Forum Discussion

RavensFan24's avatar
RavensFan24
Explorer
Dec 07, 2015

Thoughts on new Ford trucks with Pro Trailer Backup Assist

I saw a video online about the new trailer backup assist that Ford is adding to their trucks in 2016. Supposedly it will automatically back up a trailer where you want it to go. I'm a little leary on the idea of an inanimate object taking my trailer and backing it up for me, while I sit there perfectly capable of doing the job myself. Can I blame Ford if it backs in to something?

Seems like a really cool feature to have, but I'm not sure how much I'd use it. I'm sure my GF would appreciate the assistance and I can think of a few friends that may need it, but overall it seems like a really cool feature that I'd never use.

Thoughts?

Here is a link to the Ford page with details: Ford Pro Trailer Backup Assist
  • GoPackGo's avatar
    GoPackGo
    Explorer
    Dec 07, 2015
    Slate CM wrote:
    Looks like the knob turns the steering wheel in the opposite direction. You know, bottom of the steering wheel to the direction you want the trailer to go.


    That was my thought too. It's always counter-intuitive to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction you want to go until someone tells you the 'big secret' - put your hands on the bottom of the wheel and steer in the direction that you want the back of the trailer to go. So a device like this could be handy, maybe more so for trailer boaters who generally can start out backing straight down a ramp, more or less, and just need to keep the trailer going in a straight line with minor corrections.
  • Slate_CM's avatar
    Slate_CM
    Explorer II
    Dec 07, 2015
    Looks like the knob turns the steering wheel in the opposite direction. You know, bottom of the steering wheel to the direction you want the trailer to go.

    I don't have a lot of trouble with my TT, but if that thing could help with a 14ft single axle flat bed it might be useful.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Dec 07, 2015
    I would assume you can turn it on and off. Some people have a natural ability to back a trailer. And many never get very good at it after years of trying. Those for sure will appreciate it. And I suspect even those who can adequately back a trailer will use it even though they may think they would not use it.
  • mhardin's avatar
    mhardin
    Explorer
    Dec 07, 2015
    It doesn't appear to me to do anything "automatically" - you still steer with a little wheel rather than the big steering wheel. I'd guess the new system dampers the steering to help prevent over steering.

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