Innovative system with up to four cameras adds to Silverado’s leading suite of towing technologies
DALLAS – Chevrolet announced today that a new trailering camera system will be available for 2014-2016 model year Silverados.
It joins a new factory-installed, fifth-wheel prep package, compatible with either gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitches available from Chevrolet Accessories.
“These are great examples of our commitment to provide truck customers with the most confident towing experience in the industry,” said Jeff Luke, Chevrolet truck executive chief engineer. “The fifth-wheel prep package has been designed by our structural engineers, to make the most of Silverado’s fully-boxed, high-strength steel frame. The trailering camera system was designed in partnership with our Chevrolet MyLink team to seamlessly integrate views from trailering cameras into the existing radio display.”
As with all offerings from Chevrolet Accessories, these packages are warranted and integrated to work with the customer’s vehicle and are available through Chevrolet dealers.
Trailering Camera System by Echomaster
Chevrolet partnered with Echomaster to develop the blind-spot-assist towing package system, which includes three cameras: two side view cameras, and one for mounting on the rear of the customer’s trailer. It is compatible with all 2014-2016 model year Silverado HD trucks, and Silverado 1500 trucks with the available trailer-towing mirrors.
The two side cameras are seamlessly integrated into the housing for the side-view mirrors, for improved vision along the sides of the truck and trailer. When the driver activates the turn signal, the system automatically displays the correlating side view in the center screen.
The rear camera is designed to be mounted to the top, rearmost edge of the trailer, providing a view of what’s behind the trailer when reversing. This camera is hardwired to the trailer lights for electrical power, and wirelessly transmits images to the display using a closed wireless network. It also features infrared lighting, enabling enhanced images in low-light settings.
The Silverado’s rear backup camera is activated when reverse is selected. Pressing and holding the radio Home button for five seconds brings up the camera menu screen to select the trailer camera image.
The system also supports the use of an optional fourth camera. This can include an additional camera installed inside the trailer, transmitting video to monitor horses, cattle, other livestock, or content during transport. Later this summer, Chevrolet will introduce a camera integrated into the center brake light, to show the contents of the bed or to assist with connecting a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer.
Any of the four camera views can be activated at any time on the radio screen to bring up the camera menu screen.
The trailering camera system will be available for purchase through Chevrolet dealers in April, and is warranted by Echomaster (a division of AAMP Global). Prices start at $999 (not including tax, labor and installation). More information will be available at www.chevrolet.com/accessories.
Factory-installed fifth-wheel prep package
Also new is a factory-installed, fully-integrated fifth-wheel package, available on all 2016 model Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD trucks for $350. It features a frame-mounted hitch platform and tray, concealed under the truck bed. A factory-installed 7-way trailer wiring connection in the pickup box is also available.
With a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch installed, the tray takes full advantage of the fully-boxed, high-strength steel frame. With the hitch removed, the frame is completely concealed, with caps over the bed openings, preserving the flat bed floor for unencumbered cargo carrying.
The hitch platform is compatible with the Chevrolet Accessories Gooseneck Completion Kit, including a 2-5/16-inch ball hitch and two chain tie-downs, for $315.
Chevrolet also offers a CURT Manufacturing hitch that is compatible with the factory-installed hitch platform. The fifth-wheel packages from CURT Manufacturing are currently available for purchase through Chevrolet dealers at $939 for the 20,000 lbs. hitch and $999 for the 25,000 lbs. hitch (both not including tax, labor and installation.)
More information on available gooseneck and fifth-wheel hitches will be available at www.chevrolet.com/accessories.
Silverado HD towing technologies
With the new trailer towing camera system and factory-installed fifth-wheel prep package, Chevy Truck offers a comprehensive suite of technologies and features to provide the most confident towing experience in the industry. Other advanced towing technologies on Silverado HD trucks include:
• Standard StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control on all models
• Integrated cruise control, auto grade braking and diesel exhaust braking, for greater driving control and reduced brake wear on grades
• Available Digital Steering Assist, which enables easier handling and maneuverability, greater steering response, greater road-holding capability and greater stability control assistance.
About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling around 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.