Pete 357 adds tire pressure system as option

DENTON, Texas (July 5, 2001) — Matching tire pressure to terrain and load conditions for optimum traction can now be done from the convenience of the cab with the Dana Spicer Tire Pressure Control System now available as a factory-installed option for Peterbilt’s Model 357, Peterbilt Motors Co. said.

Using an in-dash console, operators can activate TPCS on the go to increase and decrease air pressure in the tires, thus adjusting traction to best meet application and surface conditions. Operators can adjust tire pressure for loaded and unloaded applications — as well as for on-highway, off-highway and emergency surface conditions — for a total of six different settings. When the vehicle returns to normal paved road speeds, TPCS automatically increases tire pressure to prevent excessive tire wear.

“TPCS is ideal for Peterbilt’s vocational customers who encounter highly variable terrain and load conditions, particularly those in mixer, logging and dump applications,” says Peterbilt assistant general manager Dan Sobic. “TPCS helps ensure top vehicle performance when going from paved highways to rock, dirt and sandy surfaces, and back again.”

Reducing tire pressure increases the surface contact between tires and terrain, providing more traction. Lower tire pressure also lessens the chances of tire damage from a sharp object, and minimizes potential damage to the terrain that the vehicle transverses. Additionally, as tire pressure decreases, so does shock load and vibrations, improving operator comfort.