Method and system of determining load characteristics of a trailer

A system for determining a plurality of characteristics of a trailer being towed by a vehicle, the system comprising:

• a plurality of sensors configured to sense a plurality of conditions of the vehicle;
• a first fastening device configured to measure a first longitudinal force and a second longitudinal force at a first junction between the vehicle and a vehicle trailer hitch;
• and
• a control system configured to receive signals indicative of the first and second forces from the first fastening device and signals indicative of the plurality of conditions of the vehicle from the plurality of sensors,
• wherein the control system determines a first characteristic of the trailer based on the first force and the second force, the first characteristic being one of a trailer center of gravity, a wind-resistance-geometric profile of the trailer, and a resistive force experienced by the trailer's tires, and
• wherein the control system compensates the motion of the vehicle based on the first characteristic of the trailer and the plurality of vehicle conditions.

A method of determining a plurality of characteristics of a trailer being towed by a vehicle that includes an electronic stability control system, the method comprising:

• sensing a plurality of vehicle conditions using sensors connected to the electronic stability control system;
• measuring a first force at a first junction between the vehicle and the trailer with an intelligent fastener;
• measuring a second force at the first junction between the vehicle and the trailer,
• wherein the first and second forces are in a longitudinal direction with respect to the vehicle;
• determining, by the electronic stability control system, a first characteristic of the trailer based on the first force and the second force, the first characteristic being one of a trailer center of gravity, a wind-resistance-geometric profile of the trailer, and a resistive force experienced by the trailer's tires;
• and
• compensating, by the electronic stability control system, the motion of the vehicle based on the first characteristic of the trailer and the plurality of vehicle conditions.