Volvo developing new truck-trailer connector – aims to set North American standard
Volvo Trucks North America is developing an enhanced connector that supports wireless data transfer between tractors and trailers to share significantly more data than today’s systems.
Volvo Trucks North America has joined forces with technology provider TECTRAN Manufacturing to accelerate the integration of high-speed wireless communication between the truck tractor and the trailer. The company presented the new solution at the American Trucking Associations' Truck Maintenance Council annual meeting in Nashville and announced plans to pursue it as the new industry standard in the United States and Canada.
“A modern truck is a highly sophisticated, connected machine. The trailer has to evolve at the same pace,” said Magnus Gustafson, vice president of connected services, Volvo Trucks North America. “This collaboration allows us to rethink how tractors and trailers communicate and hopefully establish a new connector standard for North America.”
As heavy-duty trucks and trailers become increasingly software and data driven, the connection between the tractor and trailer is under growing pressure to do more. Fleets are looking for connections that are not only reliable and durable but also secure trailer data to enhance the truck and trailer combined vehicle operation and for drivers and fleet managers to make informed decisions.
Current industry standard designed decades ago
The current industry standard in the US, known as the J560 seven-pin connector, was designed decades ago mainly for brake lights and turn signals. Modern trucks and trailers, however, now rely on advanced safety systems, cameras, telematics and real-time performance data. These features require more data capacity and reliable connectivity between the truck and trailer than traditional physical connectors are built to support. Volvo plans to address that need and support various kinds of new trailer functionality with an update to the traditional electrical connection between the tractor and trailer.
Compatible with today’s infrastructure
The new solution builds on technology developed by Volvo engineers in Sweden and patented in the United States in 2024. Volvo is now adding that technology to the standard J560 trailer connector to create secure, short range high-speed wireless data connectivity while retaining all the traditional functions of the connector, to stay compatible with today’s existing tractor-trailer connections.
The system enables real-time data exchange between the truck and the trailer. This will enable future powertrain optimization with improved braking and propulsion enhancements. The trailer data will also provide information and warnings to the truck drivers and fleet managers related to trailer functionality. “Our customers have been clear about what they want next: higher data capability without abandoning existing infrastructure,” Gustafson said. “Our solution offers exactly that, providing a reliable shortrange wireless data interface between the truck and the trailer.”
Pushing toward a new industry standard:
Volvo Trucks and its partners now plan to work with industry stakeholders to promote the technology as a future standard for truck-trailer connectivity in the United States and Canada.
About TECTRAN Manufacturing:
TECTRAN Manufacturing is a leading manufacturer of high-quality air, hydraulic, and electrical components for the heavy-duty truck, trailer, and bus industries. With over 50 years of experience, they specialize in durable, innovative tractor-trailer hook-up lines, fittings, and connectors, providing safety-focused solutions for commercial vehicle, service, and aftermarket needs.
About Volvo’s patent:
The joint development program builds on technology developed by Volvo Group Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, supported by U.S. patents issued in 2024. US Patent 20220006516 A1 (Connector Assembly for High-Speed Wireless Communication Between Vehicles) describes a system that enables a truck and trailer to exchange high-speed data wirelessly through the tractor-trailer connection point. By placing wireless communication components within the connector housing, the system allows secure data transfer between the truck and trailer without relying solely on traditional wired connections.
About the J560 seven-pin connector:
The J560 seven-pin connector is the North American industry standard for electrical connections between heavy-duty tractors and trailers, created in 1951 by the Society of Automotive Engineers. It is a 12-volt round-pin system designed to transmit critical signals for lighting, anti-lock braking systems, and auxiliary power.
CAPTION: Volvo Trucks North America is working with TECTRAN Manufacturing on a joint development program to explore high-speed wireless data as a way to unlock smarter, more connected tractor-trailer systems for the North American commercial truck industry.