runaway parents Posted March 28 Report Share Posted March 28 GM files for Patent on new tow assist system. What do you all think about this? Found it on Google this morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chalkie Posted March 28 Report Share Posted March 28 GM files for patent is the link for the info at the GM site. I actually am very intrigued with this idea. There are 2 wheel devices that let you tow a fifth wheel as a conventional trailer but they do not offer any power assist capabilities and the ability to park a fiver by controlling a device while standing there may be the very best part of it IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darryl&Rita Posted March 28 Report Share Posted March 28 Sure, great idea. We need more undersized tow units on the road. /S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runaway parents Posted March 29 Author Report Share Posted March 29 7 hours ago, Darryl&Rita said: Sure, great idea. We need more undersized tow units on the road. /S Can't see how this is going to work.seems like a train wreck waiting to happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Av8r3400 Posted March 29 Report Share Posted March 29 25 minutes ago, runaway parents said: Can't see how this is going to work.seems like a train wreck waiting to happen. For sure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddm502001 Posted March 29 Report Share Posted March 29 Can see insurers throwing that under a bus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Schneider Posted March 29 Report Share Posted March 29 (edited) Wait until that small and lightweight tow vehicle hits a patch of gravel and the trailer mass starts pushing it from behind the rear axle. Backing up must be interesting also with two pivot points between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Edited March 29 by Lou Schneider Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddm502001 Posted March 29 Report Share Posted March 29 Like backing with a Pintle Joe Dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lance A Lott Posted March 30 Report Share Posted March 30 I have always thought someone would come out with trailer drive axles. Regenerative braking and a boost for going up hill or passing could have it place especially if you drive an ev. Not much use for those of us with an HDT. Although the regenitive braking used to charge house batteries might be nice, more to fail though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddm502001 Posted March 30 Report Share Posted March 30 (edited) Believe it or not, the HDT industry tried that with engine power on semi trailers in the 1960s, Electric power innovators are returning to those old theories these days with motor driven trailer axles. Not sure I want something capable of running away with itself pushing me from behind. Edited March 30 by ddm502001 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray,IN Posted March 31 Report Share Posted March 31 Meritor sells electric drive axles now. https://www.meritor.com/products/epowertrains/ This is for the travel trailer crowd, there is the electric assist Airstream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve from SoCal Posted March 31 Report Share Posted March 31 How many folks are going to get doubles endorsments to tow with that? Personally, it seems like an April Fools gag that leaked early Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chalkie Posted March 31 Report Share Posted March 31 16 hours ago, Steve from SoCal said: Personally, it seems like an April Fools gag that leaked early It is real. I went to the US Patent office and found it there. It is a 13 page PDF file if you want to download it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXiceman Posted March 31 Report Share Posted March 31 53 minutes ago, Chalkie said: It is real. I went to the US Patent office and found it there. It is a 13 page PDF file if you want to download it. You can patent pretty much anything. Whether it is worthwhile or of use is another story. Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lance A Lott Posted April 4 Report Share Posted April 4 On 3/30/2023 at 7:18 PM, Ray,IN said: Meritor sells electric drive axles now. https://www.meritor.com/products/epowertrains/ This is for the travel trailer crowd, there is the electric assist Airstream. I guess it's TRUE I never have an original thought. It probably cost more than my house. Old Vermont farmers used to make trailers out of old trucks leaving the drivetrain intact and hitching them to the tractor PTO for added traction, especially in the wooded hills. I have seen stuck trucks and trailers that could have gotten out with a powered trailer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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