Have you guys seen this feature on the 2016 F-150's?

I don't think the 2017 SD will have this feature but I think I would much rather have the camera (available with the 2017 SD) mounted on the back of my trailer (28' Enclosed Race Trailer) so i can actually see behind the trailer vs. looking at the front of the trailer via the tail gate camera.

What are your thoughts?

 

I see no need for it.

 

Agreed! If your trailer is blocking your view, i think it would be more dangerous than good.

Put a wireless camera on the back of the trailer so you can see where you need to go... That wold be useful.

 

It looks like this tech is for smaller trailers like a boat trailer. It wouldn't help me with a long fifth wheel as it can't see past the front landing gear. The remote camera will definitely be useful. My biggest problem when backing by myself is I can't see if I'm two feet or two inches from the back of the trailer to the fence.

Watching the guy actually trying it out, I noticed he never looked up from the screen. That's got to be a problem. I can see some front fenders bumping into stuff when you're so vapor-locked on the backup screen.

 

That was my thought exactly! More prone to a fender bender than anything.

 

I am new to backing trailers and we have 34' 10" travel trailer and I have to back it down my driveway with two big ditches on each side. I think this would be great tech on the SD, but also like the idea of a camera.

So far I have put it in my driveway about six times since we got it and I am getting better, but this would probably help a newb like me.

 

Hey bowler, you should search your area and see if there are any lesson for trailering available. Learning new skills is never something to be embarrassed about and getting pointers in controlled difficult situations will be a lot better than learning the hard way backing in to a tight camp site and taking the side of the trailer or truck off.

 

Just a thought, take your trailer to an empty store parking lot with some cones and practice threading the cones from all directions, with and without help. I learned to back trailers by backing the boat down the ramp when I was 13/14. It's just instinct for me, but I've seen others who couldn't put a 8' wide trailer through a 30' wide door without taking out at least one, if not both, sides of the door.

Side note, the longer the trailer, the easier it is to back up. If you really want some fun, try backing up a tiny 8' utility trailer!

 

I have practiced, I took it out where I keep it stored, laid out my mailbox and driveway with cones and practices about 4~5 times there before I ever took it home. My biggest issue at home is the time, there are alot of cars on my street and they get pissed so I panic and rush. I am getting better, but I still need lots of practice. Just saying this might help me, but my uncle said it will just make more stupid drivers.

 

Good lord...... lets dumb down drivers even more.....

 

Pro Trailer Assist won't be available on the '17 Super Duty because it's going to still use hydraulic power steering. The F150 uses electric power steering that can be controlled by the PCM, which enables the truck to actually turn the wheel to match input from the Pro Trailer Assist system.

Lots of folks decry the system in the F150 forums, but I think it's a great idea. There are lots of people who aren't very good at backing trailers, and a feature like this may prevent accidents. Of course Epic makes a good point about focusing your attention on the backup camera, situational awareness is important even when using tools like this. I was a professional truck driver for a few years and consider myself pretty good with a trailer, so I doubt I'd ever use it. But if it prevents someone from backing into my truck I'll consider that a WIN.

 

Excellent input! I was looking at photos of the 2017 SD and looking for the button on the dash but didn't see it. For me personally who is taking delivery of a 28' extra tall race trailer in a few months and store it in a 30' stall at a storage lot. I am most excited for the camera on the back of the trailer so i can see behind the trailer while backing it in. I can handle the backing part just fine!

 

I read somewhere that Ford considers Super Duty drivers as already having good backing skills and therefore don't need the assist. But what Tom said makes more sense. If the Super Duty had electric power steering you can bet the feature would be made available.

This brings up another question for me as I wonder about the reliability and longevity of electric vs hydraulic. Is this the beginning of the end for our old tried and true hydraulic steering? I'd be ok with that.

 

If you think you need this option then you don't need to be towing a trailer.

 

I imagine that's going to be true eventually. EPS has its advantages, but the downside is replacement cost. I haven't looked up every possible application, but the EPS motor isn't separately serviceable in the F150 or the Sienna that we used to have. Both require the replacement of the entire assembly when they fail, and the part is over $1,000 in both cases.