Straight out of a Sci-Fi movie, this technology makes the trailer attached to the vehicle invisible using the brand-new camera system.

It works using 360˚ cameras attached on the trailer that projects the views of the road on a big LED screen as though the trailer is not even there. This image-forming technology covers all the blind spots for the driver. This technology guides the driver while parking their truck and trailer while stuck in traffic and/or while making sharp turns.

The cameras work in such a manner that the image displayed to the drivers seems to have an invisible trailer attached to the back of their truck. So, the point of view is not exactly from the back of the trailer, but rather it is actually from the back of the truck, making it easier for the driver to navigate. Apart from this image, the LED shows 14 other images from distinct angles to capture every spot behind and in front of the truck. The cameras also show images from a top view that helps the driver to attach their truck to the trailer with the help of the LED screen.

Trucks and trailers need safety measures which may be different from other vehicles because of its out-of-the-way build, although trucks and trailers can handle damage better than normal cars because of their heavy mass. But this heavy mass can become a safety hazard in certain situations. Due to a larger build attached to a truck on the backside, it can bring along many blind spots which can cause more frequent hitting. Now, this technology makes sure that doesn’t happen and makes driving easier.

This see-through-the-trailer technology involves the ProGrade technology, which is installed in only a few trucks and it is making a huge difference. This new technology might seem complicated and may need an explanation, but however complicated the technology may be, it makes the experience simpler and easier.

How does the camera work?

The commercial by Chevrolet can amaze anyone with this surprising technology.

This is how the camera works: the invisible trailer effect comes from combining two pictures to form one image that we see on the LED screen. The first picture that the system shows is from the back of the truck that captures the side view. The second picture is taken from the backside of the trailer. Now, these two pictures are combined by the system to form an image that makes the trailer seem invisible. Using this method, the system can detect the edges of the trailer and outlines it in a way that it is removed so the driver can see any vehicle or obstacle right behind the trailer on their touchscreen LED. The system involves every angle from the camera to make the images seamless. The angles keep shifting when it spots any obstacle to provide information to the driver. This function can also be performed manually by the driver depending on the situation which makes it more interactive and easier to use and understand.

This new system, however, cannot be attached to every truck since it has its own conditions applied. This new technology can only be applied to trailers that are 32 feet long. It requires auxiliary accessory cameras and a conventional hitch that is attached to the rear of the trailer. General Motors (GM) has been working tirelessly to make this system more efficient by making continuous changes. GM uses the 15 distinctly-angled cameras and the tailgate-mounted camera in its most efficient ways to make the best product.

The ProGrade Trailering System 

The ProGrade trailering system is a high-tech system that is somewhat new in the market and has not been adopted by many trucks. It functions in a few trucks that build up their efficiency on many levels. This system works with 15 cameras which are attached on and around the truck and the trailer, utilizing every important and useful angle to capture every possible corner so that there are no blind spots. The cameras are attached on many distinct angles which also provides images from top angles. From rare view images to the front and back of the vehicle, to tailgate views to an invisible trailer, this technology has it all to make driving even more convenient. With 15 different imaging options, the driver can manually switch to any camera to view their desirable image around the vehicle.

Why is this camera system worthwhile?

Usually, trucks that attach to trailers can be huge and have a heavy mass, and viewing through mirrors or even attaching one camera behind the truck will not capture the complete image or provide enough information. Attaching a camera behind the trailer also would not help much as the point of view changes for the driver and it would not show the side view along with the truck which again can be hazardous. The driver, no matter what, will not be able to detect any vehicle or any other obstacle behind their truck or trailer and that can get dangerous under many situations. This also causes many blind spots and many mistakes.

Now, this feature is pretty amazing when it comes to viewing every nook and cranny around the vehicle. The driver can find almost every angle using the distinct 15 positions of the camera. Parking the trailer or the truck becomes ten times easier with this technology and making tight turns is no longer a risky task. The touchscreen LED makes it even more fascinating with all the new features that the driver needs about the trailer attached to the truck and allows them to manually operate the system. This system also prompts timely alerts for nearby obstacles. With all these attractive and innovative features, adapting this technology to your truck will only be helpful. All in all, this camera system has mostly pros making it worthy enough to install in your truck.

Available trucks with these features

This new ProGrade technology is adapted by a few trucks: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, 2020 Sierra 2500, and 2020 Sierra 3500.

This ‘cloaked’ trailer feature is gaining its popularity in the market and will gradually be adopted by more trucks shortly.