An In-Depth Look at Super Cruise: Is It the Future of Towing?
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The idea of letting go of the steering wheel while piloting a nearly 6,000-pound pickup truck down Los Angeles’ busy Interstate 105 seems insane to many. Add to that towing a possibly 12,000-pound trailer, and it sounds even more preposterous. Hopelessly reckless, perhaps? Yet, there I was, with my hands off the wheel and right foot planted firmly on the carpet of a Chevy Silverado, towing a 20-foot box trailer.
So, was the trailer loaded with concrete? Likely not, but the day’s focus wasn’t on questioning the Silverado’s towing prowess—it was to explore the trailer’s self-towing capabilities, using advanced technology to ensure humans could intervene if necessary. Interestingly, I never had to take over, resulting in me missing my exit—a clear indication of technology surpassing human intervention.
Understanding Super Cruise
Super Cruise, GM’s cutting-edge advanced driver-assistance system, is engineered to handle acceleration, braking, maintaining safe distances from other vehicles, staying centered in lanes, and even changing lanes—all without touching the wheel or pedals. The driver needs only to set the speed and distance and keep their eyes on the road. When activated, a special lighted green steering wheel signals its engagement. The system operates exclusively on managed access roads that GM has meticulously mapped, covering both open snowy roads and congested city highways.
Expanding Capabilities with Towing
Remarkably, Super Cruise can function on "any vehicle capable of towing a trailer," which covers a significant range, especially with many body-on-frame trucks and SUVs. However, certain limitations exist: automatic lane changes are disabled while towing, and Super Cruise won’t engage if the system detects that the truck exceeds its maximum towing capacity.
How does the system determine this? It’s straightforward. The system confirms the trailer’s presence through parking sensors or manual input. Then, an internal estimate of the weight is calculated using the engine and brake loads compared to the truck’s gross weight.
Real-World Application: Confidence and Caution
The prospect of allowing a machine to manage a massive 18,000-pound vehicle on busy highways initially felt counterintuitive. Frequently, my left hand would instinctively gravitate towards the wheel, a natural reaction of caution. Nonetheless, with Super Cruise engaged, I felt a heightened sense of security. I maintained my regular focus, but the added layer of safety was reassuring, especially on long stretches of highway.
Super Cruise proved particularly beneficial in scenarios where distractions are common—fumbling with the infotainment system, checking your phone, or eating a sandwich. In these moments, having an AI "co-pilot" provided an extra degree of oversight, significantly mitigating the risk of human error.
The Verdict
Would I recommend using Super Cruise on the congested Interstate 105? Probably not. But, would anyone willingly drive on the 105 if they had other options? This test wasn’t just about practicality—it was to demonstrate that Super Cruise can manage towing even in the most demanding circumstances. And it can. The system performed flawlessly, debunking initial doubts and proving that it is far from a bad idea.
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Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
