Question on F-150 tow package

[Bobbo]

The F-150 Max Tow Package has something called "Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Tailgate LED" where you just turn a knob in the direction you want to back the trailer.

DW is dyslexic, and can't learn to back a trailer.

Does this knob actually WORK, or is it just a gimmick or a failed attempt? If this knob actually works, DW may actually be able to back the trailer up.

Thanks

[dodge_guy]

Another case of an unnecessary option. There is a lot more to backing a trailer than just putting the truck in reverse!

[goducks10]

My wife can't back our 5th wheel in by herself either. On occasion I have her do the backing in when it's real tight and my line of site is bad. It's actually way easier than getting directions from her. I just tell her which way to back the truck up and don't bring the 5er into the discussion. She follows my directions and doesn't have to think about why she's doing whatever she's doing.
I hate to say it but we cold probably stick the 5er in a spot way easier by doing it that way, but my ego gets in the way. 🙂

[Groover]

I have and it works but does take some getting used to. The knob actually controls the angle between the truck and trailer and if you twist it around a lot the steering wheel goes crazy. With a little practice you learn what to do and get much smoother. It does take some setting up and a few secound to fire up the system when you turn it on. I feel like it is more useful on short trailers or narrow ones that you can't see well. I never use it on my equipment trailer that is 28' long and 102" wide. Not that it doesn't work, I just don't need it on that trailer.

[Groover]

I have and it works but does a some getting used to. The knob actually controls the angle between the truck and trailer and if you twist it around a lot the steering wheel goes crazy. With a little practice you learn what to do and get much smoother. It does take some setting up and a few secound to fire up the system when you turn it on. I feel like it is more useful on short trailers or narrow ones that you can't see well. I never use it on my equipment trailer that is 28' long and 102" wide. Not that it doesn't work, I just don't need it on that trailer.

[Bobbo]

Nah. She isn't on RV.NET

I wouldn't DARE post that on the Airstream forums though.

[Tyler0215]

Oh, man Bobbo you are in trouble now!

[Bobbo]

time2roll wrote:
Have DW move the bottom of the steering wheel the way she wants the trailer to turn.
Not sure how much dyslexia has to do with learning to do something new that seems backward.
Otherwise get the option and cross your fingers.

Yeah, tried that. I thought she would learn to back a trailer as she does everything ELSE backward. No such luck.

[time2roll]

Have DW move the bottom of the steering wheel the way she wants the trailer to turn.
Not sure how much dyslexia has to do with learning to do something new that seems backward.
Otherwise get the option and cross your fingers.

[bluie5]

I don't see how they'd be useful with a TT. You can't easily see around it like you could with a boat and trailer. Also who's watching the front of the truck while the driver is watching the screen on the dash.

[downtheroad]

Go over to your local Ford dealer and take it for a test try out. I did. I thought it was pretty cool, but I have become very adept and backing up trailers.....started when I was 12 out in the orange groves.