2016 F150

Could be a learning aid,after a few weeks of watching 'the pro' a newbe can start doing the easy ones unaided.

Obviously not everybody needs that driving aid. But its very clear at any busy boat ramp that many drivers do! It could help to ease congestion at a lot of ramps. I've seen some drivers take 10+ minutes making it to the water!

IdaD wrote:
I don't see how turning a knob is any easier than turning a steering wheel, but maybe I'm over thinking this.

LOL!!

Well the way it works is you point the knob the direction you want the trailer tires to go.

I currently accomplish the same thing by steering from the bottom of the steering wheel. Pushing the bottom of the wheel the direction I want the wheels to go.

Does the system have built in logic to prevent Jackknifing the TV and trailer?

It is still going to require skill from the driver, in how much to turn the dial.
The other think I have found that helps, is to use your mirrors as much as possible, and avoid looking over your shoulder.

That is one option I will not be buying. I do see where it may help some, but I don't think it is foolproof.

I don't see how turning a knob is any easier than turning a steering wheel, but maybe I'm overthinking this.

MARK VANDERBENT wrote:
Sorry but I love backing myself. Can't imagine when that system stops working what would cost to fix. Sorry old school I guess??

There is are no extra mechanical parts to the system beside the knob itself. Otherwise, its really just some smart algorithms which tell the existing electric power assist steering which way to turn. EPAS units aren't much more than conventional power steering units.

MARK VANDERBENT wrote:
Sorry but I love backing myself. Can't imagine when that system stops working what would cost to fix. Sorry old school I guess??

electric starter?
Automatic transmission?
Fuel injection?
Anti lock brakes?
Cruise Control?

My wife, as smart as this woman is, is incapable of learning how to backup a trailer. For her, it's perfect. For me, total waste of money.

Looks neat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyQlRR56t-o

MARK VANDERBENT wrote:
Sorry but I love backing myself. Can't imagine when that system stops working what would cost to fix. Sorry old school I guess??

I'm pretty sure that backing up the good ol fashioned way is always an option. Considering these vehicles are almost completely drive by wire, there are other systems to be much more worried about. This system is really just integrating features from systems that are already available.

It sure looks to me like the experience should be akin to a driving instructor giving you a demonstration.

Sorry but I love backing myself. Can't imagine when that system stops working what would cost to fix. Sorry old school I guess??

old guy wrote:
haven't seen this posted any where so here is a run down on the 2016 F150 backing assist. Http://youtu.be/lrFol3xsSOM

Video is no longer available

If it's the dial on the Inst Panel, I talked to someone with lots of towing experience that participated in a consumer research study and said it's the real deal and he liked it. There are already couple of threads on the feature.