SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING VEHICLE AND TRAILER RESISTANCE RELATED CHARACTERISTICS

Methods and systems determine resistance related constants for use by a vehicle towing a trailer. A system for controlling functions of the vehicle and the trailer includes sensors that provide sensor data. A processor performs a readiness check, based on the sensor data, by determining whether the sensor data exceeds predetermined thresholds. When the readiness check is passed, meaning the thresholds are not exceeded, and based on the sensor data, the processor computes values for constants that represent aerodynamic resistance and rolling resistance of the vehicle and the trailer. Based on the constants, the processor controls functions of the vehicle.