General Motors is continuing to expand its Hands-Free Trailering technology, allowing drivers to tow trailers without keeping their hands on the steering wheel when using the company’s Super Cruise driver assistance system.
Introduced in 2022, the feature automatically adjusts vehicle dynamics based on the trailer being towed and is available exclusively on vehicles equipped with Super Cruise.
Designed for a Wide Range of Trailers
According to GM, Hands-Free Trailering supports trailers weighing from less than 1,000 pounds to approximately 10,000 pounds.
The technology first appeared on the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 and GMC HUMMER EV Pickup before being introduced across additional models.
Once a trailer is connected, either through its electrical connector or detected by the vehicle’s sensors, the system automatically prepares for towing without requiring manual setup.
Automatically Estimates Trailer Weight
The system determines trailer weight using the physics equation force equals mass multiplied by acceleration (F=MA).
By measuring drive force and vehicle acceleration as the vehicle begins moving, Super Cruise estimates the combined mass of the vehicle and trailer before continuously refining the calculation throughout the journey.
The estimated trailer weight is then used to adjust acceleration, braking performance and other vehicle control systems to improve towing stability.
Steering Adjusts to Changing Conditions
In addition to power delivery and braking, Hands-Free Trailering also recalibrates steering to compensate for changes in vehicle dynamics caused by towing.
The system continuously evaluates road conditions, tire grip and environmental factors to determine the appropriate steering inputs while maintaining consistent vehicle control.
Vehicles also store separate Super Cruise settings for driving with and without previously connected trailers, allowing the system to recognize familiar trailers while continuing to fine-tune performance during each trip.
“When the vehicle starts pulling away, we have an algorithm that starts running F=MA equations. If you calculate the drive force and observe the acceleration, you can determine the mass of the object you’re moving,” said Matt Kempeinen, an engineer involved in developing Hands-Free Trailering.
“The algorithm has to be capable of detecting changes in vehicle and trailer dynamics so that it can adapt to keep control consistent.”
Available Across Multiple GM Brands
Hands-Free Trailering is now offered on a growing number of General Motors vehicles equipped with Super Cruise.
The technology is available on selected Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC models, including the Chevrolet Silverado, Silverado EV, Tahoe, Suburban, Blazer EV and Equinox EV, as well as the GMC Sierra, Sierra EV, HUMMER EV Pickup, HUMMER EV SUV, Yukon and Acadia.
GM said it continues to refine the system while expanding vehicle availability and supported road coverage as part of the ongoing development of its Super Cruise platform.