FirstFleet, Inc.

Meritor Tire Inflation Systems

Mark Caldwell — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 21:00:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce the addition of the Meritor MTIS Tire Inflation System with ThermAlert to our new and future trailer additions. We want to provide you (our driver) with tools and equipment to keep you on the road safely. With this new addition we would like to provide a brief overview of the system and what to expect.

Features and Benefits of the Meritor Tire Inflation System (MTIS™)

Extended tire life: Underinflation results in increased and uneven wear, which drives up the frequency of tire replacement. By maintaining tire pressure at all times, MTIS by P.S.I. can extend tire life by 10 percent.
Increased fuel economy: MTIS by P.S.I. increases fuel economy by an average of 1.4 percent, according to a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) study.
Improved safety: MTIS by P.S.I. significantly reduces the risk of tire blowouts and the potentially costly and dangerous consequences. Moreover, the ThermALERT™ wheel-end heat sensing technology option helps prevent wheel-end failures from heat build-up.
Fewer Breakdowns: Tires are the top reason for costly service calls, many of which can be attributed to simple underinflation. MTIS by P.S.I. virtually eliminates those calls.

ThermALERT™

· Features & Benefits of ThermALERT:

If the temperature of the wheel-end elevates into a dangerous operating zone, the eutectic screw installed in the press plug will melt causing pressurized air to vent through the hub cap tee vent.
The indicator light will come ON, there will be an audible sound at the wheel-end as air vents through the hub cap tee vent.
Helps alert drivers to stop for repairs before serious damage occurs due to elevated wheel-end temperatures.
Helps reduce downtime, risk and operating cost.
Gives the opportunity to inspect and repair components that caused the wheel-end to exceed normal operating temperatures before the trailer is put back into service to prevent serious personal injury and damage to the trailer components.

PRE-SERVICE CHECK

Check that the tractor air has reached maximum air supply (125-130psi) and the 7 way is connected to the trailer

The indicator light located on the roadside front corner of the trailer should be off within 10 minutes of the trailer being supplied air from the tractor. If the light stays on longer than 10 minutes, notify dispatch and maintenance that there is a tire problem.

Check the wheel ends to verify that hoses are connected to the thru tee assembly and to the valve stem. If you hear an audible leak notify dispatch and maintenance that there is a problem.

During your pre-service inspection you will find that your trailer is equipped with a Thermalert decal and warning light. Two conditions will cause this light to illuminate. The first is an under inflated tire, and the second is the event of an abnormally high wheel end temperature.

During Travel Service

If the indicator light comes on during your travels, find a safe place to pull over and inspect your tires and wheel ends. Try and determine which tire is damaged or low before calling for breakdown assistance. If you hear audible air coming from the hubcap relief valve (the shield on the thru tee) the wheel end may be running at an abnormal high temperature. Contact your dispatch and breakdown to have the appropriate repair made before safely resuming your trip.

Questions
if you have any questions or concerns about this system please do not hesitate to reach out to us through your local Fleet Manager, on Facebook, using the contact us form found here.

Breakdown Line

Mark Caldwell — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 18:00:00 GMT

Winter is upon us, and this means it is a busy season for breakdowns and road calls. In effort to help you get the best service in the event a breakdown happens to you we would like to remind you of how to reach our support team 24 hours a day.

The number to reach a breakdown support team member is:

615-800-7899 - Choose Option 3

In order to make sure we provide you with prompt service we would like to make sure everyone is calling the appropriate number when there is a need for service. If you call the shop direct or your local office there could be opportunities for delay or missed calls. We certainly do not want anyone stranded or not able to receive service.

If you are reading this on your mobile device you can quickly add this number to your contact list by tapping the link below. Again for any and all breakdowns please call 615-800-7899 Option 3

Download Contact File

Frozen Brakes

Mark Caldwell — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 23:00:00 GMT

What Freezes? The brake lining freezes to the brake drum.

Why? If you set your brakes when they're wet, and it is cold (enough) outside, they may freeze.

How do you "unfreeze" them? If you do have frozen brakes, you will have to break them loose. Most often it is the trailer brakes that freeze not the tractor. First try backing up - quite often they'll break free on their own.

If the brakes on the tractor are frozen, lock in the power divider and release the brakes. GENTLY try to back up, usually they will pop loose and release. DO NOT FORCEFULLY TRY TO MOVE THE UNIT OR DRAG THE TIRES, use a gentle rocking motion as you would if you were stuck. If the rocking motion does not work for you on the tractor then it is advised that you call for service and get help to assist you. On the tractor there would really be no safe way for you as a driver to release the brakes without assistance. In the case any of the above ideas fail call our 24x7 Breakdown line at 615-800-7899 to have assistance dispatched to you.

If the frozen brake is on the trailer, again GENTLY try to back up, usually they will pop loose and release. DO NOT FORCEFULLY TRY TO MOVE THE UNIT OR DRAG THE TIRES, use a gentle rocking motion as you would if you were stuck. If the trailer brakes do not release, set the tractor and trailer brakes, chock the wheels and release the TRAILER brakes only. Assuming you have identified the wheel that was frozen, gently hit the brake lining using a sideways motion - it should break free. You may also need to tap the slack adjuster and the drum if necessary. Although it would be best to have help in this situation, sometimes you may find yourself in a spot where there Is no other alternative. In the case any of the above ideas fail call our 24x7 Breakdown line at 615-800-7899 to have assistance dispatched to you.

How do you prevent it from happening? When pulling into the truck stop after you've been driving on snowy and/or slushy roads, drive around just a bit with your foot over the brake slightly. This can help dry them out.

In the winter especially, get into the habit that every time you leave a place, you look to see that all wheels are rolling. You could have one locked up and if you don't look, you may not know.

Frozen Brakes

Mark Caldwell — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT

What Freezes? The brake lining freezes to the brake drum.

Why? If you set your brakes when they're wet, and it is cold (enough) outside, they may freeze.

How do you "unfreeze" them? If you do have frozen brakes, you will have to break them loose. Most often it is the trailer brakes that freeze not the tractor. First try backing up - quite often they'll break free on their own.

If the brakes on the tractor are frozen, lock in the power divider and release the brakes. GENTLY try to back up, usually they will pop loose and release. DO NOT FORCEFULLY TRY TO MOVE THE UNIT OR DRAG THE TIRES, use a gentle rocking motion as you would if you were stuck. If the rocking motion does not work for you on the tractor then it is advised that you call for service and get help to assist you. On the tractor there would really be no safe way for you as a driver to release the brakes without assistance. Again in the case any of the above ideas fail call our 24x7 Portland, TN facility or your terminal to have assistance dispatched to you.

If the frozen brake is on the trailer, again GENTLY try to back up, usually they will pop loose and release. DO NOT FORCEFULLY TRY TO MOVE THE UNIT OR DRAG THE TIRES, use a gentle rocking motion as you would if you were stuck. If the trailer brakes do not release, set the tractor and trailer brakes, chock the wheels and release the TRAILER brakes only. Assuming you have identified the wheel that was frozen, gently hit the brake lining using a sideways motion - it should break free. You may also need to tap the slack adjuster and the drum if necessary. Although it would be best to have help in this situation, sometimes you may find yourself in a spot where there Is no other alternative. Again in the case any of the above ideas fail call our 24x7 Portland, TN facility or your terminal to have assistance dispatched to you.

How do you prevent it from happening? When pulling into the truck stop after you've been driving on snowy and/or slushy roads, drive around just a bit with your foot over the brake slightly. This can help dry them out.

In the winter especially, get into the habit that every time you leave a place, you look to see that all wheels are rolling. You could have one locked up and if you don't look, you may not know.

Shop Safety - Bay Doors

Mark Caldwell — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

It's winter time again and shop doors everywhere are closed to keep the heat in. With this in mind please be mindful to ensure the bay doors are raised completely anytime you exit or enter a repair bay. Each year we have at least one incident where a vehicle makes contact with a shop door, and this leads to very costly and easily preventable damage.

A few easy tips to avoid a costly and dangerous incident:

Always alert someone that you are about to enter the building.
Make visual and verbal contact with a shop employee to make sure the door is completely raised.
Verify yourself that the door is open fully and has stopped moving.
Do not proceed through a partially opened door, and do not assume someone is watching you. Get out and look if you are unsure.
Make sure your equipment is free and clear of the door before it is closed.
Be alert and watchful as you enter and exit the building.
Sound your horn as you enter and exit the building to alert others that you are in motion.

Safety is a team effort that requires the cooperation and contributions of everyone involved. Please help us avoid these incidents by following the above tips, and if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us at any time.