GM eBoost Trailer Brake Concept Enables Stopping Distance Breakthrough

GM is committed to not only great capability for customers who tow, but also advancing technologies that benefit customer confidence. That includes an advanced trailer braking concept that has the potential to dramatically reduce stopping distances – in fact, it allows a truck and trailer to stop in the same distance as a truck by itself at its gross vehicle weight rating. This is done using existing components, including GM’s segment-exclusive eBoost braking system.

GM has established its towing leadership with a class-leading eight available cameras with up to 15 different camera views¹ when trailering, an industry-first trailer label that shows exactly what weight that specific truck can tow, and iN-Command^® from ASA Electronics² compatibility available on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty and heavy-duty models.

“The industry tends to focus on the big towing claim, but the overall towing experience is just as important and every hill climb has a hill to descend on the other side,” said Tim Herrick, vice president of Global Product Programs. “GM revolutionized the towing space with our industry-exclusive technology available on our full-size pickups, and this advanced trailer braking technology is yet another example of GM’s leadership and a hint at what’s possible in the future.”

Utilizing the truck’s eBoost braking system, GM engineers integrated a trailer with a similar eBoost system and upgraded hardware components such as brake rotors, calipers and tires. With eBoost systems on both the truck and trailer and proper software to enable communication, the stopping distance of a truck and trailer improved by up to 20 percent from 60 mph to zero when compared to an identical truck and trailer using traditional electric trailer brakes – that’s about a 40-foot difference. This pioneering technology allowed the truck to command trailer braking like never before, using the existing seven-pin trailer wire connector and without the need for any extra connections. The advanced trailer braking also helps mitigate trailer sway by using stability control.

While Chevrolet and GMC trucks on the road today potentially have the components necessary to make this concept a reality, no trailers exist with the same capability. Today’s preview of the concept is intended to inspire technology partners needed to make the benefits a reality for truck and trailer owners in the future.

GM continues to partner with organizations like North America Trailer Manufacturers and Recreational Vehicle Industry Association on making trailering more confident for everyone, and GM is committed to setting a new industry standard that will enable technologies like this in the future as we work towards our vision of zero crashes, zero emissions, zero congestion.

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Cadillac, Chevrolet, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, Maven, its personal mobility brand can be found at http://www.gm.com.

  ^{1Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for important feature limitations and information. Some camera views require available accessory camera and installation.  Not compatible with all trailers.  See your dealer for details.}

  ^{2iNˑCommand® is provided by ASA Electronics and is designed to operate within 30 feet of the trailer.  Works with trailers equipped with iNˑCommand® Control Systems with Global ConnectTM via Bluetooth connection.  Control and monitoring functionality varies by trailer manufacturer, model, and installed options. The iNˑCommand® Control Systems feature is designed to work through the myChevrolet mobile app and will require an active service plan and acceptance of user terms.}