Call for Trailer Wiring Standard

[JKLines]

I'm going to keep this brief. It simply amazes me that the three primary truck manufacturers thought they could introduce in-dash trailer surround video, TPMS, and hard wired rear view systems without working with trailer manufacturers. One assumption I will also make is that most people that are interested in surround video on a trailer probably own an RV. Long story made short, I purchased 2022 RAM 3500 with all the towing packages available with dealer saying "we provide the cameras and wiring harness, all you need to do is take them to your RV dealer and they can install them". As many have experienced, that is simply not true ... particularly for surround video systems that require wiring in the walls of RVs. For this to truly work, there needs to be a standard just like there is for the lights and trailer brakes. It should simply not be that difficult for the three main truck manufacturers to meet with the three main RV manufacturers to come up with a standard that would drive the rest of the industry to conform. It's simply not that difficult folks ... seven or eight video channels and a dedicated TPMS channel plus maybe one or two extra TBD channels for custom features (i.e. third party, etc).

Or one other thought to really modernize is to have a single fiber optic connector and a standard for video or information channels. This would probably require a standard for how TPMS information over the channel. This free up truck and RV manufacturers to decide how they implement or provide the information over the channels. Fiber optic would allow for technology to evolve by simply adding channels.

Being able to use your rear view mirror as a rear view mirror even when you have a trailer attached and being able to see you TPMS info integrated in the dash for both your truck and trailer, and being able to integrate trailer surround video and auxiliary camera with the truck capabilities are all great ideas, but no single truck manufacturer has the clout to drive how this is implemented by RV manufacturers. To truly make these great ideas a reality, there needs to be an industry standard. Wireless simply isn't going to be as reliable as a wired connection in a mobile truck/trailer environment.

 

[rzr6-4]

Between RVs, campers and assorted travel trailers, utility trailers, and all of the misc trailer manufactures, there is no "big 3". There are countless mfgs as well as independent modifiers and outfitters, many of them would be considered small businesses and are the wild west when it comes to regulation. Low cost volume is the business model for 90% of them.

Yes, there are brake and light standards, but those are basic safety features. Running fiber optic incase someone wants to add cameras later is not a safety issue.

Also, you are asking for a lot more technology, cost and complexity than you realize that most people aren't interested it. Most trucks on the road would be incompatible, and even then a lot of people with newer trucks that would tie in, they aren't interested in the gadgets and gizmos.

 

[turkeybird56]

Between RVs, campers and assorted travel trailers, utility trailers, and all of the misc trailer manufactures, there is no "big 3". There are countless mfgs as well as independent modifiers and outfitters, many of them would be considered small businesses and are the wild west when it comes to regulation. Low cost volume is the business model for 90% of them.

Yes, there are brake and light standards, but those are basic safety features. Running fiber optic incase someone wants to add cameras later is not a safety issue.

Also, you are asking for a lot more technology, cost and complexity than you realize that most people aren't interested it. Most trucks on the road would be incompatible, and even then a lot of people with newer trucks that would tie in, they aren't interested in the gadgets and gizmos.

I just have a stock 14' trailer. Nothing like a RV.

OP: good luck on getting anything to a conformed standard.

If I wanted a camera for back of trailer, would just get a added on camera with blue tooth reception in truck. But that is me. I know on the 2500 and 3500's there is the extra optional rear camera trailer system can be gotten, but a nice expense, but would still need externals added. I just do not see the RV manufacturers doing all that extra wiring. Just IMHO.

 

[turkeybird56]

I'm going to keep this brief. It simply amazes me that the three primary truck manufacturers thought they could introduce in-dash trailer surround video, TPMS, and hard wired rear view systems without working with trailer manufacturers. One assumption I will also make is that most people that are interested in surround video on a trailer probably own an RV. Long story made short, I purchased 2022 RAM 3500 with all the towing packages available with dealer saying "we provide the cameras and wiring harness, all you need to do is take them to your RV dealer and they can install them". As many have experienced, that is simply not true ... particularly for surround video systems that require wiring in the walls of RVs. For this to truly work, there needs to be a standard just like there is for the lights and trailer brakes. It should simply not be that difficult for the three main truck manufacturers to meet with the three main RV manufacturers to come up with a standard that would drive the rest of the industry to conform. It's simply not that difficult folks ... seven or eight video channels and a dedicated TPMS channel plus maybe one or two extra TBD channels for custom features (i.e. third party, etc).

Or one other thought to really modernize is to have a single fiber optic connector and a standard for video or information channels. This would probably require a standard for how TPMS information over the channel. This free up truck and RV manufacturers to decide how they implement or provide the information over the channels. Fiber optic would allow for technology to evolve by simply adding channels.

Being able to use your rear view mirror as a rear view mirror even when you have a trailer attached and being able to see you TPMS info integrated in the dash for both your truck and trailer, and being able to integrate trailer surround video and auxiliary camera with the truck capabilities are all great ideas, but no single truck manufacturer has the clout to drive how this is implemented by RV manufacturers. To truly make these great ideas a reality, there needs to be an industry standard. Wireless simply isn't going to be as reliable as a wired connection in a mobile truck/trailer environment.

DO NOT see this ever happening, but wish you luck on yer thoughts.

 

[JWH-1]

Along with that same line of thought, I want to take out the lead acid batteries in my travel trailer and replace them with lithium batteries. I have yet to get a clear answer on if I need to do anything with the 12 volt line from the truck. Will it damage the truck if I switch the trailer to lithium? I have read that the current draw on the lithium batteries is higher than lead acid.