Chevrolet partners with trailer and RV trade groups

Chevrolet is partnering with the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) to create a more integrated trailering experience for trailer owners.Chevrolet is partnering with the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) to create a more integrated trailering experience for trailer owners.

Chevrolet announced that it’s partnering with the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) to create a more integrated trailering experience for trailer owners.

Each year, approximately 1.2 million horse, boat, RV and work trailers are sold in the U.S. These trailers are primarily pulled by full-size trucks and SUVs, and Chevrolet believes there is an opportunity to help trailer manufacturers and industry leaders better understand the future direction of truck and trailering technology.

“Our owners are often towing something, from an RV to construction equipment, that is more valuable than their truck,” said Tim Herrick, GM future truck executive chief engineer. “Unequivocally, they tell us that they are looking for a better towing experience. Safer, easier, with more integration between their trailer and their truck.”

By working directly with the industry, Chevrolet reports that it will help trailer manufacturers develop technologies that improve combined trailer and truck safety and industry safety standards. The partners will also work to increase communication between truck and trailer to provide the driver with more information and help alert customers to prevent trailer tampering or theft.

“This partnership with Chevrolet is part of the trailer industry’s continued commitment to improving safety,” said Pam Trusdale, executive director, NATM. “We are confident that we can collectively improve not only the towing experience for consumers but also public safety, which is why NATM is excited about working with Chevrolet.”

RVIA Vice-president Bruck Hopkins said safety and ease of use are key factors for families that tow RV trailers.

“We’re pleased to partner with Chevrolet and NATM on this project to create a safer, simpler and easier towing experience,” Hopkins said.

With offices in Reston, VA and Elkhart, Ind., RVIA is the leading trade voice representing the $50 billion RV industry. RVIA represents approximately 400 manufacturers and component suppliers producing 98 percent of all RVs made in the U.S.

NATM is a trade association of light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturers and suppliers to the industry. Founded in 1987, NATM is dedicated to improving trailer safety and performance.