2016 F150 trailer backing by wire (knob)

[lhfarm]

Ford Makes Backing Up a Trailer as Easy as Turning a Knob | WIRED

As I get older, trailer backing has become a real pain in the neck. I'm hoping self/assisted driving vehicles and features like this might let me safely continue operating equipment for a long time. Some might debate if that is a good or bad thing.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Neat. Can't wait to try it. I just worry about making sure your surroundings are clear.

Chris

 

[Gafn]

Nice feature... until it fails to function one day....

BTW that is a $3990 add on.
Get the 2016 in the Lariat package and the price is $45,264.00
The base model is set to start at $37,020

Did you notice they have the F150 listed as able to tow 12,000 lbs?
The price of trucks is beyond stupid expensive.

 

[dodge man]

Neat idea, I wonder how well it works. On a good day I'm just fair at backing a trailer, on a bad day it can be pretty ugly. If the person using the system pays attention, I think it would be safer, you could be watching things instead of worrying about backing correctly.

 

[Ford850]

Here's another review of the system
Ford Unveils Pro Trailer Backup Assist for 2016 F-150 - PickupTrucks.com News

 

[Cord]

I don't need it, but my wife would love it.

 

[4570Man]

That is way too expensive, and I would like to see it tow 12,000 pounds. My F350 struggles with less.

 

[Ford850]

The way I read the article it will be part of the trailer tow package, which is expected to cost less than $1,000.

 

[Scooby074]

Oh come on.. what a joke.

Self parking... self driving.. self backing up... Its getting ridiculous.

Gimme something stripped out and plain like the 84 F150 I used to have, with vent windows, rubber floormat, and single dash speaker radio with a manual trans. Oh thats right, cant get it (or at least not easily)

Currently own a King Ranch, about as fully loaded as you can get, and I hate it with a passion and wish I never wasted the extra $25k in "options".

 

[Gafn]

The way I read the article it will be part of the trailer tow package, which is expected to cost less than $1,000.

Ford 850 - go out to a build page and build yourself a 2016 Lariat model with the tow package and trailer backing assist package - I did not just make crap up... it is on Ford's build page...

 

[pat32rf]

I assume its going to work in 4 low and not just 2H.....
I would have to stop and think how to TELL someone to back up a trailer....I just grab the wheel and look in the mirror...

 

[Diamondpilot]

That is way too expensive, and I would like to see it tow 12,000 pounds. My F350 struggles with less.

These new 1/2 tons are day and night from the ones just 7 and 8 years ago.

My 2012 Ecoboost does better with 10,500# than my 99 F350 7.3 diesel.

Chris

 

[s219]

I think a backup camera is invaluable for hitching up. Don't see the need to have a computer drive for me though. It's trivial to look at the rear view camera and get the ball right under the coupler. If someone isn't able to handle something that simple, they shouldn't be towing!!

 

[Norm W]

If you go to a big empty parking lot and practice backing your trailer it will become automatic. Pulling a trailer once or twice a year is no way to learn what to do.

 

[wmonroe]

I think a backup camera is invaluable for hitching up. Don't see the need to have a computer drive for me though. It's trivial to look at the rear view camera and get the ball right under the coupler. If someone isn't able to handle something that simple, they shouldn't be towing!!

When I was learning to drive my dad told me I wouldn't be out on the road by myself till I could go in reverse almost as good as forward and it has been very useful for me. I'm pretty good at backing trailers mostly through a lot of practice but as usual could always be better. Maybe it's just the old school stubborn part of me but I prefer to drive my own vehicle. It is a preview of what will be coming in the next 10 plus years though, I'm going to be very disappointed when I can't drive my truck anymore and just have to tell it where I want to go.

 

[RollingsFarms]

Neat feature. I think by the time I'm ready to buy another new truck I might be priced out of the market. Even the used ones with 50,000 are way way up there. Just give me xm radio and a backup camera and that's all the fancies I need in a truck.

 

[Ford850]

Ford 850 - go out to a build page and build yourself a 2016 Lariat model with the tow package and trailer backing assist package - I did not just make crap up... it is on Ford's build page...

I'm not saying you made it up. I'm just going by what the article says... that the tow package is $695 this year and is expected to be approximately $300 more with this feature. I looked at the Ford build pages but don't see where you're finding the 2016 features or pricing yet.

 

[bigtiller]

That will take all the fun out of watching people backing their boats in the water.