Abstract: A vehicle trailer for attaching to a vehicle and analyzing operating characteristics of the vehicle is provided. The trailer includes a frame having a tongue configured to attach to a vehicle. The trailer has its own designated powertrain configured to propel and brake the trailer independent from the vehicle. A connecting member is configured to attach to an exhaust pipe of the vehicle and includes an emissions sensor configured to detect emissions from the exhaust pipe. At least one controller is coupled to the emissions sensor and is configured to analyze the emissions. The trailer can also be attached to the vehicle via an attachment member and configured to propel the vehicle across a range of increasing speeds while a powertrain of the vehicle is in neutral, and measure forces required to propel the vehicle across the range of speeds utilizing a force gauge on the attachment member.

Abstract: A vehicle has one or more accelerometers for detecting acceleration of a chassis component. One or more separate sensors are also provided in the vehicle. A controller is programmed to receive a signal indicating acceleration from the one or more accelerometers, wherein the acceleration is between a lower threshold that indicates normal vehicle operation and an upper threshold which would otherwise set off restraint devices, such as airbags for example. When the acceleration is between the thresholds, a potential-chassis-damage signal can be locally created or sent. The controller then validates the potential-chassis-damage signal based on the signals received from the separate sensors. Upon validation, the controller outputs a message to a display, such as a display screen inside the vehicle or an OBD diagnostic tool, warning a user of potential-chassis damage.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer for attaching to a vehicle and analyzing operating characteristics of the vehicle is provided. The trailer includes a frame having a tongue configured to attach to a vehicle. The trailer has its own designated powertrain configured to propel and brake the trailer independent from the vehicle. A connecting member is configured to attach to an exhaust pipe of the vehicle and includes an emissions sensor configured to detect emissions from the exhaust pipe. At least one controller is coupled to the emissions sensor and is configured to analyze the emissions. The trailer can also be attached to the vehicle via an attachment member and configured to propel the vehicle across a range of increasing speeds while a powertrain of the vehicle is in neutral, and measure forces required to propel the vehicle across the range of speeds utilizing a force gauge on the attachment member.

Abstract: A vehicle has one or more accelerometers for detecting acceleration of a chassis component. One or more separate sensors are also provided in the vehicle. A controller is programmed to receive a signal indicating acceleration from the one or more accelerometers, wherein the acceleration is between a lower threshold that indicates normal vehicle operation and an upper threshold which would otherwise set off restraint devices, such as airbags for example. When the acceleration is between the thresholds, a potential-chassis-damage signal can be locally created or sent. The controller then validates the potential-chassis-damage signal based on the signals received from the separate sensors. Upon validation, the controller outputs a message to a display, such as a display screen inside the vehicle or an OBD diagnostic tool, warning a user of potential-chassis damage.

Abstract: A system for monitoring components within a vehicle to determine if chassis damage may have occurred. The system has a controller which receives data from at least one sensor connected to a component on the vehicle and compares the data to a threshold value or potential-damage range of values. If the data is above the threshold value, or within the potential-damage range, the controller sends a potential-chassis-damage notification signal. The signal may be sent to an instrument panel giving a service chassis indication, stored in an on-board storage device to be accessed later, or sent outside of the vehicle to a remote receiver.