Trailer Camera Question
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 295
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Trailer Camera Question
I didn't get my truck as yet so I borrowed a truck to pick up my new dump trailer. I've never towed anything before and you all would have laughed your a$$es off to see me trying to park this thing. I almost jack knifed it 3 times, almost got stuck between a car and a building, and I kept backing up the trailer to it initial position from where I started.
Its a 6' x 12' tandem 5 tonne dump trailer.
I think I need a trailer camera for this thing. What do you all use? Did you go with the Ford integrated trailer camera or an aftermarket wireless type?
Its a 6' x 12' tandem 5 tonne dump trailer.
I think I need a trailer camera for this thing. What do you all use? Did you go with the Ford integrated trailer camera or an aftermarket wireless type?
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 512
Likes: 7
From: Maine
My suggestion is learn to back the trailer... the camera is only going to confuse the situation unless you learn how to properly maneuver without one.
take the truck and trailer to a large parking lot and practice. Once you learn the basics you will be more confident ....
take the truck and trailer to a large parking lot and practice. Once you learn the basics you will be more confident ....
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 295
Likes: 1
My suggestion is learn to back the trailer... the camera is only going to confuse the situation unless you learn how to properly maneuver without one.
take the truck and trailer to a large parking lot and practice. Once you learn the basics you will be more confident ....
take the truck and trailer to a large parking lot and practice. Once you learn the basics you will be more confident ....
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 512
Likes: 7
From: Maine
IWe have all been there at one point or another. it really isn't that hard once you figure out the mechanics of backing with a trailer. the key is to go slow and learn to back it straight first. Once you can back it in a straight line for 50 or more feet then you can move on to turns.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 376
Likes: 3
Like glrret said camera may just confused you more, camera it's gonna help you to see where you going not how to get there
Maybe the backup assistance will help you a little but mostly it's practice, practice and more practice
Maybe the backup assistance will help you a little but mostly it's practice, practice and more practice
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 92
Likes: 8
From: Central New York
I would agree with other posts - learn how to back up a trailer in a parking lot without any cameras.
But to answer the original question, in my mind, there is no way I would buy a SuperDuty without the camera package. I skipped the tow tech bundle, but got the cameras. That 360 degree view is awesome for seeing objects around the truck or lines on a parking space. When backing a trailer you can use the stitched view that shows the view down both sides plus behind. I have not seen an aftermarket camera with that feature. I didn't even realize that view was an option until my 15 year old son showed it to me.
I do find it a little confusing or distracting sometimes in trying to decide when to look at the camera and when to just use the mirrors like I always have. I'm trying hard not to rely too much on the cameras, but they are great tool for watching for objects around the truck while maneuvering in tight spots.
If you want camera - hands down I would say go for the factory setup.
But to answer the original question, in my mind, there is no way I would buy a SuperDuty without the camera package. I skipped the tow tech bundle, but got the cameras. That 360 degree view is awesome for seeing objects around the truck or lines on a parking space. When backing a trailer you can use the stitched view that shows the view down both sides plus behind. I have not seen an aftermarket camera with that feature. I didn't even realize that view was an option until my 15 year old son showed it to me.
I do find it a little confusing or distracting sometimes in trying to decide when to look at the camera and when to just use the mirrors like I always have. I'm trying hard not to rely too much on the cameras, but they are great tool for watching for objects around the truck while maneuvering in tight spots.
If you want camera - hands down I would say go for the factory setup.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2017
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I'd have to agree, the camera won't help you learn the basics of trailering. It might also be too much information overload for a bit. And don't be shy about getting a helper to spot you while you learn. No shame in that. Most of us have probably done that......
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From: Weatherford Texas.
I have all the cameras also, I end up relying on the mirrors mostly when backing a trailer. The stitched view is good for added reference and to help a little when backing between other trailers. I only use the camera on the back of the trailer to make sure I don't back into a wall or tree. Just go slow and as said above practice in a parking lot. Once you can back straight, use the parking space lines and practice backing turns into the spaces.
New User
Joined: Jun 2017
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Do you have access to a larger/longer trailer you could practice with? A short-ish (12'), narrow-ish (6') trailer will be more reactive and thus harder to backup smoothly than say a 25'x8' one. Once you've mastered the process the mechanics are the same for both but it's a little easier to catch on with with the longer unit when you're new. If not, just keep thinking small adjustments, take your time, and practice...
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2017
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I'll cast another vote for the camera system being a great option in general (tight parking lots in particular), but it doesn't really solve the learning to backup a trailer equation.
Do you have access to a larger/longer trailer you could practice with? A short-ish (12'), narrow-ish (6') trailer will be more reactive and thus harder to backup smoothly than say a 25'x8' one. Once you've mastered the process the mechanics are the same for both but it's a little easier to catch on with with the longer unit when you're new. If not, just keep thinking small adjustments, take your time, and practice...
Do you have access to a larger/longer trailer you could practice with? A short-ish (12'), narrow-ish (6') trailer will be more reactive and thus harder to backup smoothly than say a 25'x8' one. Once you've mastered the process the mechanics are the same for both but it's a little easier to catch on with with the longer unit when you're new. If not, just keep thinking small adjustments, take your time, and practice...
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 95
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I didn't get my truck as yet so I borrowed a truck to pick up my new dump trailer. I've never towed anything before and you all would have laughed your a$$es off to see me trying to park this thing. I almost jack knifed it 3 times, almost got stuck between a car and a building, and I kept backing up the trailer to it initial position from where I started.
Its a 6' x 12' tandem 5 tonne dump trailer.
I think I need a trailer camera for this thing. What do you all use? Did you go with the Ford integrated trailer camera or an aftermarket wireless type?
Its a 6' x 12' tandem 5 tonne dump trailer.
I think I need a trailer camera for this thing. What do you all use? Did you go with the Ford integrated trailer camera or an aftermarket wireless type?
Tip: Put your hand on the bottom of the wheel. Move the wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go. If you want the trailer to move to the right, move your hand on the wheel to the right.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 420
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From: Antelope, CA
I have the ultimate camera system and really like it. Highly recommended.
Tip: Put your hand on the bottom of the wheel. Move the wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go. If you want the trailer to move to the right, move your hand on the wheel to the right.
Tip: Put your hand on the bottom of the wheel. Move the wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go. If you want the trailer to move to the right, move your hand on the wheel to the right.