System and method for preventing trailer sway

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium embodying programmed instructions which, when executed by a processor, are operable for performing a method comprising:

• detecting a predetermined maneuver for a tow vehicle and a trailer based on a plurality of operating parameters, wherein the predetermined maneuver corresponds to a subset of operating parameters from the plurality of operating parameters;
• determining a critical speed based on the subset of operating parameters, wherein the critical speed corresponds to a speed of the tow vehicle and trailer where a damping between the tow vehicle and the trailer cannot prevent trailer sway;
• calculating a trailer damping for the trailer relative to the tow vehicle;
• determining if the trailer damping is below a predetermined damping threshold or the critical speed is above a predetermined critical speed;
• alerting an operator of the tow vehicle of a longitudinal trailer payload imbalance if at least one of the trailer damping is below a predetermined damping threshold or the critical speed is above a predetermined critical speed;
• and
• adjusting a vehicle control for the tow vehicle based on the critical speed and providing a longitudinal payload adjustment recommendation.

A vehicle comprising:

• a body defining a passenger compartment;
• a plurality of wheels supporting the body;
• a plurality of sensors fixed relative to the body;
• and
• a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors, the controller being configured to:
• detect a predetermined maneuver for a tow vehicle and a trailer based on a plurality of operating parameters, wherein the predetermined maneuver correspond to a subset of operating parameters from the plurality of operating parameters;
• determine a critical speed based on the subset of operating parameters, wherein the critical speed corresponds to a speed of the tow vehicle and trailer where a damping between the tow vehicle and the trailer cannot prevent trailer sway;
• calculate a first estimated critical speed and a first damping between the tow vehicle and the trailer based on a first predetermined lateral maneuver of the tow vehicle including a first steering angle above a predetermined threshold in a first direction;
• calculate a second estimated critical speed and a second damping between the tow vehicle and the trailer based on a second predetermined lateral maneuver of the tow vehicle including a second steering angle above a second predetermined threshold in a second direction opposite the first direction,
• determine if a critical speed variation between the first estimated critical speed and the second estimated critical speed exceeds a predetermined threshold;
• determine if a damping variation between the first damping exceeded and the second damping exceeds a predetermined threshold;
• and
• adjust a vehicle control for the tow vehicle based on the critical speed and alert an operator of the tow vehicle to a lateral load imbalance if at least one of the critical speed variation exceeds the predetermined threshold or the damping variation drops below the predetermined threshold.