Stoughton Trailers has made its dry van trailers compatible with Electrans Technologies’ Auto Connect system, which connects the truck and trailer air, seven-way electrical and communication lines within seven seconds.

Auto Connect is also compatible with Tico terminal tractors. It allows a connection to be made without the driver having to leave the cab of the truck. The driver simply pushes a button in the cab and Auto Connect couples the pneumatic air lines, electric lines and CAN bus or other communications wiring, enabling operation of a variety of sensors and cameras.

All lines connect within seven seconds, the companies claim. Stoughton trailers will come with an upgraded coupler to accommodate the new Auto Connect system. A slot on the front bolster houses the Auto Connect receiver.

“Imagine a driver simply backing up, pushing a button within the cab and seven seconds later driving away with the trailer,” said Jeremy Sanders, chief commercial officer for Stoughton. “This is not the distant future. It’s here now. We wanted to ensure our fleet customers are ready to adopt this technology as the industry moves to gain efficiency, improve safety and pursue autonomous operation.”

New Stoughton trailers can be ordered with an optional Auto Connect coupler. The Electrans receiver can be installed in about an hour. Trailers spec’d with the option are also compatible with legacy connectors.