GMC’s Prograde Trailering System allows you to see through a trailer using cameras mounted on the tailgate and the back of the trailer. (Image credit: GMC)
I was inspired by this tech development. Seeing through objects for safety. For anyone who's ever pulled a trailer or drove a box truck, you know what I'm talking about.
GMC has unveiled its new Sierra Heavy Duty pickup truck for 2020, which packs a 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8 that delivers 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque, meaning it can haul well over 30,000 pounds worth of conventional, gooseneck, or fifth-wheel trailers. What’s more, it offers 15 camera views, one of which, allows you to see what’s behind the trailer using a tailgate-mounted camera and another affixed to the back of the trailer.
The camera platform is part of GMC’s Prograde Trailering System that provides tools to help make it easier to hitch and drive compatible trailers. The Prograde System offers several helpful functions to make life easier, including a trailer lighting test, which runs through lighting sequences (brakes, turn signals, etc.) on the back of the trailer, eliminating the need for another person to inspect the lights visually. It also offers customizable trailer profiles, anti-theft alarm, tire pressure and temperature monitoring, and pre-departure checklist for connecting trailers to the truck.
Access to the Prograde Trailering Functions is done through Sierra’s infotainment system. (Image credit: GMC)
Compatible trailers can also benefit from the Prograde Trailering System by allowing you to turn on air conditioning systems, water heaters, and even monitor gas for generators using an included MyGMC mobile app. Besides the transparent trailer view mentioned earlier, the system provides 14 additional camera views- including bed view, 360-degree, top-down, fishbowl, PIP, and front/rear/side standard views, among a host of others. GMC states that they will unveil pricing and full specifications at some point before the truck becomes available in late summer of this year.
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