Development and Validation of a Self-Propelled Trailer: A Standards-Based Approach to Enhancing Compact Vehicle Towing

This paper presents a structured test plan for the development and validation of a Self-Propelled Trailer, an emerging concept designed to enhance the towing capacity of compact, fuel-efficient vehicles. Unlike conventional trailers, the proposed system integrates a drivetrain in the trailer, which could consist of either electric propulsion or some other type of power source. It also includes sensing capabilities in the trailer hitch to determine what the effort provided by the towing vehicle is, along with a control system to use this data to appropriately modulate the power provided by the trailer. This autonomous system will actively assist the towing vehicle, reducing engine load and improving fuel economy. Safety, however, is a critical factor in a successful design for such a system, and appropriate testing needs to be planned and carried out as the system is developed. The methodology to do so employs a Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) to systematically identify the potential risks, while incorporating Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards to guide environmental durability testing (dust, water ingress, gravel impact) and dynamic performance evaluations (gradeability, braking, and stability). A comprehensive set of test procedures is outlined to validate system reliability, robustness, and compliance with established towing requirements. The study demonstrates how powered trailer technology can extend the practical use of compact vehicles for heavier load applications without compromising efficiency or emissions targets. This work contributes to the advancement of autonomous trailer systems and provides a foundation for future prototype development, testing, and eventual deployment.