Grote Industries showcased its new 4SEE Smart Trailer System at the Transportation Maintenance Council’s (TMC) 2024 Annual Meeting, and I was able to go for a ride along to see how the system works in action. The key features Grote highlighted were a new wired rearview camera and its telematics system, which displays information immediately and directly to the driver, all through a direct, physical connection. Grote’s technology was demonstrated inside a truck equipped with a MirrorEye camera system, made by Stoneridge Inc.
“We have been receiving excellent feedback from customers using the 4SEE Smart Trailer System to improve safety and efficiency, with positive ROI within their operations,” said Dominic Grote, chief executive officer and president of Grote Industries. “This is why we felt it was important to bring this experience to TMC so that more potential partners could see the benefits of this technology.”
By using Stoneridge’s vision systems, including its MirrorEye Camera Monitor System, Grote says the new 4SEE rearview trailer camera provides an additional view of the back of the trailer. Grote mounted the camera system below the trailer and aimed it directly backwards, which provides a view stretching more about 60′ behind the trailer, depending on external factors like terrain and weather. Grote adds that the 4SEE system also features light-out sensors, proximity-sensing radars and cargo sensors.
“With seamless integration through the standard J560 seven-way connector, drivers can now access real-time video to a display in the cab directly from the back of the trailer with virtually no latency, fostering a reliable and instantaneous view that enhances overall safety,” said Dominic Grote. The 4See Digital Harness also sends telematics data to a screen in the cab, which Grote tells me gives necessary diagnostic information to the driver so a problem can be acknowledged and addressed immediately.
“The significance of rearview cameras in mitigating backing crashes, which account for 80% of carrier’s total crashes and 30% of their total risk costs, cannot be overstated,” said Jim Zizelman, president and chief executive officer of Stoneridge. “We’re proud to bring the next generation of commercial vehicle safety solutions to the market with industry-leading partners like Grote.”
During the event, a Grote team member explained that the camera system records video even if the backup camera is not in use, in case of a crash or other incident. I was told the system can hold up to 400 hours of video before beginning to overwrite.
“Additionally, the enhanced productivity driven by these cameras translates into higher billed miles per day and increased revenue for fleets while simultaneously reducing stress for drivers and fostering improved driver retention,” commented Dominic Grote. “Aside from bolstering overall safety, the time saved through the utilization of these cameras translates into tangible benefits for fleets and drivers alike, representing a pivotal win-win for our industry.”
