Hendrickson’s new sensor platform integrates with its TireMaax system to deliver real-time tire and wheel-end insights, targeting uptime and cost savings.
Hendrickson used its press conference at the Technology & Maintenance Council’s 2026 Annual Meeting to introduce a new connected trailer technology platform. The new system is designed to give fleets deeper visibility into tire and wheel-end performance.
Dubbed Watchman, the new platform builds on Hendrickson’s existing TireMaax tire inflation systems and adds a layer of sensing and data interpretation aimed at reducing tire costs, improving uptime, and advancing predictive maintenance strategies.
A Century of Suspensions, A Shift to Intelligence
Kicking off the announcement, Dustin Lancey, director of global brand and communications, tied the launch to a major company milestone: the 100-year anniversary of Hendrickson’s original walking beam suspension patent.
“That technology became the foundation of our reputation for durability and reliable performance,” Lancey said. “Today, we’re continuing that legacy with intelligent systems that deliver real-time actionable insights from wheel-end conditions to the back office.”
The Watchman system represents Hendrickson’s latest step in expanding beyond core mechanical systems into data-driven trailer technologies. That is an effort formalized through the recent creation of its Vehicle Technology Group.
Matt Wilson, vice president of the Hendrickson Vehicle Technology Group, positioned Watchman as part of a broader push to unify traditionally separate trailer systems.
“Our purpose is to engineer smarter, stronger, more reliable ride systems,” Wilson said. “Now we’re bringing intelligent sensing technologies into that equation to tie those systems together.”
Watchman functions as what Wilson described as the “intelligence layer” within Hendrickson’s ecosystem.
While TireMaax handles inflation and traditional TPMS monitors pressure, Watchman interprets data and connects it to fleet operations.
The system combines multiple elements:
- Hub-mounted sensors integrated into the TireMaax hubcap
- A Bluetooth receiver to collect and transmit data
- A mobile app for direct fleet access
- Integration pathways to third-party telematics platforms
Designed to be telematics-agnostic, Watchman can feed data into existing fleet systems, including major telematics providers, rather than requiring a closed ecosystem.
From Data to Actionable Insights
At its core, Watchman is designed to move fleets beyond raw data toward actionable intelligence.
The system provides real-time visibility into tire pressure and wheel-end temperatures, along with alerts for conditions such as slow leaks, rapid air loss, and underinflation. By identifying issues early, fleets can address problems before they lead to roadside failures or costly downtime.
In simple terms, TireMaax inflates, TPMS monitors, and Watchman interprets the data, Wilson explained.
That interpretation layer is key, especially as fleets struggle with one of their largest operating expenses: tires.
“Tires operating slightly below target pressure can shorten casing life, hurt fuel economy, and lead to unplanned downtime,” Wilson said. “By pairing Watchman and TireMaax, fleets get automatic inflation plus intelligent diagnostics to identify the actual cause of tire issues.”
The result, he added, is reduced manual guesswork and stronger support for predictive maintenance planning.
Designed for Integration and Ease of Installation
Hendrickson emphasized that Watchman is engineered for straightforward adoption, particularly at the OEM level.
The sensor mounts directly onto the TireMaax hubcap, allowing it to be installed as part of the standard build process without additional labor. Once in operation, the sensor captures wheel-end data and transmits it via Bluetooth to a receiver, which can then route the information into a fleet’s telematics platform.
For fleets without telematics, the Watchman mobile app provides a standalone option. Technicians or drivers can use the app during pre-trip inspections to identify low-pressure conditions or detect slow leaks that may not yet trigger a failure.
“It gives fleets access to real-time data even without a full telematics solution,” Wilson noted.
Expanded Capabilities Ahead
Hendrickson also made clear that Watchman is intended as an expandable platform — not a static product.
He said the company is already developing additional sensing capabilities, including vibration monitoring and brake wear detection, aimed at expanding diagnostic depth and improving maintenance planning.
“Watchman is built to grow,” Wilson said. “As our suspension systems and components continue to evolve, Watchman will evolve right with them.”
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