Can it be retrofitted? That’s a question heard often in discussions about truck components. It’s an important point, according to Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, because retrofitting is increasingly essential to fleets wishing to keep their vehicles current with the most advanced driver assistance technologies available – systems that are continually and rapidly evolving. And it’s important because retrofitting will be a vital means to greater numbers of automated safety systems being installed on commercial vehicles in the near future. 

Retrofitting, Bendix stressed, must be done properly – with the help of a knowledgeable supplier – to ensure expected safety and performance. 

“Fleets wanting to upgrade their vehicles in the future will be able to – with the retrofitted systems being just as capable and fully warrantied. And there’s great value in that,” said Fred Andersky, Bendix director of customer solutions – Controls. “But we caution that retrofitting is challenging and care must be taken to do it properly. It’s critical that the configuration of the vehicle and the equipment that’s already on it will integrate with the new capabilities to be added. That could mean some vehicles may be retrofit-capable, and some vehicles may not. In all cases, specialized retrofit expertise for evaluation and installation is key.” 

Andersky pointed to an example: upgrading from the Bendix Wingman Advanced collision mitigation technology to the newer, flagship Bendix Wingman Fusion system. Wingman Fusion integrates a camera with the radar of Wingman Advanced. 

“For fleets running Wingman Advanced trucks but wanting the benefit of Fusion, it’s not a matter of just installing a camera to the vehicle. This and other retrofits are very complex and require an experienced supplier and installer to support,” Andersky said. “In the case of Bendix, we have the knowledge of the technology, the systems, and how they all integrate and work together. The retrofitted vehicle needs to operate correctly the first time and every time.” 

Many fleets also place a high value on having all their trucks equipped with the same technology – another reason that retrofitting can be important. “Ensuring drivers who move from truck to truck within the fleet have a similar expectation and experience is essential,” Andersky noted. 

Over time, as retrofits become more readily available, having the vehicle already equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – full stability – from the factory is a very good building block. Since collision mitigation systems are highly integrated with the brake system, a vehicle already equipped with full stability will make the possibility of a retrofit far more likely.