the tires and attached to the wheels using approved mounting hardware.

What causes a missing-sensor warning?

Possible causes include a depleted battery, damaged sensor, incorrect programming, receiver or antenna problems, electrical faults, or radio communication interference.

Can it be used with an automatic tire-inflation system?

Potentially, yes. TPMS can provide individual pressure and temperature information while a compatible inflation system adds air. The combined installation must be approved and configured correctly.

Does Trailer-Link replace manual tire inspections?

No. Drivers and technicians must continue checking pressure, tread, sidewalls, wheels, valves, fasteners, brakes, and wheel ends.

How are replacement parts identified?

Use the trailer VIN, SmarTire system generation, receiver or ECU number, sensor number, wiring-harness numbers, display type, wheel-position map, and diagnostic information.

Availability and Where to Find

Bendix SmarTire Trailer-Link TPMS equipment may be found on existing commercial tractors and trailers and through original-equipment, aftermarket, or fleet retrofit installations.

Replacement sensors, receivers, harnesses, displays, diagnostic equipment, and related components may be available through Bendix distributors, commercial-truck dealers, trailer dealers, heavy-duty parts suppliers, tire dealers, and TPMS specialists.

Because multiple generations and vehicle integrations exist, buyers should confirm current availability and superseded part numbers with Bendix before ordering. Current system information and support resources are available through the Bendix SmarTire website.

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