Trailer hitch sensor assembly and methods of using the same

An apparatus, comprising:

• a coupler configured to couple to a hitch of a tow vehicle;
• a bracket configured to couple to a body of the trailer;
• an interface coupled between the coupler and the bracket;
• and
• a sensing pin coupling the interface to the bracket, the sensing pin forming a load path between the interface and the bracket such that the sensing pin measures an axial force and a vertical force at the interface.

A method for operating a motion system of a trailer, the method comprising:

• receiving load data from at least one sensing pin disposed at an interface between the trailer and a tow vehicle;
• determining, based on the load data, a vertical load and an axial load associated with the tow vehicle towing the trailer;
• and
• operating a motion system of the trailer based on at least one of the vertical load or the axial load.