The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) on Thursday participated in General Motors’ unveiling of its 2019 GMC Sierra truck incorporating ProGrade Trailering System technology. NATM, the trade association for manufacturers of light- and medium-duty trailers and their suppliers, welcomes GMC’s leadership on technological advancements that can improve customer confidence when trailering.
“NATM is excited about GM’s GMC ProGrade Trailering System announcement,” said Kendra Ansley, executive director of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM). “Our mission is to promote trailer safety, and technology plays an important role in advancing trailing safety. That is why NATM will continue to work with GM and other vehicle manufacturers on the implementation of technology on trailers.”
In their launch, GM said the 2019 Sierra offers a more confident towing experience thanks to GMC’s new ProGrade Trailering System, standard on Denali and SLT. The trailering system includes an all-new Trailering App featuring a Pre-Departure checklist, Maintenance Reminders, Trailer Light Test, Trailer Electrical Diagnostics and Trailer Tire Pressure and Temperature Monitoring.
Many of the Trailering App’s functions, including the lighting test and pre-departure checklist, are also available with the MyGMC app on compatible Android and iOS smartphones, a feature that offers great convenience when outside the truck or trailer.
GM also noted that the next generation Sierra offers Hitch Guidance with Hitch View and Auto Electric Park Brake to help with perfect positioning when hitching. The available side view cameras and a trailer-mounted HD camera provide additional assistance when driving down the road or in reverse. With exclusive Trailer Theft Detection, owners can receive text and mobile alerts from OnStar when the trailer has been detached from the truck without permission
“NATM member companies have worked to be at the forefront of the deployment of technology on trailers, including the adoption of electronic braking, LED lighting, and sway mitigation devices. Today’s development is important to the future of the light- and medium-duty trailer industry,” said Ansley. “So NATM will continue to engage with GM and other OEMs to further advance the cost-effective use of technologies that consumers want and safety demands.”