Quick question about Fords pro back up assist.

[ramonajim]

For me, it's a miracle tool. I've driven manual transmission cars & trucks my entire life, but the first 45 years of that life were decidedly suburban. Never had a trailer, and on the rare occasions one was barrowed or rented involved either planning around backing up or some "stupid human driver" video source material.

I can fix most anything, have rebuilt multiple engines with zero training, re-plumbed our 1773 farm house, taught myself how to replace 20' of sill on the farm house, built a 20x40 equipment shed from scratch and solo, keep my seriously abused bought for $1000 Korean tractor running and servicing our 11 acre horse property, etc. In other words, I'm reasonably capable of figuring things out.

But for whatever my brain simply cannot master backing up a trailer. With the pro assist on my wife's F150, I'm able to get in and out of pretty much any spot with any of our trailers. I'm not going to do it as quickly as the guy driving the landscape company truck pulling in to unload or the real horsewoman backing up her 4 horse trailer - those people make it look like magic. But I can get it done without endless the do-overs that happen if I have to manage it with just my own brain doing the thinking.

 

[LMychajluk]

...You have to get used to gently using the knob. If you get aggressive with it you will zig zag all over the place. ...

One thing to keep in mind w/ it is that when you release the knob, the system will drive the truck to follow the trailer. So, you can basically forget about the truck (but you still need to watch the front corners for clearances). It does tend to cut the wheels a bit aggressively, and if you're on soft ground, it will chew it up a bit.

The lawn mower discussion brought back memories. I guess I actually 'learned' to back a trailer w/o even knowing it while towing a lawn cart around w/ the mower or ATV when I was a kid.

When I had a boat (23'), I could back it up w/ my Avalanche no problem with no assists. I used to rent a tight spot at a marble yard that I had to wind my way into backwards when putting the boat away and I could do it solo without issue. I recently got a 22' equipment trailer and for whatever reason I seem to be having a bit of trouble with w/ my F350. Maybe it's the longer wheelbase of the truck, or maybe because I can't actually see the outside corner of the trailer when backing it and don't trust myself yet. Probably just need some more time to get used to it. I seem to go back and forth w/ using the assist.

 

[henerythe8th]

From what I gather, each trailer has to be installed in the memory.

I think i will just stick with old school. Haven't needed it so far so I don't need it.

Now if a genie popped out and locked down the hitch, hooked up the chains and wiring, I might be interested.

You need a well trained trunk monkey!

 

[D&D]

the real horsewoman backing up her 4 horse trailer I have to manage it with just my own brain doing the thinking.

4500 crew cab, 4 horse w/15' living quarters after backing into a tight spot next to utility pole, out jumps a 5'3, 110lb ponytail wearing brunette.

 

[D&D]

You need a well trained trunk monkey!

 

[SpringHollow]

I set my trailer up with it since the backup assist came with the truck. It is actually pretty neat and works well. But I never use it. My trailers are 16 - 24' so they are pretty easy to backup.

 

[John0829]

I KNOW I am going to step on toes here and apologize in advance... I think it is something that should never have been put on a vehicle, IF a person cannot back a trailer then they should not be towing a trailer. I consider the ability to back a trailer just as important as towing it forward for one NEVER knows what situation they might encounter. Granted backing is a low speed operation and less likely to harm someone but still it is a matter of being in control.

All it takes is practice and more practice, using a lawn tractor is a very good way to gain the knowledge. This tech is giving confidence to people to tow, many that in IMHO should not even be allowed to drive, many of them distracted drivers. We have all seen it, people towing trailers not connected properly, cutting corners, loaded with to much or not enough tongue weight, insecure load, cutting other drivers off because they don't realize their length. How about the ones that just have to pass a vehicle because it going slightly slower than they want or any multitude of other reasons.

Yeah, I know getting off the backing up bit... point is being able and knowing how to control what you are operating going forward or backward with out the crutch of tech. Don't take me wrong tech is a wonderful thing but just like the calculator it reduces your use of brain cells and many out there are already running close to a shortage.

 

[Snezzy]

This tech is giving confidence to people to tow, many that in IMHO should not even be allowed to drive...

Don't worry. Look at the occasional video of them backing a boat trailer into the water and then (!!) uncoupling the trailer (!!) and trying to use the boat, still on the trailer, at any speed beyond 3 kts. They'll make other mistakes, too, and finally will give up or (as we say in the horse hobby) expire in harness.

Oh, I see your point. They won't Darwin themselves before spawning more of same. We'll be overwhelmed by them. Maybe we already are. Try driving in New Jersey or around Boston.

 

[gckshea]

Is it really necessary. From what I read and videos basically instead of using the steering wheel you use a dial. Im old school, and like that round thingy you use to steer.

What else is so great about it? Am I missing something?

Thanks

I have an 2022 F-250 Lariat with the all-aroubd cameras and the back up trailer add-on. I've driven all my years without ever jackknifing or hitting an object with the blindside trailer corners. I try to get a spotter when I can.
That said, I did put the grid sticker on the tongue of my utility trailer to give the feature a try. One thing is good from it....it does prevent jackknifing this really short wheelbase/tongue length trailer with my long box truck. The input parameters to assign this trailer to the system take into account ball to axle distance, total length, length behind the axle to rear of trailer, width, and it knows not to allow too much steering wheel turn. If I do have to put the trailer in a tight spot, I just override the backup feature....old school.
Is it worth it? I say yes, for my 32 foot bumper pull RV camper trailer. But....I do not rely on it
..its a helper.

 

[Paul McILwain]

Lester Flatt backed a semi load of steel from Chicago to Birmingham,(song by Flatt &Scrugs)