How Does Chevrolet Make the Trailer Disappear? (Explained)

For most truck users, visibility issues are a major challenge when towing trailers or large objects.

We guess that was what Chevrolet had in mind when it made the insanely cool disappearing trailer driving support feature.

Let’s look at how Chevrolet makes trailers disappear in this article.

How Does Chevrolet Make the Trailer Disappear?

This ingenious disappearing trailer system relies on cameras.

The groundbreaking camera technology is commonly referred to as the “Chevy invisible trailer” feature. This allows the driver to see through a camping trailer or conventional hitched box as if it were invisible.

The trick behind this innovative technology is the use of eight cameras to produce a 15-angle view tow camera system.

These cameras are fixed around and behind the vehicle, giving the driver an unrestricted view of all the objects behind the trailer.

This image is then projected on the in-cabin touchscreen infotainment screen.

With a push of a button on the infotainment screen while the vehicle is in motion, the trailer disappears.

How Does the Transparent Trailer System Really Work?

The transparent view works by lining up images captured from the cameras on the back of the truck and the back of the trailer.

The system controls the camera angles automatically and switches them when it detects potential obstacles on the road. The driver can also switch the cameras to the desired view manually.

Either way, the system detects the edges of the trailer box and outlines it to make the trailer disappear.

When you pull up the see-through camera view on your infotainment screen, a completely transparent image of the trailer will be displayed. This allows you to see any vehicles that are directly behind it.

This is a cool feature that could help when hitching or towing trailers. It can also help prevent accident caused by trailer blockage when reversing.

Make sure to also read our article about 11 Chevrolet Silverado statistics.

What Are the Modes of the Transparent System?

The viewpoints created by the 15-angle tow cameras are split into three distinct views: hitching, driving, and parking views.

Hitch Views

This helps to make hooking up a trailer to your truck easier, quicker, and safer.

The view has four options which are; Hitch, Surround, Rear Top-Down, and Bed views, which cover all the scenarios you may encounter while hitching a trailer to your truck.

Driving Views

Once the truck is in motion, the driving view comes into play with different functions for easy and convenient driving.

The modes of this view include See-Through, Fore Camera, Rear Camera Mirror, Pic-In-Pic, Inside Trailer view, and Rear Trailer views.

These modes provide an all-around situational awareness to ensure optimal safety while towing.

Parking Views

Maneuvering a truck into tiny parking spaces might be difficult.

The parking view has modes such as Rear Camera, Front Side, Rear Side, Bowl View, and Front Top-Down View to help drivers park with little hassle.

You can control all these views from the in-cabin touchscreen infotainment screen. This makes it easy to change the perspective of what you see depending on the action you are performing, such as hitching, driving, or parking.

It also improves the driver’s all-around visibility much more than the standard blind-spot camera behind a car.

The trailer tech even works with the MyChevy app. When you’re not in the truck, you can use the software to monitor miles, repair intervals, tire pressure, engine temperature, and other functions.

Check out our article about the Chevrolet Silverado in snow and winter driving. 

How Reliable Is the Transparent Trailering System?

The transparent trailer system is quite reliable.

It provides drivers a sense of safety and confidence while driving because of the all-around view available at a glance.

Notwithstanding, there can be an issue getting a full view of a wide trailer from just a camera on the back of the truck.

The transparent trailering system projects images of the surroundings, so you may not see cars driving up behind you.

This can be risky if a reckless driver pulls up behind your trailer unnoticed.

It takes people a while to get used to new technology, and the transparent trailering system is a unique one.

However, it is undeniably a great support system that enhances the visibility of truck drivers with an attached trailer, helping to reduce stress and accidents.

Which Chevrolet Models Have the Transparent Trailer System?

Chevrolet introduced the disappearing trailer feature to its truck in 2020.

The system is available on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2020 Silverado 2500 HD and subsequent model years.

The Silverado series is popular for its legendary ability to handle heavy loads. Knowing that towing isn’t about power alone, Silverados offer several driver assistance features, include the transparent trailer system.

This feature, along with other dynamic trailering capabilities, aims to make your towing job simpler from start to finish.

All the new improved features in the latest Chevy Silverado can help you move your loads more quickly, from hitching to driving to parking.

Please also read our article about how long the Chevrolet Silverado lasts. 

Is the Transparent Trailer System Standard or Optional Equipment?

The transparent trailer view is a piece of optional equipment.

It requires the purchase of a remote accessory camera attached to the back of the trailer. If you do a lot of towing, you will get more than your money’s worth from this system.

It’s worth it to be able to see right behind the trailer and inside a box trailer as you drive down the highway.

One cool feature of the transparent system is a view that makes it seem as if you’re looking down on the truck from space. Another makes it appear as if your truck is right in front of you and you’re staring at it.

Which Trailer Types Can Work With the System?

The transparent trailer technology works perfectly with a normal hitch, box, or camping-style trailer up to 32 feet long.

An optional auxiliary extension camera is made based on the recommended length which is 32 feet.

Some users have tried it with a longer trailer and it works. However, it is advisable to stick to the recommended trailer type and length to get the best out of the system.

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