Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-08-2016, 02:30 AM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
2018 25' International
Sioux Falls , South Dakota
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 68
Images: 2
Blog Entries: 1
Cool Anybody have experience with Ford's New "Pro Trailer Backup Assist"?

Anybody have experience with Ford's New "Pro Trailer Backup Assist"?

I known it started with the 2016 F150. Now, I think it's also available on their new 2017 SuperDuty Rigs.

Like to know if its true that it "improves driver confidence by letting the driver steer the trailer instinctively as they control the accelerator and brakes, while the truck takes care of the rest."??
DaytonaDan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2016, 02:50 AM   #2
3 Rivet Member
 
Seattle , USA
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 199
LOL I don't know but it sounds like a baaaaaaaad accident waiting to happen!

If you can't back up a trailer you shouldn't own one.

I'll wait for the YouTube videos of trailers slamming into picnic tables and trees...

RareStream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2016, 03:17 AM   #3
4 Rivet Member
 
1991 25' Excella
Stanfield , Oregon
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 317
It's nothing more than a gimmick enabling you to back up a trailer with no knowledge on what your doing. Dont waste your money!
SpletKay06 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2016, 05:20 AM   #4
Rivet Master
 
Rich Jenkins's Avatar
 
Tavares , Florida
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,052
Sounds cool.

How does it work?
__________________
“Character is doing the right thing when nobody’s looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that’s right is to get by, and the only thing that’s wrong is to get caught.” - J.C. Watts Jr.
Rich Jenkins is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2016, 05:40 AM   #5
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
Mantua , Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,062
Blog Entries: 2
Yea, self driving cars are the thing. Ask that Tesla driver in Florida.
xrvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2016, 07:03 AM   #6
4 Rivet Member
 
truxpin's Avatar
 
2001 34' Limited
Tucson , Arizona
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 273
Ugh!!! Is this a real thing? Some of the new tech in modern day vehicles is just beyond my comprehension.....
__________________
2013 Ram Power Wagon 2500 4X4 5.7 Hemi
2001 Airstream '34 Limited
Hensley Arrow

Fulltime in 2013 and LOVING it !!
truxpin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2016, 07:41 AM   #7
Rivet Master
 
AWCHIEF's Avatar
 
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi , Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
Images: 33
Yes it is a real thing. Google is your friend.
__________________
MICHAEL

Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
AWCHIEF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2016, 08:50 AM   #8
2 Rivet Member
 
2018 25' International
Sioux Falls , South Dakota
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 68
Images: 2
Blog Entries: 1
Cool Here's the Video Link for Ford's New "Pro Trailer Backup Assist".

http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/gall.../FMFT1212000H/

It looks cool, however, I think an Airstream trailer height would block the truck's backup camera's view.

Maybe it can be combined with the new Airstream WiFi backup camera/video screen to augment the driver's view.

Has anyone had Experience with this new Ford system?
DaytonaDan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2016, 09:02 AM   #9
Lost in America
 
mojo's Avatar
 
2015 27' FB International
2006 25' Safari FB SE
2004 19' International CCD
Santa Fe , New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,151
Just saw an article about eliminating side view mirrors on cars with the advent of all these 360° cameras. But with cars driving themselves, we'll have plenty of time to watch the dashboard video screen!
__________________
This is the strangest life I've ever known - J. Morrison

2015 Airstream International Serenity 27FB
2017
Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax Diesel

mojo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2016, 09:08 AM   #10
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
Mantua , Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,062
Blog Entries: 2
That's what killed the Tesla driver, watching a video as the reports say.
xrvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2016, 09:25 AM   #11
Moderator
 
DKB_SATX's Avatar

 
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Alamo Heights , Texas
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,500
Images: 1
Blog Entries: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaytonaDan View Post
http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/gall.../FMFT1212000H/

It looks cool, however, I think an Airstream trailer height would block the truck's backup camera's view.

Maybe it can be combined with the new Airstream WiFi backup camera/video screen to augment the driver's view.

Has anyone had Experience with this new Ford system?
The Ford trailer backup assist uses the truck's rear camera to monitor the angle of the trailer with respect to the truck. The driver is expected to use the truck's side mirrors and/or a spotter to monitor what's behind and around the trailer itself.
__________________
— David

Zero Gravitas — 2017 Flying Cloud 26U | WBCCI# 15566

He has all of the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire. — Sir Winston Churchill
DKB_SATX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2016, 09:44 AM   #12
3 Rivet Member
 
2017 25' International
Joliet , Illinois
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 154
Quote:
Originally Posted by rarestream View Post
lol i don't know but it sounds like a baaaaaaaad accident waiting to happen!

If you can't back up a trailer you shouldn't own one.

I'll wait for the youtube videos of trailers slamming into picnic tables and trees...

x 2!!!
bel73 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2016, 01:04 PM   #13
Rivet Master
 
Rich Jenkins's Avatar
 
Tavares , Florida
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,052
Quote:
Originally Posted by Llando88 View Post
Sounds cool.



How does it work?


It seems:

A knob controls truck steering box. The feedback loop is the driver is supposed to turn the knob in the direction the trailer is supposed to go.

Right.

1) I turn the bottom of the wheel in the direction I want the trailer to go.

2) My wife tells my which direction via our Motorola Walkie-Talkies.

3) I'm ultimately responsible for ending up in the RV spot and straight enough to drop the hitch.
__________________
“Character is doing the right thing when nobody’s looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that’s right is to get by, and the only thing that’s wrong is to get caught.” - J.C. Watts Jr.
Rich Jenkins is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2016, 01:08 PM   #14
2 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
Seattle , Washington
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 64
It works fine/as advertised.

You still need to know what's behind you - won't protect you from stupid.
vito98103 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2016, 01:14 PM   #15
Vaquitaboss
 
2011 23' FB Flying Cloud
Lithia , Florida
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 10
I just purchased a 'demo' F150 King Ranch, and that feature was on it. I really enjoy backing trailers the old fashioned way as it sometimes is a challenge to get the trailer where I want it. But....

I did take the time to calibrate the system, and on my FC 23 FB, I had to create an aluminum addition to the tongue to apply the included sticker to. Once calibrated, the function was pretty cool to use. I don't think I would pay for that feature, but it IMO, it is not just a gimmick.
vaquitaboss is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2016, 02:28 PM   #16
Rivet Master
 
Ray Eklund's Avatar
 
2019 27' International
2014 25' International
2006 23' Safari SE
Boulder City , Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,703
Maybe a useful Gimmick with practice

Just over 200 miles on my 2106 F350 King Ranch, I noticed the feature when adjusting my Equalizer Hitch to align with my trailer with a different tow vehicle.

The rear view camera is clear and the 'feature' has a center alignment of the ball as you back up towards the trailer's hitch on the screen. The center line does help to center the connection.

As I get within two or three feet, I depend on my wife to finish with our usual driver watching hand signals. Small movements of the steering wheel affect the center alignment line on the screen, as you back up. It was accurate and would be a valuable tool for a solo driver.

With more experience the feature may assist me as intended... a solo connecting tow vehicle to trailer. After years of my wife and I as a team effort, it may be quicker to get close and make a perfect NASA maneuver to 'dock'.

I will know more as we travel. A solo driver would have to make sure that the trailer is high enough to clear the ball when backing up.
__________________
Human Bean
Ray Eklund is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2016, 05:01 PM   #17
2 Rivet Member
 
Off-we-go's Avatar
 
2007 19' Safari SE
Marina , California
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 38
I have it on my 2016 F150 and it does not work with my Hensley Cub.
Off-we-go is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2016, 05:25 PM   #18
4 Rivet Member
 
NWRVR's Avatar
 
2015 30' Classic
Sherwood , Oregon
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 479
Blog Entries: 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray Eklund View Post
Just over 200 miles on my 2106 F350 King Ranch, I noticed the feature when adjusting my Equalizer Hitch to align with my trailer with a different tow vehicle.

The rear view camera is clear and the 'feature' has a center alignment of the ball as you back up towards the trailer's hitch on the screen. The center line does help to center the connection.

As I get within two or three feet, I depend on my wife to finish with our usual driver watching hand signals. Small movements of the steering wheel affect the center alignment line on the screen, as you back up. It was accurate and would be a valuable tool for a solo driver.

With more experience the feature may assist me as intended... a solo connecting tow vehicle to trailer. After years of my wife and I as a team effort, it may be quicker to get close and make a perfect NASA maneuver to 'dock'.

I will know more as we travel. A solo driver would have to make sure that the trailer is high enough to clear the ball when backing up.
Ray, I have a 2016, not as new as your 2106 (-; but it has the same trailer hookup aid and I use it solo, after a few times of using it I can now have the ball under the receiver the first time. The hardest part is when you get close it can be difficult to have the depth perception to see that the ball is actually under the receiver, not too far back. If you push the "+" sign in the upper left corner of the screen it magnifies the view so you can more accurately get the ball in the right place.

Steve
__________________
2015 Classic 30A, Blue OX Sway Pro, 2016 F350 4x4 Ultimate Lariat crew cab SRW, LWB, 6.7 PSD, 20" wheels, Ingot Silver Metallic, DiamondBack tonneau cover, TrailFX wheel-to-wheel step bars.
Sold: 2014 25FB International Serenity
NWRVR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2016, 12:07 AM   #19
Silver Star
 
rucos's Avatar
 
1970 23' Safari
Victoria , British Columbia
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 352
i use the backup camera on the Tundra to connect to the trailer now all the time ... i can usually get it on one go and love it! ....never liked having to have someone back me onto the hitch and this eliminates it totally ....it takes some getting use to but once your over the learning curve your set..... this is not a back up the trailer system though.
rucos is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2016, 06:33 AM   #20
2 Rivet Member
 
2016 26' Flying Cloud
Punta Gorda, Florida , Florida
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 42
F150 back up assist

What an appropriate time for this question. I have a F150 with this option. This weekend I attempted to set up the system for my FC 26u. I read the instructions twice. (that's 2 times more than I usually read instructions) Took the measurements twice. When I entered the last number (the distance between the tailgate and the center of both axles) the computer said I was outside the allowable distance, so it would not accept my entry. I took photos of the sticker placement,so, today its off to the Ford dealer. My next entry will detail Ford's response.
Silver Pony is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Opinions on F150/Pro Backup Assist/25'+ clamb Tow Vehicles 39 09-29-2017 11:56 AM
Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist BW1 Tow Vehicles 10 09-17-2017 06:43 AM
Ford's Pro Trailer assist sroach Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 2 01-12-2016 08:11 AM
Pro trailer back up assist Papa smurf Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 0 01-11-2016 12:48 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:09 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.