Quick question about Fords pro back up assist.

[D&D]

Go to a busy boat launch, and comedy will ensue from those who just don't know how to back up a trailer.

Try a non-pro horse show. Most of them will drive around in circles looking for a place to pull through so they dont have to backup.
One of those just went on a long trip from home and didnt want to navigate a fuel stop.

 

[Rockbadchild]

I saw it operate on my brother in law truck, it works surprisingly well... Would I use it or need to? hell no but some people surely should.


Seeing some folks backup their camper in a camp ground is pretty funny to see as well.

The hardest thing I ever back up is my short narrow trailer that I can't see in my mirrors and once you see it is almost already too late but once you put in your mind that if you don't see it its a good thing it goes pretty good... still a hard time backing it up around a 90* bend without going forward a bit.

 

[D&D]

I set mine up just to try it. The wife and I laughed our a$$'s off! She said it made her sea sick.
I does work, but the steering wheel spins wildly back and forth, it's comical.

The truck and trailer track perfectly, but it sure overstreers a lot more than a real driver does.

Do they have to be "programmed" to each trailer?

 

[Joel/ak]

Do they have to be "programmed" to each trailer?

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.

 

[grsthegreat]

Funny, but its easier to back up my 30’ gooseneck horse trailer that it is to back up my jet ski trailer. Yet both are very easy to back up and clear obstacles the first time. I also enjoy watching people try and back up dump trailers at the local dump. Takes them like 5 tries while others watch and get progressively madder. Me, i laugh and pet my dog.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

The possibility exist that there could be a generation of young people who cannot backup a trailer without this type of technology because they never learned, just think about a manual transmission.

 

[Rockbadchild]

The possibility exist that there could be a generation of young people who cannot backup a trailer without this type of technology because they never learned, just think about a manual transmission.

or a vehicle without a back up camera... Before I backed up my first trailer I didn't know how... Although I don't remember anyone showing me, I am pretty certain I figured it out on my own... and they are not going to learn with this technology.

 

[not2old]

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.

My fear is that the computer locks something down so I can't move and need help to figure out the stupid computer.. Leaving tomorrow on the first trip with my new truck and new to me trailer. The older I get, the more confidence I lose.

 

[CH4Ohio]

Do they have to be "programmed" to each trailer?

Yes. You “name” the trailer then enter several measurements into the system using steering wheel buttons. Like length of trailer, and a few others. I don’t recall the details. Then you apply a sticker to one arm of the A-frame trailer hitch. The sticker is a black and white checkerboard pattern. The rear camera locates this sticker and uses it to calibrate and learn the angles for this particular trailer. After you go through a little calibration exercise, it’s ready to go.

I set it up on a 16’ enclosed trailer prior to a trip to Florida. Thought there was a good chance others might need to back the truck and trailer and it might be needed. Actually it does a really good job and is very accurate. Someone who cannot back at all can put a trailer in a tight spot.

It is pretty crazy to watch the steering wheel spin when you turn the little knob!

 

[CH4Ohio]

My fear is that the computer locks something down so I can't move and need help to figure out the stupid computer.. Leaving tomorrow on the first trip with my new truck and new to me trailer. The older I get, the more confidence I lose.

It won’t lock anything down. Worse that could happen is the system would give an error message and you’d back manually as usual.

I never use mine but did set it up on one trailer. Took a few minutes to take measurements, attach the sticker, and input the info. But it’s all pretty simple really.