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

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.

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.

Found more info on what it actually does. Poke Here

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.

Thoughts on new Ford trucks with Pro Trailer Backup Assist

6_7_tow_rig
Explorer
Dec 08, 2015
4X4Dodger wrote:
I am of the opinion that if you cannot properly and accurately back up your trailer you shouldnt be pulling one.

But I feel the same about parallel parking and cars...

I couldn't agree more. Too many times you see people way in over their head and you wonder how they even made it to the campground. Once I saw a guy go past his site, pulling down a boat ramp to only find the road ended in the water. It took him 20 minutes to back straight back up the ramp to turn around. No telling how long it took him to get in his site..he clearly didn't understand how that process worked.
frizzen
Explorer
Dec 08, 2015
Not a good sign. People are getting too dependent on technology instead of just using their brains. To me, turning the steering wheel is not counter intuitive. You have to think that the back end of the vehicle moves the front of the trailer to where it needs to be.

OTOH, I did have to back a trailer into the driveway for one of my neighbors once.
4X4Dodger
Explorer II
Dec 08, 2015
I am of the opinion that if you cannot properly and accurately back up your trailer you shouldnt be pulling one.

But I feel the same about parallel parking and cars...
rbpru
Explorer II
Dec 08, 2015
If I had it I would use it. If not I would do it the old fashioned way. I would not pay extra for it.

Kind of like all the rest of the extras on my TV. I can link my cell phone to my radio but I do not drive and make or take calls. Electronic has become so cheap they can add this Sales feature for very little to aid those who need it.

Of course I still pride myself on being able to parallel park which I learned in high school over 50 years ago. We all have our little triumphs.
itguy08
Explorer
Dec 08, 2015
BB_TX wrote:

Owner programming I believe. I think even current Ford trucks can be set up to remember multiple trailers and even keep track of how many miles each has been towed.

Yes and yes. I love that mine (2011) will track trailer miles and it also remembers the brake gain setting.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Dec 08, 2015
Why don't they ever test this stuff with a travel trailer?
BB_TX
Nomad
Dec 08, 2015
CavemanCharlie wrote:
They also talk about a "custom set up with the trailer and the truck". So, I'm thinking that each time you hook to a different trailer you will have to take the pickup back to the dealer for reprogramming. .......

Owner programming I believe. I think even current Ford trucks can be set up to remember multiple trailers and even keep track of how many miles each has been towed.
rbpru
Explorer II
Dec 07, 2015
We can almost always zip into position, unless someone we know is watching.
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Dec 07, 2015
They also talk about a "custom set up with the trailer and the truck". So, I'm thinking that each time you hook to a different trailer you will have to take the pickup back to the dealer for reprogramming. That wouldn't work for me very well. I tow 3-4 different trailers during the year and I never know when I might hook up to a different one and go.
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Dec 07, 2015
After backing up a trailer for so many years. (Decades really) I think that thing would just goof me up.