Like manual transmission shifting, the ability back a tow hitch under a trailer coupler seems to be a skill that younger generations have given up on – but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to haul their bikes, boats, or RVs out into the wilderness. Now, a new patent reveals GM’s plans to make hooking a trailer to your vehicle even easier, with a drone.
The watchdogs over at GM Authority have uncovered a new filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published 27MAY2025, under patent number US 12,312,107 B2.
The new GM patent describes a smart trailering system that uses a semi-autonomous electric drone to help inexperienced drivers manage their combined towing rigs with a combination of vehicle telematics and a comprehensive array of cameras, radar, and LiDAR sensors that are constantly tracking the truck, the trailer, and the road conditions ahead.
More than that, however, the drone system reportedly runs a series of safety checks that new trailerers and RVers may not know how – or even that they should be doing. These include checks to ensure that the trailer is properly attached to the hitch, checking the trailer’s load balance for handling and safety, and confirming that brake lights and turn signals are functioning properly.
Guardian angel drone
Once on the road, the drone can follow along, providing a live video feed to eliminate blind spots while changing lanes. GM says the system could also alert the driver if something is wrong, like if the trailer is swaying too much or if cargo has come loose or shifted unexpectedly.
Finally, the drone can fly directly above the vehicle and trailer rig, giving drivers the sort of overhead “360” view they might already be familiar with in their GM vehicles – but expanded to include the trailer as well. In concept, it’ll look something like this (below).
GM drone overhead view
There’s a lot more to this, with boat launching assist, hitch guidance, and other safety angles, but you get the idea. This isn’t quite the self-hitching, self-parking, Segway-like Airstream concept shown at CES 2022, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction – especially if, like me, you believe that the best way to teach someone to appreciate nature is to get them out in it.
Let us know what you think of all this drone assisted high-tech driver support tech GM is working on in the comments.
SOURCES: USPTO, via GM Authority; featured image via ChatGPT.
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