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

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Silver Pony

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.

It it looking for your input in feet or inches? And did you input inches instead of feet? Just a guess on my part....

[Army6804]

Bought our 2016 F-150 a few months ago and it came with Trailer assist. Pretty much a waste of time. The concept is you turn the knob in the direction you want the AS to go. Unfortunately it's not very smooth. I tried it a number of times and found it difficult. The swing of the AS was always more drastic than when I controlled the wheel ( but I've been trailering boats a very long time). But their backup camera trailer system is great. Once you match the AS hitch to the system. You never have to get out of the truck to check. You feel like you're hooking up to the space station. QUOTE=DaytonaDan;1817298]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."??[/QUOTE]

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Army6804

Bought our 2016 F-150 a few months ago and it came with Trailer assist. Pretty much a waste of time. The concept is you turn the knob in the direction you want the AS to go. Unfortunately it's not very smooth. I tried it a number of times and found it difficult. The swing of the AS was always more drastic than when I controlled the wheel ( but I've been trailering boats a very long time). But their backup camera trailer system is great. Once you match the AS hitch to the system. You never have to get out of the truck to check. You feel like you're hooking up to the space station. QUOTE=DaytonaDan;1817298]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."??

[/QUOTE]

I have a friend who is ordering a 2017 23D FC, and F150; he said the new AS will synch backup camera with his F150 display. Anyone else here of this? Could be coordinated with entire back up system, which would make sense...

[silverlabs]

I may be incorrect on this but on the 2017 Super Duty, from what I understand it does not have the back assist like the F150, but does have a calibration process in order for the blind spot indicators to work, including your trailer and will help with visualizing the angle of your trailer in relation to the truck. It doesn't allow you to "turn the knob" and back but does give you a better visualization when backing. On the Super Duty it is called Trailer Reverse Guidance system. There are some documents already out which explain the setup of the stickers on the trailer and an overview of the feature.

Chuck

[Hudsoncamp]

Would love to see a photo of the aluminum plate for the sticker.

[vaquitaboss]

Good morning. It's a little tough to see the plate on the tongue, and I hope this helps. I made a cardboard pattern, then used very thin aluminum purchased at home Depot. A fine tooth sabre saw blade did the rest. I painted it with rustoleum . It does slide under the tongue jack.

We are in the middle of a six week trip now, and I like the way the back up feature works. It does take a bit to get used to, and well worth sticking with it.

Good luck, and thanks for asking.

Richard.

[Mach5]

Originally Posted by vaquitaboss

We are in the middle of a six week trip now, and I like the way the back up feature works. It does take a bit to get used to, and well worth sticking with it.

Thanks for that informative post; a picture is worth a thousand words.

[joshjack]

Originally Posted by DaytonaDan

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?

Actually there's an optional wireless camera that is part of the FORD system to put on the back of your trailer. That's probably the best part of this whole thing; not the backup assist knob.

[Caffeinated]

Originally Posted by vito98103

It works fine/as advertised.

You still need to know what's behind you - won't protect you from stupid.

As soon as someone comes out with a tow rig that will protect you from stupid, I'm buying it.

Mike

[Pete B55]

I have a 2017 250 on order and looked into the optional trailer camera and TPMS system. The Ford trailer camera is a wired system and the TPMS is wireless

[mandolindave]

One more thing to break?????? $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I have a wireless backup camera for hitching up. Used it a few times. Meh!!!

I might hook it up to the back of the trailer, where it MIGHT be more useful.

I might have told this story but it's such a good story…..

Before I installed my backup camera, my step son dropped in for a visit and notice the camera system, brand new in the box, and exclaimed, " THIS IS SO COOL LET'S HOOK IT UP !!!!!!" So we did

After installation to the tow vehicle, it was time for the test. I was hoping for a clear shot of my trailer but no dice. I couldn't figure out WHAT I was looking at. Then I heard big time laughter….and figured it out. My step son was mooning the camera…..up close…….WAY up close. I laughed for a few weeks.

[AppleAir]

Several people who are negative to Ford's Trailer Assist have obviously never used it. The keyword is "Assist". It won't backup for you. I've used it for a year and think it is great. I can backup with it or without it and prefer with it. If you pay attention and watch the steering react to your use of the Trailer Assist knob you can actually learn how to manually backup if you are new to the action.

[Jewel65]

I'll stick with my old 03 f150. Just added a new stereo, 4 new speakers and a backup camera much cheaper than buying a new truck! I love the backup camera and am thinking about wiring one up on the back of the Airstream too. I'll keep keep that 40-60k and invest it in Apple stock thank you.

[M. Smith]

Originally Posted by Silver Pony

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.

Did you ever get a response from the Ford dealer?
I just bought a new 2017 F150 with the trailer backup assist system and haven't set it up yet. My Pro-Pride hitch on my 25'FC may extend that length, plus it looks like the trailer brake safety release may block placement of the sticker on the tongue.

[Doodad]

I have a friend who is ordering a 2017 23D FC, and F150; he said the new AS will synch backup camera with his F150 display. Anyone else here of this? Could be coordinated with entire back up system, which would make sense...[/QUOTE]

My understanding is that with the F150 360* camera package you install a separate camera to the rear of the AS which is wired to the TV. That camera will feed into the truck's display. The ultimate camera package also allows the TPMS to show on the truck display.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Doodad

I have a friend who is ordering a 2017 23D FC, and F150; he said the new AS will synch backup camera with his F150 display. Anyone else here of this? Could be coordinated with entire back up system, which would make sense...

My understanding is that with the F150 360* camera package you install a separate camera to the rear of the AS which is wired to the TV. That camera will feed into the truck's display. The ultimate camera package also allows the TPMS to show on the truck display.[/QUOTE]

Have not tried the automated back up assist yet. Planning to do that shortly. Right now, my wife is my assist!

I was told in order to synch for backup trailer camera, you need the Ford camera package. Also, the TPMS built into the Ford for trailer, is pretty expensive; like $250 per axle? Anyway, I have been using the AS camera with monitor sitting on my dash...not ideal, but no issues. Would be nice if it would synch...