An autonomous dock system for a vehicle, comprises a control system with instructions comprising steps for receiving a request to implement an autonomous dock routine. A vehicle speed and clutch position are calculated. A clutch position controller is commanded to maintain the calculated clutch position. An actual torque amount is iteratively detected as transferred across the clutch. A vehicle speed-control mechanism is commanded to maintain the calculated vehicle speed, and the actual vehicle speed is iteratively detected. When comparing the commanded vehicle speed to the detected actual vehicle speed indicates that the detected actual vehicle speed is below a speed threshold, and when the actual torque amount transferred across the clutch exceeds a torque threshold, the control system commands an increase in vehicle speed.

An underbed hitch mounting system is described. The mounting system may be utilized for towing vehicles wherein the mounting system may selectively accommodate either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. The mounting system may include at least one rail capable of being connected to a vehicle frame, wherein the rail includes at least one socket. The socket may be engaged with a receiving member, wherein the receiving member may be engaged with a leg of a fifth wheel hitch. A mid rail may be connected to the rails and may include a hitch ball socket that is capable of engagement with a hitch.

An under bed hitch mounting apparatus is shown and described. The under bed hitch mounting apparatus may comprise a first bracket attachable to a frame of a vehicle below a load bed of the vehicle and a second bracket attachable to the frame of the vehicle below a load bed of the vehicle, the second bracket transversely spaced from the first bracket. The under bed hitch mounting apparatus may also include a first receiving member attached with the first bracket, the first receiving member configured to engage an accessory member, where at least a portion of the first receiving member extends above the load bed of the vehicle, and a second receiving member attached with the second bracket, the first receiving member configured to engage the accessory member, where at least a portion of the second receiving member extends above the load bed of the vehicle.

A vehicle hitch assistance system comprises a first image sensor in connection with a portion of the vehicle and positioned forward of a forward hitch disposed in a cargo bed of the vehicle. The system further comprises a controller configured to capture first image data with the first image sensor. The first image data depicts a coupler of a trailer. The controller is further configured to identify a trailer type of the trailer based on the first image data. The trailer type is configured to connect to the forward hitch. The controller is further configured to acquire position data identifying a coupler position of the coupler in the first image data, derive a vehicle path aligning the forward hitch with the coupler, and control a maneuvering system driving the vehicle along the vehicle path.

A remotely-engaging handle for a fifth wheel hitch system is provided. The remotely-engaging handle may comprise a body and a latching assembly that may be securely attached to the body and capable of engaging with a fifth wheel hitch. The latching assembly may comprise a locking member and an actuating member. The actuation of the actuating member may position a portion of the locking member from an unlocked position to a locked position. The locking member may comprise a latching arm rotating about a pivot point and a biasing member operatively attached the body. The biasing member may bias the locking member into a transitory position. In one embodiment, the actuating member may further comprise an electrically-operated button or a software-based interface. In particular embodiment, the locking member may further actuated by a solenoid and the connecting member may further comprise a wireless device.

An underbed hitch mounting system is described. The mounting system may be utilized for towing vehicles wherein the mounting system may selectively accommodate either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. The mounting system may include at least one rail capable of being connected to a vehicle frame, wherein the rail includes at least one socket. The socket may be engaged with a receiving member, wherein the receiving member may be engaged with a leg of a fifth wheel hitch. A mid rail may be connected to the rails and may include a hitch ball socket that is capable of engagement with a hitch.

A coupling system for a fifth wheel coupling includes a first plug unit having a plurality of first plug connectors, and a second plug unit having a plurality of second plug connectors to engage and transmit power and/or fluid with the first plug connectors, and an adjuster unit having a guide section configured to be brought into engagement with a retaining element on one of the plug units to transmit a force from the adjuster unit to the plug unit, which displaces the plug unit along a plug-in axis, wherein the adjuster unit can be displaced transversely and laterally to the plug-in axis or can be rotated about the plug-in axis.

A luggage transport cart with a cabin made primarily out of a polymer. In some embodiments, the luggage cart includes an inwardly sloping floor and shelf to help contain the luggage. The floor and shelf may further include ribs and grooves to reduce drag on items disposed thereon, as well as to assist in draining away incident precipitation. The ribs and grooves may be inclined toward the centers of the floor and shelf, with reliefs formed at the junction of inclined surfaces to channel precipitation liquid out of the luggage cart. In some embodiments, the cabin includes backlit panels for enhanced display effects during ambient darkness or semi-darkness. The backlit panels may be sourced by a battery that recharges during daylight hours via a solar panel.

A luggage transport cart with a cabin made primarily out of a polymer. In some embodiments, the luggage cart includes an inwardly sloping floor and shelf to help contain the luggage. The floor and shelf may further include ribs and grooves to reduce drag on items disposed thereon, as well as to assist in draining away incident precipitation. The ribs and grooves may be inclined toward the centers of the floor and shelf, with reliefs formed at the junction of inclined surfaces to channel precipitation liquid out of the luggage cart. In some embodiments, the cabin includes backlit panels for enhanced display effects during ambient darkness or semi-darkness. The backlit panels may be sourced by a battery that recharges during daylight hours via a solar panel.

A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.