TOW-VEHICLE DRIVING METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATED DRIVING

Automated driver assistance systems and methods for towing predict vehicle/trailer instabilities and adapt automated driving control to avoid them. A tow-vehicle includes a controller that, through an actuator system, controls speed and/or steering. A map system and/or a sensor system monitor a roadway on which the vehicle is travelling to identify a road profile located ahead of the vehicle over a prediction horizon. A projected trajectory for navigating the vehicle through the road profile over the prediction horizon and considering environmental conditions is determined. Before travel over the road profile, whether the projected trajectory through the road profile will result in exceeding a vehicle dynamic threshold is determined. When the projected trajectory will result in exceeding the vehicle dynamic threshold through the road profile, a control action is determined to prevent instability and optimize driver experience. The vehicle is operated through the road profile using the control action.