Braking system for trailers

GM working on brake system for trailers

AUTOHEBDO NEWS
january, 2020
by Vincent Aubé

Towing a heavy load using a pickup truck isn't easy. It's true, modern trucks make it much easier for drivers, but there are a few irritants that make it harder for those who use their pickups for more difficult work, such as braking a heavy vehicle that has the warrant to arrest another heavy vehicle attached to the truck chassis.

GM is currently working on a prototype braking system inspired by the integrated eBoost system on the latest generations of full-size pickups at Chevrolet and GMC. The American automaker has found it easier to brake with a trailer braking system rather than using a conventional trailer braking system.

Brand engineers integrated the eBoost system into a 9,000 lb trailer to measure braking distances following this modification to the vehicle attached to the truck. The distance has been shortened by 20% (in the best cases) compared to the same truck / trailer tandem, but without the eBoost system installed on the trailer.

The prototype is only the first step towards the commercialization of such a system. Like the GM advance, this device would not be limited to recent GM pickup trucks or even any GM pickup truck. Indeed, the system is compatible with any vehicle capable of towing such a load.

As Tim Herrick, Vice President of Global Products likes to recall: “The industry is focusing on towing capabilities, but remember that the towing experience is just as important and that every climb comes with a descent to the other side of the mountain. "

For the moment, this is only an idea, but this improved braking could soon be offered on a variety of recreational vehicles, an industry that has not stalled in recent years.