Quick question about Fords pro back up assist.

[Joel/ak]

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

 

[MinnesotaEric]

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

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

 

[Rustyiron]

Yeah I think it's for the cul-de-sac crew with their first pickup and boat.
"Pro".... I'm not sure if it's a joke or insulting. It's akin to "pro" training wheels on your first bicycle.

 

[Joel/ak]

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

That's crazy shidt at some of those boat launches. I can see some street truck drivers looking out a window to see for clearance and inadvertently crank that dial all the way and jacknifes the trailer.

 

[not2old]

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

All this computer doing the driving is great for people who don't know how to drive. I ignore all the trailer stuff on my 2024 F350 except the cameras.

 

[not2old]

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

I've told people for years, that I go to the local provincial park boat launch for the entertainment. Half of them would be in serious trouble trying to launch in the river at the coast during the freshet with the current running at just a few knots.

 

[sandman2234]

I wonder how the Ford (or any other) system would do with the hardest thing that there is to back up, and no it isn't a 53 foot semi trailer. The hardest thing to back up in my opinion would probably be a cement mixer behind a 4 door long bed truck.
I am not the best backer-upper, but I do ok at it. Backing a boat into most boat ramps would be easy I would think. Now backing a cement mixer around to the back side of a house with a small backyard...YIKES!
David from jax

 

[Paystar]

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.

 

[Hughman]

Let's not forget rule number 1 at the boat launch (assuming they eventually get the boat trailer to the water's edge) which is to leave all the truck doors wide open while parked on the ramp.

Holiday weekends are a good time to break out the lawn chairs and watch the comedy.

 

[Drstrangeglove]

It's on my superduty, but I have never used it. I might id i did have to setup each trailer for it with stickers or something.

Also, I turned on backup brake assist to try out. I put a set of traffic cones behind me and backed up. When the truck put the brakes on, my back tire was centered on the cone. So it won't stop me from backing over kids. Its impossible to use when your trailer doesn't have lights.

 

[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.