Trailer Backup Assist

[bigb]

Is anyone using it? I got mine set up today and, well let's just say I am underwhelmed. I don't know what I was expecting but from what I can see it's basically to help people who get confused about which way to turn the steering wheel when backing a trailer.
Somehow I thought it would help on my small utility trailer because I cannot see it in the mirrors until it starts to angle, that's when I make my steering adjustments, same as with the Backup Assist knob. Still can't see the trailer any better. There is a simulated graphic that shows the angle of the trailer but it is simulated so you don't see the surroundings. I suspect it's better to just use the trailer side view camera setting, at least this way you can see what you're getting close to.

Just curious if I'm missing something. Admittedly I've only used it today for the first time. I'll have to try it out on a long, straight backup as I've heard it can be useful in that scenario.

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[some_guy]

i tried to use it for shits and giggles and it sort of worked until the trailer turned 15° or so from the truck, then it "couldnt detect it" even though the stickers were still in plain view of the camera.

 

[Dingus83]

Not to sound like an old man but I’ve been backing up trailers for so long I’m afraid my brain will short circuit if I try to use the Pro backup system.

 

[landiscarrier]

I used it with my short kayak trailer and I thought it worked well. But next time I tried to use it, said I had to set it up again. I didn’t want to do all that again so I just back up.

 

[lwwJohn]

I got mine setup with a 20' pontoon boat trailer. Totally not what I expected. I, too, have been backing trailers for decades. I tried to use the knob, but for me it was counter intuitive. It's way faster to turn off the backup assist and do it the old fashioned way. I think it is designed for Millennials and younger people that have played video games from birth.

 

[johnalan]

I had mine set up initially and it was working fine. After I took my Ranger for a software upgrade, the backup assist no longer worked. I tried multiple times to set it up with no luck. Very disappointing.

 

[fastlane]

I have it on my 26 and had it on our previous truck (21 f150). Tried it once in the f150 and never again. Did not find it useful. Maybe someone who has never backed a trailer might find it handy?

I got our 26 with the tech tow pkg simply for the brake controller and the side cameras….those are actually useful…..signal a turn and it shows a decent wide angle to the side and behind you…..better than the towing mirrors I initially strapped on.

 

[Hurricane_Whisperer]

I have it on my 26 and had it on our previous truck (21 f150). Tried it once in the f150 and never again. Did not find it useful. Maybe someone who has never backed a trailer might find it handy?

I got our 26 with the tech tow pkg simply for the brake controller and the side cameras….those are actually useful…..signal a turn and it shows a decent wide angle to the side and behind you…..better than the towing mirrors I initially strapped on.

It sounds like there are two parts of the system.

1. The knob gimmick.

2. Useful things like factory integrated brake controllers and extra rear facing cameras.

For me hitching up and backing up a trailer has always been about being able to see or have someone back there that knows what needs to be accomplished and how to use hand signals properly to guide the driver. I would add that the signal person needs to be able to know how to position themselves so they can be seen by the driver.

Ford should focus on providing good cameras in good positions. That’s what we need.

It would be good if they offered an easy way to integrate trailer mounted cameras. At least, 2. 3 might be better.

Does anybody have a screen shot when backing a trailer with the advanced system? Would love to know what you get as far as the extra camera view.

I would buy just for the factory brake controller alone.

 

[kkger]

Love the mirror cameras. Only thing the assist helped me with was keeping a trailer straight down an unfamiliar dark narrow driveway. Otherwise anyone halfway competent would be better off not using.

 

[bigb]

Love the mirror cameras. Only thing the assist helped me with was keeping a trailer straight down an unfamiliar dark narrow driveway. Otherwise anyone halfway competent would be better off not using.

Do you use the trailer side view camera when backing? Seems like it would be the way to go. A little spooky at first with a smaller trailer because you don't actually see the trailer when it's straight.

 

[johnalan]

Unfortunately, mine did not come with additional side cameras. Just the one in the rear.

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