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Groover's avatar
Groover
Explorer II
Jan 06, 2020

Ford is interested in 4 wheel steering

Ford recently filed for a patent on for 4 wheel steering and really surprised me is that the patent implies that it will for the Super D Duty series.

Ford patent

I don't know what makes this patentable since GM had 4 wheel steering 18 years ago and others have been demonstrating 4 wheel steering recently. Hopefully the differences improve cost and reliability. I like the concept but definitely want to know the costs before purchasing one.
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  • Groover's avatar
    Groover
    Explorer II
    Jan 06, 2020
    Jayco-noslide wrote:
    It's no wonder that vehicles cost so much today. All sorts of things, good, bad and neutral, have been added. I remember when power windows, AC and a radio and much more were optional. I don't want to go back but I wish we could keep to features that are truly safety related if wanted and maybe cut the cost by thousands?


    I am sure that 4 wheel steer would be an option. As for what is included for safety, I feel that adaptable cruise control with automatic braking, auto wipers and auto headlights are good safety features. You may have a different opinion.
  • Jayco-noslide's avatar
    Jayco-noslide
    Explorer
    Jan 06, 2020
    It's no wonder that vehicles cost so much today. All sorts of things, good, bad and neutral, have been added. I remember when power windows, AC and a radio and much more were optional. I don't want to go back but I wish we could keep to features that are truly safety related if wanted and maybe cut the cost by thousands?
  • Jayco-noslide's avatar
    Jayco-noslide
    Explorer
    Jan 06, 2020
    I wonder what cost it will add? Likely not worth it in my opinion. It's been around, even on cars, but usually not kept.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Jan 06, 2020
    Around 1900 Electric cars were popular. The improvements of the gasoline car made the Electric car less popular and interest basically died out.
    With the improvement of batteries, the Electric car is making a strong comeback.

    Maybe Ford has new technology that will make 4 wheel steering practical and it will gain in popularity?
  • Iraqvet05's avatar
    Iraqvet05
    Explorer
    Jan 06, 2020
    GM trucks offered optional 4 wheel steering (dubbed Quadrasteer) for a few years and it proved to be too problematic and costly to maintain.

    I suspect the patent is on how they are performing the steering, not the concept. Some fellow military vets here maybe familiar with the HET trailers that have steering on them to make them more maneuverable.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Jan 06, 2020
    Many, Many, MANY years ago, Ford played with 4 wheel steering on cars. At the time Jackie Stewart (famed race car driver), was recently retired and doing some consulting work for Ford. On a trip to Dearborn, he drove the 4 wheel steering prototype (Thunderbird). While most people were quicker through the slalom course, he was not. He comments was, "I never want to drive a car like that again !"

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