Ford->ke31 has just thrown a curve ball at its competition. For 2016, the F-150 can be optioned with an assist feature that makes backing trailers an easier chore. It’s called the Pro Trailer Backup Assist and it utilizes the F-150’s new electronic steering system to remove the counterintuitive steering required when reversing with a trailer.
It works by a hand-operated knob mounted low on the center console. When the transmission enters reverse, the system becomes operational. The driver simply rotates the knob left or right – in the same direction he or she needs the trailer to go – and the electronic system takes over the steering. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist removes the need for the driver to counter steer the truck – a task that can sometimes befuddle the best of us.
Ford hasn’t announced how much the option will cost, but figure around $500. Likewise, Ford has not announced any other vehicles this system will be offered in, but it’s a sure bet Pro Trailer Backup Assist will come on the next generation Super Duty pickups due out as 2017 models.
The Super Duty will feature many of the same advancements found in the 2015 F-150, including its aluminum body and its all-new interior. Yes, Ford will no longer offer such separate interior designs between the half-ton and heavy duty trucks. This falls in line with both General Motors->ke1024 and Ram,->ke4211 as neither automaker offer separate interior designs.
Expect to find 2016 F-150s hitting showroom floors in the fall of 2015.
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Why it Matters
Trailer backing is an art. Some folks are seemingly blessed with the ability, while others struggle to not cause property damage. Ford’s new Pro Trailer system will help these unblessed folks not embarrass themselves at the boat launch or in the driveway of their new house as they back in the moving trailer. First impressions are hard to overcome, after all.
Ford does say this systems isn’t just for the novices, but will also help speed up the time it take for an “expert” to back a trailer. Pro Trailer is Ford’s latest tech designed to help pulling a trailer easier. Everyone can appreciate the backup camera’s contributions to hooking up a trailer. Thankfully that system has been adopted across the pickup truck board. So has trailer sway control and integrated trailer brakes – both of which came from Ford’s R&D department.
For me, I would find it hard not to counter steer while backing a trailer. Here’s my pro-tip: Throw your right arm over the seat and look over that shoulder. Palm the wheel with your left hand for steering. Simply turn the wheel in the same direction as you need the back of the trailer to go. Don’t worry so much about what the truck is doing; just concentrate on the trailer. Of course, you’ll want to watch for object you may hit while swinging the front of the truck around. Small turns of the wheel are best and go easy of the throttle. Slow and steady wins this race.