F150 trailer backup option.

[Mike Trnka]

What I find funny is I see this no different than everyone on here that praises traction control and stabilitrack functions. If you couldn't handle the vehicle without them you honestly shouldn't have a drivers license either... in fact it's even worse. Most people I know struggle backing up the truck they drive by itself let alone with a trailer. This steers for you but still relies on your input. What I didn't see is if the truck corrects when backing straight up... I imagine it does. I don't think it's awful but I probably wouldn't use it... But for the majority of people that cant handle their vehicle this will be a god send.... much like the afforementioned functions I generally disable too. I still think it's neat technology though.

 

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I agree... all these things are, are just gadgets and gadgets will fail. And what happens when someone is relying on them to keep themselves and others safe...

 

Another thing I don't like about traction control/stabilitrack is its not looking at where the vehicle is going. It doesn't see that single tree in the clear field or that one ditch is clear and the other side is a river. I've hit black ice before at speed and since the vehicle didn't have traction control, I was able to use the vehicles power it keep it out of the tree filled ditch, I was fortunate that no other cars were near by and I was able to stay on the road and get the vehicle pointed back in the right direction.

 

At least this back up assistant isn't as big as a safety feature. Too bad I won't be able to laugh at the idiots that can't back up a trailer anymore.

[Daryl LBZ]

Just another ridiculous crutch for people who can't drive. Instead of revamping the system to teach people how to drive we just rely on electronics.

[KARNUT]

Most people who think they are super hero drivers would be in a ditch if it wasn't for traction control. Vehicles now days have way more hp and TQ than before those were implemented . I remember driving my dads 73 Caddy that was front drive, hit the gas too fast while turning you went straight. You learned the art of driving real quick back before traction control and anti lock brakes. Try stopping an old truck with non radial tires going down hill for fun. Keep the tec coming I feel lot safer driving along side all those nascar drivers out there while there pecking on their phone and putting on their make up.

 

 

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[jimlem]

I'm assuming it guns the trailer with the backup sensors to determine the angle of the trailer? I'm pretty sure when you option that feature they'd be required to revoke your man card.

 

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They revoke your man card as soon as you walk on the Ford lot. If you end up buying one of these models with the trailer "aayyhhheee help me I can't back a trailer" option, then they begin removing your real man parts with a chainsaw. Just learn to do it the old fashioned way in case your new Ford trailer backup assist option quits on you (as occasionally has happened with a Ford product or two in the past - so I hear). It really scares me that there are probably thousands of less than stellar drivers out there that bought a Ford just to rely on this B.S. or other nannies, in place of training and experience. God help us all.

 

Merry Christmas to all.!!!

[PMattras]

I am on the fence about it and most likely wouldn't get it. I think it is a good idea for some people that need it. It seems Ford and Ram comes out of the gate with something new way before Chevy. I remember the time (without backup cameras) where an empty light boat trailer or low utility trailer was hard to see while backing up especially when you had a cap on the box.

[Badass69]

Most people who think they are super hero drivers would be in a ditch if it wasn't for traction control. Vehicles now days have way more hp and TQ than before those were implemented . I remember driving my dads 73 Caddy that was front drive, hit the gas too fast while turning you went straight. You learned the art of driving real quick back before traction control and anti lock brakes. Try stopping an old truck with non radial tires going down hill for fun. Keep the tec coming I feel lot safer driving along side all those nascar drivers out there while there pecking on their phone and putting on their make up.

 

 

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Yeah and back then people actively had to learn how to drive.... How to maneuver on slippery surfaces. Hp and torque really don't mean much when the coefficient of friction of the road zero nears zero. I can still jump in my modified, lifted 86 K5 Blazer and go wherever my 2015 can... well.. further really lol. No abs or traction control there... God forbid a person has to drive. Even my 05 Sierra is nicer that has a Detroit locker out back.... no traction control beyond your right foot and it's only 10 years ago that truck was safe for the masses... I still would daily that 05 if I just didn't want something that isn't a rusting mess to represent my business. If you rely on that traction control trash to stay on the road you shouldn't have a license... and the problem is that you are correct that most people do because it's force fed on you. So it makes it easy to do everything but pay attention to the road. I don't see traction control saving to many morons now days though... they still end up upside down in the ditch where they belong eventually. Nothing is idiot proof.

 

What will be laughable with the Ford thing us the first time someone hits something using it.... guaranteed lawsuit because people love to think they will make a quick buck.

 

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[jimlem]

@PMattras- Agree! The thing that gets me is the guy driving via the back up camera screen in the dash along with the little knob. Ever try driving via a video screen in the car only? Truly impossible (no peripheral vision, to name a biggie). Just trying to follow a straight line in Drive for 100 feet is a harrowing experience , let alone all that turning in reverse. Don't ask how I know.

 

I really hope it helps someone because sitting jack knifed in a campground while your family and everyone else's sits around watching you really sucks. However, I would think you'd need to be the Pinball Wizard or whatever people today call very good video game players, to even have a chance of making it work.

[A.J._Langholff]

Maybe it will help shave some time at the boat ramp..? Most of those guys are luck to get it on the 4th try... lol I work at a marina I back trailers all day. But you'd be surprised how many ppl can't back up a trailer. Or there wife drops it off & says I can't back this thing up come help me. This might be a good seller for most ppl. Lol

[Mossyoakglock]

@PMattras- Agree! The thing that gets me is the guy driving via the back up camera screen in the dash along with the little knob. Ever try driving via a video screen in the car only? Truly impossible (no peripheral vision, to name a biggie). Just trying to follow a straight line in Drive for 100 feet is a harrowing experience , let alone all that turning in reverse. Don't ask how I know.

 

I really hope it helps someone because sitting jack knifed in a campground while your family and everyone else's sits around watching you really sucks. However, I would think you'd need to be the Pinball Wizard or whatever people today call very good video game players, to even have a chance of making it work.

Agree with you here. My girlfriend's car has the backup camera but my truck doesn't. When I drive her car I always use the mirrors and look out the windows and she says "Why don't you use the backup camera? I use it all the time and couldn't backup without one now."

 

I can't use those things. Probably because I've never had one on a daily driver and learned to backup the right way. By using mirrors and turning back and looking. I don't like the fish-eye view and you can't see side-to-side. The only reason I would like a camera is to better line up to a trailer or to see how close my trailer hitch is to the car if I'm backing into a spot.

 

How can you even use a camera when backing a trailer? Doesn't the camera only show the tongue? You can't see what's around you in the camera or see the wheels or end of the trailer.

[jimlem]

Agree with you here. My girlfriend's car has the backup camera but my truck doesn't. When I drive her car I always use the mirrors and look out the windows and she says "Why don't you use the backup camera? I use it all the time and couldn't backup without one now."

 

I can't use those things. Probably because I've never had one on a daily driver and learned to backup the right way. By using mirrors and turning back and looking. I don't like the fish-eye view and you can't see side-to-side. The only reason I would like a camera is to better line up to a trailer or to see how close my trailer hitch is to the car if I'm backing into a spot.

 

How can you even use a camera when backing a trailer? Doesn't the camera only show the tongue? You can't see what's around you in the camera or see the wheels or end of the trailer.

Agree 100%. Especially the paragraphs one and three. Too easy to get hooked on the camera only and "think" you're being safe but you're not really. You're missing a great deal in the periphery. I might glance at mine briefly backing out of a parking spot. It has helped me see a couple of times pedestrians in dark clothing, playing grab ass instead of moving away. It's good for that at least. I'm teaching my youngest to drive now. Before he's begun actually backing up, I'll let him look at the screen for a few seconds then tell him to ignore it the rest of the time. So far so good. It's just all the other driving "classes" that have turned my hair gray. lol

[PMattras]

I found it very hard with the blind spot behind the truck (approximately 40-50 feet) when you backing up a low trailer (no boat on it) or a very low utility trailer because you can't see it when I didn't have a backup camera. Some times I drop the tailgate but it didn't help because the trailer was lower than the tailgate. My backup camera gives me a great view of the rear as well has the hitch. These new trucks are higher up than the older trucks especially with a 4X4 and longer with a double door or crew cab.

 

 

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/03/the-danger-of-blind-zones/index.htm