A controller for a trailer is disclosed. An example trailer controller assembly includes a force transducer that measures a force between a trailer and a towing vehicle connected to the trailer indicative of a difference in speeds between the trailer and the towing vehicle, and a controller communicatively coupled to the force transducer. The controller includes a brake controller that controls brakes of the trailer based on an input signal from the force sensor.

A method for lane centering control of a host vehicle that is towing a trailer includes: determining in real time, by a controller of the host vehicle, a radius of curvature of a turn, wherein the host vehicle is approaching the turn; determining, by the controller, a trailer required offset based on the radius of the curvature of the turn to maintain the host vehicle and the trailer in a lane while the host vehicle and the trailer move along the turn; and controlling the host vehicle using the trailer offset to maintain the host vehicle and the trailer in a lane while the host vehicle and the trailer move along the turn. The method also allows the host vehicle to avoid encroaching vehicles.

Methods and apparatus for a dual reacting, single load sensing element coupled to a hitch receiver are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a hitch configured to be coupled to a vehicle, the hitch including a crossbar, a receiver tube, and a pin housing coupled to the receiver tube. The pin housing includes a first pin including a load sensor, the first pin reacting loads in a first direction and a second direction and a second pin, the second pin reacting loads in the first direction, the first pin and the second pin acting as the only load path between the receiver tube and the crossbar.

Systems are provided for assisting in towing a trailer by a lead vehicle. A wheeled tow assist unit couples between the lead vehicle and the trailer. A drive unit onboard the tow assist unit drives the wheels in response to a force between the trailer and the tow assist unit. The tow assist unit bears at least a portion of the force required to tow the trailer.

Systems are provided for assisting in towing a trailer by a lead vehicle. A wheeled tow assist unit couples between the lead vehicle and the trailer. A drive unit onboard the tow assist unit drives the wheels in response to a force between the trailer and the tow assist unit. The tow assist unit bears at least a portion of the force required to tow the trailer.

An example apparatus is configured to couple to a trailer and a tow vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame; one or more clamps mounted to the frame and configured to couple the frame to an underplate of the trailer; and a shaft having a first end rotatably coupled to the frame and a second end configured to couple to at least one replicated element of a towed vehicle. The at least one replicated element is configured to engage the tow vehicle.

The present invention relates generally to a weight distribution system, and; more specifically, the present invention relates to a system of distributing weight of a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle and controlling sway of the towed vehicle relative to the towing vehicle. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to various different embodiments of a variable load rating spring arm (or spring bar) for a weight distribution systems.

A weight distribution hitch system comprising a vehicle attachment member comprising a forward end configured to rigidly attach to a vehicle, and a rearward end extending rearwardly toward a trailer, the rearward end comprising an upper portion comprising a trailer attachment member configured to pivotally attach to a coupler of the trailer, and a lower portion configured to receive a moment bar; a moment bar comprising a moment bar forward end attached to the lower portion of the rearward end of the vehicle attachment member so as to prevent rotation about a horizontal axis, and a moment bar rearward end; a tension member comprising a top end configured to be supported by a frame member of the trailer, and a bottom end configured to support the rearward end of the moment bar, and a spring, configured to bias the moment bar rearward end toward the frame member of the trailer; and wherein, when the tension member is in tension, it imposes an upward force on the moment bar rearward end, which, in turn, imposes a forward moment on the vehicle is disclosed.

A system for automated trailer weight distribution, including: A system for automated trailer weight distribution, having a tow vehicle with a hitch mount having a spring bar. The system may also include a trailer and a spring bar mount disposed on the trailer and having an initial position relative to the trailer, where the spring bar mount is configured to receive and engage the spring bar. Furthermore, a weight distribution measurement device disposed in association with the tow vehicle and being configured and arranged to determine a weight distribution of the tow vehicle when the spring bar is engaged with the spring bar mount and a weight distribution actuator can be configured and arranged to adjust the height of the spring bar mount while engaged with the spring bar, wherein the weight distribution actuator communicates with the weight distribution measurement device such that said weight distribution measurement device operates to activate the weight distribution actuator to adjust the position of the spring bar mount.

A system for powered trailer weight distribution having a hitch mount with a spring bar, and a trailer with a spring bar mount disposed on the trailer and having an initial position relative to the trailer, wherein the spring bar mount is configured to receive and engage the spring bar, and a weight distribution actuator configured and arranged to adjust a position of the spring bar mount relative to the spring bar while engaged with the spring bar, wherein the weight distribution actuator is connected to a power source that provides power to the weight distribution actuator, facilitating the adjustment of the position of the spring bar mount.