Development and Validation of a Self-Propelled Trailer: A Standards-Based Approach to Enhancing Compact Vehicle Towing

This paper presents a structured test plan for the development and validation of a Self-Propelled Trailer (SPT), an emerging concept designed to enhance the towing capacity of compact, fuel-efficient vehicles. Unlike conventional trailers, the proposed system integrates electric propulsion and autonomous sensing to actively assist the towing vehicle, reducing engine load and improving both safety and fuel economy. The methodology employs a Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) to systematically identify potential risks, while incorporating Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards to guide environmental durability testing (dust, water ingress, gravel impact) and dynamic performance evaluations (gradeability, braking, and stability). A comprehensive set of test procedures is outlined to validate system reliability, robustness, and compliance with established towing requirements. The study demonstrates how powered trailer technology can extend the practical use of compact vehicles for heavier load applications without compromising efficiency or emissions targets. This work contributes to the advancement of autonomous trailer systems and provides a foundation for future prototype development, testing, and eventual deployment.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.4271/2026-01-0055
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/01487191
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission of SAE International.
• Authors:
  • Reilly, Carter
  • Peters, Diane
  • Zadeh, Mehrdad
• Conference:
  • WCX SAE World Congress Experience
  • Location: Detroit Michigan, United States
  • Date: 2026-4-14 to 2026-4-16
• Publication Date: 2026-4-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: References; Tables;
• Serial:
  • SAE Technical Paper
  • Publisher: Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
  • ISSN: 0148-7191
  • EISSN: 2688-3627
  • Serial URL: http://papers.sae.org/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Autonomous vehicles; Failure analysis; Fuel conservation; Test procedures; Towing vehicles; Trailers
• Subject Areas: Design; Freight Transportation; Highways; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01991776
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: SAE International
• Report/Paper Numbers: 2026-01-0055
• Files: TRIS, SAE
• Created Date: Jun 3 2026 9:07AM