Abstract: A system and method for determining characteristics of a trailer being towed by a vehicle. The trailer is coupled to the vehicle using a trailer hitch using at least one intelligent bolt or fastener. The intelligent fastener has structural characteristics similar to those of traditional bolts for fastening a trailer to a vehicle (e.g., shear strength, diameter, etc.), but the intelligent fastener is configured to sense forces at a junction between the trailer and the vehicle. An ESC system receives force readings from the intelligent fastener sensors along with signals from a plurality of other sensors and determines one or more characteristics of the trailer. The ESC system compensates the motion of the vehicle based on the forces sensed at the junction and the characteristics of the trailer.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for determining characteristics of a trailer being towed by a vehicle that includes an electronic stability control (“ESC”) system. The trailer is coupled to the vehicle using a trailer hitch. The hitch is configured to fasten the trailer to the vehicle using at least one intelligent bolt or fastener. The intelligent fastener has structural characteristics similar to those of traditional bolts for fastening a trailer to a vehicle (e.g., shear strength, diameter, etc.), but the intelligent fastener is configured to sense forces at a junction between the trailer and the vehicle. The ESC system receives force readings from the intelligent fastener sensors and uses them in conjunction with signals from a plurality of other sensors connected to the ESC system to determine one or more characteristics of the trailer. The characteristics of the trailer include a trailer weight, a trailer sway, and a trailer center of gravity.