Ford Backup Assist

[holstein13]

I hope I'm not the 10th person to post this:

Ford Backup Assist

[holstein13]

wbwood wrote:
I see problems happening when people are watching the screen and turning the know and not watching where the front of the truck is going and what it's about to hit.

True, but how is that different than the status quo ante?

[wbwood]

I see problems happening when people are watching the screen and turning the know and not watching where the front of the truck is going and what it's about to hit.

[rhagfo]

philh wrote:
I'm so mad, day late and dollar short...

Had an opportunity to do a consumer test of the system, but their limited spaces filled up in literally minutes.

As I understand the system from someone that did get an opportunity to test it, you enter the length of the trailer and IRC, the distance between the hitch and axle(s). System uses targets placed on the trailer.

I view this as a fantastic and required new piece of hardware. I wasn't planning to purchase a truck, but this is going to trip me over the edge. For those that feel it's wasteful, do you like your automatic transmission, power steering, electric starter? Specifically for Crowe, dang those new semi-auto pistols, people should learn muzzleloading 😉

Friend of mine lived across the lake (flooded river) from the DNR public launch site. We used to sit on his deck and watch the boaters struggle to back up. It was hilarious, but too often would lead to arguments between couples before their fun ever got started.

Yep, while technology advancements are great it is just one more, step in the dumbing of America.
Their some proven methods to make backing easier, but many refuse to try.

There are already way too many people driving out there that don't have a clue.:S

[philh]

I'm so mad, day late and dollar short...

Had an opportunity to do a consumer test of the system, but their limited spaces filled up in literally minutes.

As I understand the system from someone that did get an opportunity to test it, you enter the length of the trailer and IRC, the distance between the hitch and axle(s). System uses targets placed on the trailer.

I view this as a fantastic and required new piece of hardware. I wasn't planning to purchase a truck, but this is going to trip me over the edge. For those that feel it's wasteful, do you like your automatic transmission, power steering, electric starter? Specifically for Crowe, dang those new semi-auto pistols, people should learn muzzleloading 😉

Friend of mine lived across the lake (flooded river) from the DNR public launch site. We used to sit on his deck and watch the boaters struggle to back up. It was hilarious, but too often would lead to arguments between couples before their fun ever got started.

[TurnThePage]

Oaklevel wrote:
:? I have not heard anything for an assist for backing a trailer.... just a vehicle into a parallel parking space. There are so many different trailer lengths and wheel bases. I think we are years off for a vehicle backing a trailer into a camp space....... How would the vehicle know where an end of a trailer is....:@

This is a pretty good first step. It appears to me that the driver provides a few specifics to the system beforehand. I don't recall if the length is included, but the distance from the hitch to the axle(s) is. The system can be programmed for multiple trailers, which are then identified by a sticker on the tongue that the backup camera can see. It's really just a system to aim the trailer, nothing more. One of the coolest features to me is that it'll keep the trailer straight behind the tow vehicle for an extended backup period (if you want it straight), allowing the driver to easily keep an eye on other obstacles and distractions. This guy could have benefited from this system.

[OutdoorPhotogra]

One of the biggest issues I see with people backing trailers is they don't pull forward enough to start in a neutral position. With the trailer slightly pointing the wrong direction, an experienced driver will struggle to get it going in the correct direction. And, they probably didn't pull forward enough because they want to minimize the distance they back up. An automated dial won't fix that unless it tells you keep going forward. Even then, backing straight over distance requires slight corrections in most cases that just come from experience and feel. I expect technology can make those corrections with refinement just as fly by wire can prevent (or warn) a pilot from making unsafe maneuvers but I doubt it's there with the first roll out.

[Oaklevel]

:? I have not heard anything for an assist for backing a trailer.... just a vehicle into a parallel parking space. There are so many different trailer lengths and wheel bases. I think we are years off for a vehicle backing a trailer into a camp space....... How would the vehicle know where an end of a trailer is....:@

[shelle007]

We just bought a 2015 F-150 today. Hope to answer this question in the future.

[holstein13]

Crowe wrote:
... what happens if the aid malfunctions and you are caught totally off guard and unprepared?

I guess what happens is you revert back to being a "first time" operator. Everyone has to start somewhere? As far as I know there are no driving simulators that teach this stuff. So if it doesn't work, you are no worse off than the first time you took the wheel. Just go slowly and figure it out.

[TurnThePage]

Crowe wrote:
I am in favor of anything that makes rv ing easier and safer.

But does it? I think it's just the opposite. When you get dependent on an aid of some sort and you can't do it on your own, what happens if the aid malfunctions and you are caught totally off guard and unprepared? As far as I'm concerned the vast majority of these things should be done away with so we concentrate on how to drive. Case in point: http://fusion.net/story/139703/self-parking-car-accident-no-pedestrian-detection/ Mercedes has had similar issues with some of their detection systems.

One of the first things I teach during my firearms safety lectures is to never trust a mechanical safety because it can malfunction. There is NOTHING that beats correct handling of a firearm for safety and I feel likewise for cars.

On the other hand, this feature appears to me that it could actually TEACH a user how to back a trailer. Use the knob and display to aim where you want to back up and watch what the steering wheel does. Don't forget, YOU are in control of the gas and brake pedals the entire time. All it does is steers.

[Crowe]

I am in favor of anything that makes rv ing easier and safer.

But does it? I think it's just the opposite. When you get dependent on an aid of some sort and you can't do it on your own, what happens if the aid malfunctions and you are caught totally off guard and unprepared? As far as I'm concerned the vast majority of these things should be done away with so we concentrate on how to drive. Case in point: http://fusion.net/story/139703/self-parking-car-accident-no-pedestrian-detection/ Mercedes has had similar issues with some of their detection systems.

One of the first things I teach during my firearms safety lectures is to never trust a mechanical safety because it can malfunction. There is NOTHING that beats correct handling of a firearm for safety and I feel likewise for cars.

[johnnyrv]

I am in favor of anything that makes rv ing easier and safer.

[Crowe]

Place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Move your hand and wheel to the left to make the trailer turn left. Turn to the right to make the trailer turn right.

It's the exact same principle as sighting a firearm. I am a certified firearms instructor and a small bore rifle coach. I can sight a firearm and I still can't back up a trailer. "Easy" is a relative term.

[Ski_Pro_3]

I'll tell you what would be a good idea; put a second set of controls like a cockpit in a plane so your "co-pilot" can take over when you need to take your focus off the road.

Most new cars today are drive-by-wire, so it's not a difficult thing to accomplish.