Chevrolet Joins Trailer Builders to Create Integrated Systems
By Howard J Elmer,
Most RVers are well aware that the truck manufacturers and the RV builders rarely talk. By that, I mean each industry watches what the other is doing and then builds something they “think” will work with what the other guy built. If that sounds silly, it’s because it is, and frankly, for industry watchers like myself, it’s been a question I’ve put to the representatives many times – as in – “when are you guys going to start working together?”
Well, at a recent GM truck event in Texas, I was pleasantly surprised when one of the reps I’ve nagged over the years approached me to say that this year it was going to happen. Specifically, Chevrolet is partnering with the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) to create a more integrated trailering experience.
“Safety and ease of use are key considerations for families that use RV trailers,” said Bruce Hopkins, RVIA Vice President, Standards. “We’re pleased to partner with Chevrolet and NATM on this project to create a safer, simpler and easier towing experience.”
By working directly with the industry, Chevrolet will help trailer manufacturers develop technologies that improve combined trailer and truck safety and industry safety standards. The partners will also work to increase communication between truck and trailer to provide the driver with more information and help alert customers to prevent trailer tampering or theft.
Simply put, the relationship between truck and trailer can now move past how much weight can it tow, to being an intelligent trailer that “talks” to the truck. This means better braking, sway control, tire monitoring and video coverage. This last one promises to be big.
Trailers (much like trucks being built today) can easily have cameras mounted on all sides and at the rear; however, the truck must be wired to accept those video feeds and then have the right controls and screens to display the images in the cab. There is no better place to do this wiring than at the factory, and to accomplish this in each new truck, the two industries have to agree on a common platform and tell each other what they are doing, so when the connector is plugged in, everything works. That’s what this new partnership promises to do. This is good news for every RVer. Well done, Chevrolet.
