Methods and apparatus for payload estimation and hitch condition detection using integrated sensors

A method, comprising:

• detecting a pitch angle change of a vehicle based on an output of an accelerometer of a hitch;
• determining a time difference between a hitch load change and the pitch angle change, the hitch load change detected by at least two force sensing pins on the hitch, the pitch angle change measured by the accelerometer;
• and
• in response to determining that the time difference satisfies a threshold time, calculating a weight associated with a payload within a bed of the vehicle based on at least a squat of the vehicle measured by at least one of the accelerometer or the at least two force sensing pins.

A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium including instructions which, when executed, cause a processor to at least:

• detect a pitch angle change of a vehicle based on an output of an accelerometer of a hitch;
• determine a time difference between a hitch load change and the pitch angle change, the hitch load change detected by at least two force sensing pins on the hitch, the pitch angle change measured by the accelerometer;
• and
• in response to determining that the time difference satisfies a threshold time, calculate a weight associated with a payload within a bed of the vehicle based on at least a squat of the vehicle measured by at least one of the accelerometer or the at least two force sensing pins.