Can 4 wheel steer make a comeback?

My brother in law had one of the old quad steer trucks. He loved it and still talks about it today. He’d still have it if the mechanic didn’t start the undercarriage on fire. After that the electrical gremlins were constantly making an appearance and he got rid of it because he couldn’t count on it.

No experience with the GM Quad Steer pick up. Many hours of experience with 4wd/4wheel steer forklifts. It is amazing how maneuverable this type equipment is for it's typical size. To get full advantage of a 4 wheel steer involves very complex hydraulic system.

Four wheel steering is a solution looking for a problem.

Looks are subjective, but to say those trucks were "ugly as sin" is a huge over statement. I doubt most people even noticed a difference from any other pickup. As for the design, GM (Delphi) didnt over complicate it, its a complicated process by nature. Delphi was one of the brightest minds in automotive technology. Could it be simplified now? I am sure but given where technology was at that time it worked well. The cost was high and payback questionable. Speaking just to the capability itself, it would be nice a CC/LB pickup. As to whether it would be worth the cost or the increase in complexity to what is already a complex pickup, hard to say, but probably not.

GM's attempt with their over complex rear steering system was a fail not to mention it made the truck ugly as sin.

Several other car manufacturers tried there hand a 4 wheel steering and they were sales failures as well.

I for one would not want one.

mhsmith wrote:
One of the down falls of the earlier GM version had to do with tow/load capicity of the vehicle.

Since towing stability is one of the major benefits low towing capacity would be a major drawback.

1320Fastback wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
It will be a good system for the first time truck owner in a grocery store parking lot! Which is where the majority of trucks are used.

Hahaha this!

I can see it being marketed to the same crowd that wants the $900 folding tailgates and all the other useless garbage just to keep up with the Joneses.

I want the folding tailgate and much of the other useless garbage, but, I see 4 wheel steer as being about as useless as the trailer back up assist.

One of the down falls of the earlier GM version had to do with tow/load capicity of the vehicle.

Manufactures are trying to do things to set them apart. Ford has that knob on their tow package to help backup a trailer. RAM has added the air suspension to their trucks. Both RAM and GM are making a big deal about their new tailgate (more GM so far).

This could be significantly more functional than any of the above. I know many of the posters here are perfect drivers, but not everyone is. Don't believe me, take a look at how many people can't seem to park any size vehicle in-between the parking lines.

Heck, I'd be interested in finding out more about it for whatever eventually replaces my crew cab truck. And the safety factor that it displayed with the lack of trailer sway in that emergency lane change is appealing as well.

Certainly isn't something for everyone, but with the right combo of marketing, engineering, and pricing, it will sell.

I won't buy one. But I'm not their market anyway. My pickup has crank up windows lol.

As to parking lots, learn to back it in. There's your rear wheel steering. :B