GM Adds More Cameras for Towing Safety
As part of the ever-escalating Tow Wars that have all the big heavy-duty truckmakers looking for better and safer technologies to make towing a more comfortable chore, more cameras seems like the next logical step.
Backup cameras offer a driver the chance to see what's going on behind them in areas they can't without one. That's why the federal government has mandated they be standard on all vehicles by model-year 2019.
As things begin to change rapidly, it's worth noting that Ram was the first to include a single optional camera at the back of the cab, giving gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing aficionados a better view of their bed hitch.
Then we saw the 2017 Ford Super Duty at the 2015 State Fair of Texas where Ford showed a seven-camera trailering system that allows for added visibility on each side of the truck, in the bed behind the tailgate, along with the capability to add two more cameras to the back of the trailer to keep an eye on cargo. Now GM's Chevrolet (and GMC), in conjunction with longtime camera supplier EchoMaster, is bringing its version to market called IntelliHaul. In fact, it's a retrofit that will be offered for late-model half-ton and heavy-duty Silverado and Sierra pickups, meaning it can be purchased and installed on properly equipped 2014-2016 models.
We had the chance to try one out for a short period on a Silverado 2500 Z71 Midnight Edition 4x4 with the Duramax engine, which had a total vehicle price of $62,810. Although IntelliHaul was installed, the system's cost was not included in this particular truck's total price. Depending on the package, expect IntelliHaul to cost just less than $1,000, with an extra $349 for a wireless camera. EchoMaster has a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty on the system and parts.
The new trailering camera system uses two small cameras on the bottom part of both side-view mirrors, a tailgate camera and a control screen incorporated into the pickup truck's dash-mounted information screen. Additionally, as noted, a wireless camera (or two) is available for the back end of any the trailer or inside for your cargo-viewing pleasure. A center-mounted brake light camera also will be available later this year for those looking to keep an eye on their gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch while driving.
With both the tailgate and active wireless unit, the backup camera, as seen on the center console navigation screen, is activated when the truck is put in Reverse, while the side cameras activate when either right- or left-turn signals are used. The viewing screen offers a large, clear, wide-angle image from each camera.
The screen settings for the IntelliHaul system are hidden, so you need to press and hold the Home button for five seconds to bring up the camera menu screen. Once the screen is up, the driver can select which type of screen setup he or she wants. There are several choices that will allow the driver to see single or multiple views continually or only in specific circumstances.
We found the setup easy to operate and recorded a quick two-minute video that shows off some of the screens and electronic gear on our PickupTrucks.com Facebook page. Although we haven't towed with it yet, we like that GM is responding to the 2017 Ford Super Duty seven-camera setup (which requires a new 12-pin trailer plug), available when the new Ford debuts later this year. This is the type of surround-view system that should allow for better and safer towing both for novice and expert alike. We should note that GM still does not offer anything like Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist.
For now, the Chevy/GMC system is an added install done at the dealership, but we expect the setup to be offered for much less than that, as part of a larger towing package, in the 2017 model lineup. To date, the system is offered on the full lineup of 2014-2016 Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups, but we may see something like this move to the full-size Suburban and Escalade lineup as well.
Cars.com photos by Mark Williams
Comments
That reminds me of Back to the Future Part 2 where Marty's son selects like six channels on TV at the same time and it's a total mess. I can see one camera being useful for backing up for parking and lining up to a trailer, but all the other ones? Cameras on the mirrors when mirrors show you what's there? A camera to watch your bed? You should tie your load down properly and not need to check on it, unless you hear or feel something in which case you should neither turn around nor mess around with a screen, you should pull over.
Just add this to the list of extras that turned a $30,000 truck in to a $60,000 truck.
Always late to the party.
Love my cameras on my 15 Prospector. hook up my trailer with mine. Has cargo cam too. Backing my beast is easy. Camera lets me get real close to objects no guessing.
Always late to the party. LOL
I want OE installation at the factory. Not aftermarket dealer stickons.
It will also need new tow mirrors. These rinky dink mirrors don't powerfold and power telescope.
GM is a slacker. In about 5 years they may update the mirrors.
Not sure about multiple cameras on the mirrors -- seems disorienting. However, a factory system that put a camera inside the trailer would be a big step forward for hauling horses.
is an added install done at the dealership
What a load of crap!
Hey Done, too late to the party? Why, cause Ram already offers it and Ford put it on a prototype a year and a half ago on a truck that is probably still a half year out?
the echo's are great as you can put one on the back of your fifth wheeler too...
That wasn't the only thing we are talking about. Ford has more cameras and includes something called Trailer Reverse Guidance and they have the powerscope tow mirrors. This aftermarket JC whitney crap from GM is a load of crap. If you're going to do it, do it right.
I agree with Frank. I am a fan of GM but GM is becoming known for their JC Whitney acessories.
"For now, the Chevy/GMC system is an added install done at the dealership, but we expect the setup to be offered for much less than that, as part of a larger towing package, in the 2017 model lineup."
I don't know if I would count on that. Frank is right and don't count on GM making the camera from the factory on 2017. Expect it to still be a dealer stick on camera.
I wonder how many people will realize just how much of a distraction this system is going to become. While I do agree that a camera system is a good idea, presenting all their displays below the dash edge and to the center of the vehicle takes the driver's eyes away from the road. Worse, when taking your eyes off the road, you tend to either steer to follow the direction you're looking or overcompensate and steer away; either case potentially triggering a lane-deviation warning or actual incursion into adjacent and sometimes opposite-travel lanes. Seriously, this needs to be a heads-up type of system OR display in traditional locations such as the rear-view and side-view mirrors.
Always late to the party.
Posted by: Done | Jun 4, 2016 11:19:16 AM
Isn't this story about a GM with available dealer installed camera system. GM just beat Ford to the punch. You can drive down to your local GM dealer and have your late model GM HD equipped with these cameras. Where's your HD Ford with the camera system right at this moment. LOL!
GMSRGREAT never mind Done kid, he's just mad he has to wait till the end of the year till he can get a Ford truck with all the camrea's Ram and GM offer today LMAO!!!!!!!!!!
Isn't this story about a GM with available dealer installed camera system. GM just beat Ford to the punch. You can drive down to your local GM dealer and have your late model GM HD equipped with these cameras. Where's your HD Ford with the camera system right at this moment. LOL!
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Jun 4, 2016 6:30:28 PM
Actually it looks more like an ad for Echomaster camera systems. They offer cameras for many makes and models of vehicles. With a system that is around $1400.00 for the parts you have to wonder how much the dealer will charge for the installation. You can also find similar systems for Ford MyTouch systems.
http://echomaster.com/index.php/products/factory-connect-cameras
Last of its kind, 1958 walnut creek FIRE! Power Wagon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_1VraHY96A
PUTC has the most childish readers/comments!
keep following the leader gm
ford is a joke they have to back up trailer assistance for idiots that don't know how to back a trailer ford looks like a fcking ugly box with wheels
I'm not crying about nothing, never have. It is sad though you few Ford clowns got to call people names, and give the rest of the Ford people a bad name/image. You got no class or respect. How is Ram or GM following Ford, when they offer more cameras today? Like I said get over yourself and stop crying. At the end of the year then maybe you can brag about an extra camera on a Ford like the 10 year old you sound like.
So the Ford fans love the Ford system which isn't even available to the consumer in the SD's, and only available in the F150, along with the backup assist...
So are you saying the F150 is a better towing vehicle than the SD since it has more cameras? The technology may make maneuvering a rig around a little easier for people that don't have the proficiency but it definately isn't required. As a consumer I have no issue with the technology that the manufactures bring to the market, since it only provides the option to buy it... This childish discussion regarding who has more, better, or first is completely ridiculous.
GM is copying Ford again. GM didn't come out with more cameras until Ford revealed it on the Super Duty.
It doesn't have all the cameras. It is also an eyesore. Next time buy a truck when you get over being an attention seeker and don't blow $80k on a depreciating asset.
Two UAW local officials at Ford Chicago plant shot outside union hall.
http://www.autonews.com/article/20160604/OEM01/160609927/two-uaw-local-officials-at-ford-chicago-plant-shot-outside-union-hall
HEMI V8
Ford Chicago is where they make the Ford Exploder one of the junkiest vehicles Ford has ever made that nobody wants to buy
HEMI V8
Ford Chicago is where they make the Ford Exploder one of the junkiest vehicles Ford has ever made that nobody wants to buy
Posted by: Lou_DC | Jun 5, 2016 6:04:50 AM
I suppose that is a good thing that the Explorer is the junkiest vehicle Ford builds. It beats out every fiat in its class in reliability and rankings per CR.
You can today go out and get a Ram or GM truck (2014- current) with more camera's then Ford has to offer, so get over yourself and stop crying bout it.
Posted by: johnny doe | Jun 4, 2016 10:16:50 PM
What GM trucks have more than one factory installed camera right available right now johnny welfare doe. This aftermarket add on system does not count as you can get aftermarket add on systems for most brands now. So what does gm offer right now for 2014 from the factory?
What GM trucks have more than one factory installed camera right available right now johnny welfare doe. This aftermarket add on system does not count as you can get aftermarket add on systems for most brands now. So what does gm offer right now for 2014 from the factory?
Posted by: LMAO | Jun 5, 2016 6:49:52 AM
All these camera systems are aftermarket supply developed in cooperation with the auto manufacturer specific for the individual models, factory or dealer installed. The GM system looks perfectly integrated with the existing display on the dash. GM just punched Ford in the head and beat them with available cameras on HD's.
Sorry, LAMO, but yes it does count...............Done!
All these camera systems are aftermarket supply developed in cooperation with the auto manufacturer specific for the individual models, factory or dealer installed. The GM system looks perfectly integrated with the existing display on the dash. GM just punched Ford in the head and beat them with available cameras on HD's.
Sorry, LAMO, but yes it does count...............Done!
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Jun 5, 2016 7:29:25 AM
But you can get similar systems for Ford also. So not really a first punch. Just aftermarket accessories. My link just shows this is nothing more than an aftermarket system. Nothing more and nothing less. The Myford touch systems the manufactures offer the access codes to add the cameras so you do not need to take your vehicle to the dealer to "unlock" the system either.
GM just punched Ford in the head and beat them with available cameras on HD's.
Sorry, LAMO, but yes it does count...............Done!
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Jun 5, 2016 7:29:25 AM
GM did nothing. This company said to GM "Hey we have this for you". But you are right, all these systems are all aftermarket. In fact there are 2 companies that I am aware of that provides this sort of engineering. I know someone that works at one of them. They provide Cadillac with their systems.
All these camera systems are aftermarket supply developed in cooperation with the auto manufacturer specific for the individual models, factory or dealer installed.
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Jun 5, 2016 7:29:25 AM
And expect this company to release more info on the same systems for Ford and fiat. Sorry but I do not see how GM was the first to release this tech.
The Myford touch systems the manufactures offer the access codes to add the cameras so you do not need to take your vehicle to the dealer to "unlock" the system either.
Posted by: LMAO | Jun 5, 2016 7:33:13 AM
So who installs the camera's ?
So who installs the camera's ?
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Jun 5, 2016 7:49:28 AM
You can do it, you could take it to your dealer, you could have a car stereo place do it. Heck we could take to pepboys and have you do it for us.
You can do it, you could take it to your dealer, you could have a car stereo place do it. Heck we could take to pepboys and have you do it for us.
Posted by: LMAO | Jun 5, 2016 7:55:39 AM
That sounds too aftermarket. Gm dealer installed works best.
GM just beat Ford, again, in the HD segment. Bazinga!
That sounds too aftermarket. Gm dealer installed works best.
GM just beat Ford, again, in the HD segment. Bazinga!
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Jun 5, 2016 8:24:21 AM
PSSSSSSST, This is aftermarket http://echomaster.com/index.php/about-us/about-echomaster
They told GM "Look what we have" and now GM is running with it. Sorry but this is an aftermarket company that builds products for a lot of different makes and models.
Gm does a lot of business with JC Whitney that's for sure!!
Sorry but this is an aftermarket company that builds products for a lot of different makes and models.
Posted by: LMAO | Jun 5, 2016 8:32:06 AM
Agreed ,including building for Ford. As GM currently offers its customers, Ford too will be following by offering a camera assist system with their redesigned HD's, latter. LOL
Agreed ,including building for Ford. As GM currently offers its customers, Ford too will be following by offering a camera assist system with their redesigned HD's, latter. LOL
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Jun 5, 2016 11:24:16 AM
Actually no, GM does not offer this system. EchoMaster offers this system. So Ford will not offer this system as an add on. Echomaster will offer it as an add on just like they offer it for GM trucks. GM does not even offer any warranty on this system either. So it is obvious that this is an add on system. Sorry, not a GM system. Just an add on aftermarket system like the many others out there. It is a shame you are so brain washed to think GM came up with this. You really can see GMs colon where your head is.
I thought it was pretty well stated in this thread that these cameras are an add on and not from the gm factory. I think gm does not have the knowledge to do this on there on so its aftermarket. Some people on here need to learn to read and accept that gm will not do this at the factory, they'll let someone else do it. Kinda like adding a new exhaust system. All these gm fanboys and girls are a joke. Both of you!!
I suppose that is a good thing that the Explorer is the junkiest vehicle Ford builds. It beats out every fiat in its class in reliability and rankings per CR.
Posted by: LMAO | Jun 5, 2016 6:38:39 AM
I'll take your word for it. Also #1 in Recalls and lawsuits. Fords finest. Tied with the pinto maybe.
G.M's still got some profits to sink on all those people they killed and were perfectly aware of. So no wonder their late to the Best in class Ram party.
Isn't this story about a GM with available dealer installed camera system. GM just beat Ford to the punch. You can drive down to your local GM dealer and have your late model GM HD equipped with these cameras. Where's your HD Ford with the camera system right at this moment. LOL!
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Jun 4, 2016 6:30:28 PM
You have had aftermarket support ond fords with nav for ever. You can even have these installed at dealers. Many will do it and you can choose where to put all these cameras. Just requires a lockpic of the head unit and then install and run cameras.... I think the lockpic you push the same button for the gm aftermarket system they just come out with that have been available for ford for ever. aftermarket is late to gm as this has been out for ford since you could order factory nav from last decade!!!!! Gm didnt beat anybody to anything.
https://www.coastaletech.com/synclockpick.htm
GM does not even offer any warranty on this system either.
Posted by: LMAO | Jun 5, 2016 11:32:53
Please supply links to substantiate your claims .
Please supply links to substantiate your claims .
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Jun 6, 2016 12:10:31 AM
Read the article. It said it right in it. Further proof you dont read the articles but look at the pictures and then comment how great GM is. First you did not realize this was an aftermarket system and now you don't know who warranties the product. You really are a terrible GM fan girls. One of the very worst I have seen in a long time for sure.
Talk about caught with their pants down.
GovMotors didn't see the Camera wars starting and a pepboys stick on response is what you get for $62K+...
Way behind Fiat and Ford on this one.
Please supply links to substantiate your claims .
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Jun 6, 2016 12:10:31 AM
Read the article. It said it right in it. Further proof you dont read the articles but look at the pictures and then comment how great GM is. First you did not realize this was an aftermarket system and now you don't know who warranties the product. You really are a terrible GM fan girls. One of the very worst I have seen in a long time for sure.
Posted by: LMAO | Jun 6, 2016 5:43:23 AM
HaHa. Your totally unreliable with your comments. Always have to have the last say, even if you have to make something up. LMAO!
Always have to have the last say........
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Jun 6, 2016 7:30:42 AM
Ummmmmmm yea, again you have no clue so you just ramble on. You really are a clueless turd. Learn to read old man.
Posted by: LMAO | Jun 6, 2016 7:39:59 AM
HaHa. You couldn't wait 10 minutes.. your a child, accept it.
I put 4 cameras on my 2008 Nissan Frontier a few years ago, which according to GMSRGREAT, clearly means Nissan is the leader in the camera advancement. Fight over.....you all lose.
Posted by: NISSANSRGREAT | Jun 8, 2016 8:50:11 AM
Were the cameras designed in conjunction your vehicle manufacturer, specific for your model vehicle and integrated seemlessly into the existing vehicle controls and displays, as is the system above. If were able to answered yes, then you are correct.
Oh by the way, NISSANSRGREAT is an awesome name. How did you come with that idea?
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