NASHVILLE. The Light-Out Detection System from Truck-Lite Co. continuously monitors all lights on a trailer, making it easier for drivers to do a pre-trip inspection of the lights and notifying them is one fails at any time.
Introduced at the Technology and Maintenance Council annual meeting, the new system is a bolt on replacement for a trailer SAU J560 nose box and 7-pin connector assembly. It is equipped with new microprocessor technology that “learns” a trailer’s electrical parameters and then continuously monitors them for any changes indicating a failure, according to Brad Van Riper, sr. VP and chief technology officer.
Designed to work with LED lights only, the system can be toggled by the driver during the pre-trip inspection to actively cycle all lights on the trailer automatically. Once underway, a blue fault light will be visible in the driver’s mirror if any lamp fails. A blink code on the fault light identifies the exact problem light.
The Light-Out Detection System is intended to help fleets avoid the most common vehicle fault violations leading to roadside inspections. “One-quarter of all CSA violations in 2014 were lighting related,” Van Riper said. “Having a light out is just like having a sign on the trailer saying ‘Inspect Me,’ which can lead to more serious non-related violations.”
A number of trailer OEMs are currently evaluating the Light-Out Detection System, which can also be retrofitted by replacing the nose box. Full production is scheduled to begin in April.
