Revolutionizing Towing Safety with the eBoost Trailer Brake Concept
Towing a heavy load on a downgrade can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, the General Motors eBoost Trailer Brake Concept offers significant advancements for safer and more stable towing. This innovative braking system is integrated into the trailer, maintaining close communication with the truck’s braking system. The result? An impressive 20-percent reduction in stopping distances from 60 mph, translating to about 40 feet. GM asserts that these figures are comparable to those of a truck without a trailer.
Innovative Braking System
The centerpiece of this kit is a trailer-optimized version of GM’s eBoost brakes, which can also be found in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, as well as the Corvette. This advanced system incorporates a master cylinder, vacuum booster, pump, and electronic brake control module into one cohesive unit. When the system receives a signal from the seven-pin trailer connector, it allocates braking pressure to the trailer’s upgraded brake components, including rotors, calipers, and tires.
Enhanced Communication for Safety
Moreover, the eBoost Trailer Brake Concept facilitates sophisticated communication between the truck and trailer. For instance, in the event of trailer sway, the trailer can deploy stability control to correct the issue. This is accomplished by selectively applying the brakes to stabilize the trailer. Critics might argue that a manual trailer brake controller could achieve similar results. However, the automatic and rapid response of this system should contribute to a safer and less stressful towing experience.
Future of Towing Technology
Currently, the eBoost Trailer Brake system is a concept, and GM does not intend to enter the towables business immediately. Nevertheless, the automaker hopes that showcasing this concept will inspire manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers to turn these benefits into reality for truck and trailer owners in the future.
