A connecting structure for an articulated vehicle includes a first vehicle and a second vehicle connected via a coupler along a travelling direction of the articulated vehicle. The structure includes: a pair of anchors disposed at an end of the first vehicle so as to be on both sides of the coupler in a direction perpendicular to the travelling direction in plan view, the end facing the second vehicle; a pair of supports disposed at an end of the second vehicle so as to be on both sides of the coupler in the direction perpendicular to the travelling direction in plan view, the end facing the first vehicle; and a connecting cord having both ends connected to the anchors with an intermediate portion of the connecting cord being supported by the supports. The supports support the connecting cord in a manner allowing for movement of the connecting cord.

A connecting structure for an articulated vehicle includes a first vehicle and a second vehicle connected via a coupler along a travelling direction of the articulated vehicle. The structure includes: a pair of anchors disposed at an end of the first vehicle so as to be on both sides of the coupler in a direction perpendicular to the travelling direction in plan view, the end facing the second vehicle; a pair of supports disposed at an end of the second vehicle so as to be on both sides of the coupler in the direction perpendicular to the travelling direction in plan view, the end facing the first vehicle; and a connecting cord having both ends connected to the anchors with an intermediate portion of the connecting cord being supported by the supports. The supports support the connecting cord in a manner allowing for movement of the connecting cord.

The present disclosure relates to a trailer tracking apparatus (2) for monitoring movement of a trailer (3) connected to a vehicle (1). The trailer tracking apparatus (2) has a controller (5) comprising an electronic processor (6) having an electrical input for receiving image data (DAT) from an imaging sensor (10) disposed on the vehicle (1). An electronic memory device (7) having instructions stored therein is electrically coupled to the electronic processor (6). The electronic processor (6) is configured to access the memory device (7) and to execute the instructions stored therein. The electronic processor (6) is operable to select a subset of said image data (DAT.sub.SUB1). One or more element (16) are detected and monitored within the selected subset (DAT.sub.SUB1) of said image data (DAT). The electronic processor (6) determines movement of the trailer (3) relative to the vehicle (1) in dependence on evolution of said one or more detected element (16) with respect to time. The present disclosure also relates to a method of tracking a trailer (3); and to a vehicle (1) incorporating the trailer tracking apparatus (2).

The present disclosure relates to a trailer tracking apparatus (2) for monitoring movement of a trailer (3) connected to a vehicle (1). The trailer tracking apparatus (2) has a controller (5) comprising an electronic processor (6) having an electrical input for receiving image data (DAT) from an imaging sensor (10) disposed on the vehicle (1). An electronic memory device (7) having instructions stored therein is electrically coupled to the electronic processor (6). The electronic processor (6) is configured to access the memory device (7) and to execute the instructions stored therein. The electronic processor (6) is operable to select a subset of said image data (DAT.sub.SUB1). One or more element (16) are detected and monitored within the selected subset (DAT.sub.SUB1) of said image data (DAT). The electronic processor (6) determines movement of the trailer (3) relative to the vehicle (1) in dependence on evolution of said one or more detected element (16) with respect to time. The present disclosure also relates to a method of tracking a trailer (3); and to a vehicle (1) incorporating the trailer tracking apparatus (2).

A weight distribution hitch has a portion that is affixed to a trailer and a vehicle portion that is affixed adjacent to a hitch ball on a towing vehicle. A cable with a spring element extends between the trailer portion and vehicle portion, with the ends of the cable being attached to the trailer portion. The cable passes through the vehicle portion at a point below the hitch ball. A tensioner is connected to the cable to add or adjust the level of tension in the cable. When the cable is tensioned, a rotational force is generated about the hitch ball between the trailer and towing vehicle that distributes tongue weight away from the hitch ball and socket connection.