Phillips Connect Launches Solar Smart Trailer Device
Company Also Adds Wheel-End Data Captured by Hendrickson’s Tire Pressure Management System
Key Takeaways:
- Phillips Connect unveiled its solar-powered SolarNet 8000 smart trailer device at ATA's 2025 Management Conference & Exhibition, integrating tracking, cargo visibility and tire monitoring.
- The self-powered system uses solar panels and a high-capacity battery to provide continuous connectivity and supports Phillips Connect’s suite of trailer sensors for real-time fleet data.
- Phillips Connect also expanded its platform to integrate Hendrickson’s Tiremaxx TPMS, allowing fleets to monitor tire health and reduce maintenance-related downtime through a unified system.
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SAN DIEGO — Phillips Connect has introduced a solar-powered smart trailer device that combines location tracking, cargo visibility and tire pressure monitoring into a single wireless system.
The self-powered SolarNet 8000 series is designed to make it easier for fleets to improve operations, reduce costs and improve safety with connected trailer data from a single source.
“This level of integration simplifies technology for fleets, but more importantly, it simplifies decision-making, giving teams faster access to the insights that improve maintenance, strategic planning and overall trailer performance,” said Mark Wallin, general manager and senior vice president of product at Phillips Connect.
Phillips Connect unveiled the new product in the exhibit hall at ’ 2025 Management Conference & Exhibition.
The SolarNet 8000 series’ solar panels and high-capacity battery maintain connectivity for months without direct sunlight, the company said, adding that the wireless tracking device installs quickly with minimal setup.
The SolarNet 8000 series device’s solar panels and high-capacity battery can maintain connectivity for months without direct sunlight, Phillips Connect said. (Seth Clevenger/Transport Topics)
In addition to providing continuous location reporting, the SolarNet 8000 series includes a built-in cargo camera that identifies whether a trailer is loaded or unloaded, helping fleet managers confirm trailer availability, improve scheduling and reduce detention time.
The device supports the Phillips Connect tire pressure monitoring system to alert drivers and fleets to tire pressure and temperature changes before they lead to roadside issues.
It also can connect with Phillips Connect’s broader suite of smart trailer sensors for brakes, automatic tire inflation systems, wheel-end health, door and cargo status, and more.
Separately, Phillips Connect announced an expansion of its smart trailer platform to include tire and wheel-end data captured by Hendrickson’s tire pressure management system.
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This technology integration enables Phillips Connect to alert drivers to tire issues and gives fleets that data they need to extend tire life, improve trailer utilization and prevent maintenance-related downtime.
Hendrickson recently added TPMS capabilities to its Tiremaxx PRO and PRO LB automatic tire inflation systems, making it a “truly connected solution,” said Matt Wilson, vice president and general manager of Hendrickson’s vehicle technology group.
The product now offers both automatic inflation and tire pressure data through Phillips Connect, giving fleets and drivers actionable information on tire health, he said.
The upgrade requires only a hub cap exchange to retrofit existing Tiremaxx PRO systems.
“Integrating Hendrickson’s Tiremaxx TPMS into the Phillips Connect platform brings fleets one step closer to a future where every trailer sensor — tires, brakes, cargo, doors and more — is connected and delivering actionable insights through one unified platform,” Wallin added.
Phillips Connect, headquartered in Irvine, Calif., is part of the Phillips family of companies.
Hendrickson, based in Woodridge, Ill., is a supplier of suspensions, brakes, tire inflation and other technologies for truck fleets.
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