Ford moves forward with new backup trailer technology for Ford F-150
I don’t know about you, but I consider myself a good driver — going forward, that is. However, I often admit that I am not as competent in reverse. It’s the same with pulling a trailer — but magnified. I went to a trailer-towing school two years ago and was a star pupil with all the maneuvers tested, with the exception of precision backup.
I’ve been waiting for Ford’s new Pro Trailer Backup Assist — but, who knew! I recently tried out this segment-first technology, available as an option on the 2016 Ford F-150, and am now a “pro” at backing up, too. Perfect for drivers of all skill levels, the backup aid will help with everyday maneuvers from parking an RV in your driveway to helping launch your boat at a waterway, or reversing your horse trailer on the ranch or range.
“Backing up a trailer can be hard to do, especially if you don’t tow very often,” said Mike Levine, Ford Truck Communications Manager. “The Ford Truck team came up with the idea for Pro Trailer Backup Assist about seven years ago, after watching some people struggle trying to put their boat in the water. With this technology, backing up a trailer is as easy as turning a knob. You steer the trailer where you want it to go and the truck takes care of the rest. Feedback so far is very positive, especially from people who rarely back up a trailer.”
Ford’s engineers developed the system using advanced backup camera technology. After testing it for many years, Ford has been awarded five patents, with ten more pending. Other systems such as automatic parking, lane keeping and electronic steering control technologies are added to the equation.
The operation is simple and somewhat instinctive; the driver turns a joystick-like knob on the dashboard in the direction of travel and the truck controls its steering and limits the vehicle speed, if needed. I tested the new technology on three courses: one track was a straight-forward backup with lanes within a cone course; a second course involved backing a trailer into a J-turn; and the third exercise was backing through a snaking course of cones. In each case, the truck and trailer backed with perfect control.
Some set-up is required. Six special checkerboard stickers come with the trailer tow package. Using a tape measure, it’s necessary to calculate distances from the stickers to particular locations; the distances then need to be input to the truck’s computer. For example, one sticker is affixed to the trailer’s tongue in view of the truck’s backup camera and the distance is measured from the backup camera to the center of the sticker. Other parameters include the distance from the license plate to the center hitch ball and from the center hitch ball to the sticker, plus the distance from the tailgate to the center of the trailer’s axle — or axles. Furthermore, the computer can store information on up to ten trailers.
The new Pro Backup Assist has not been priced; it will be available by the end of the year.