5th vs Conventional Trailer Setup
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2019
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5th vs Conventional Trailer Setup
What is the difference between how ProTrailer Backup Assist / BLIS / etc work in terms of configuring a trailer in the truck?
I have configured and pulled both types of trailers, used the stickers for conventional and used yaw sensors on 5th wheels, and I have come to prefer the yaw sensor just because it is one less thing to keep clean on the trailer. I installed the yaw sensor on a conventional trailer along with the TMPS receiver and customer-placed camera, then realized that when I select 'conventional' as the trailer type as it is a conventional bumper pull, it is looking for the sticker.
So, I am looking to learn if the truck treats the backup assist / trailer sway control / etc the same regardless of the type of trailer outside of whether It uses the camera/sticker or yaw sensor. My worry is that whatever algorithm it uses would be wonky if I chose 5th wheel to make the yaw sensor work when pulling my conventional bumper pull trailer.
Thoughts?
Thanks
I have configured and pulled both types of trailers, used the stickers for conventional and used yaw sensors on 5th wheels, and I have come to prefer the yaw sensor just because it is one less thing to keep clean on the trailer. I installed the yaw sensor on a conventional trailer along with the TMPS receiver and customer-placed camera, then realized that when I select 'conventional' as the trailer type as it is a conventional bumper pull, it is looking for the sticker.
So, I am looking to learn if the truck treats the backup assist / trailer sway control / etc the same regardless of the type of trailer outside of whether It uses the camera/sticker or yaw sensor. My worry is that whatever algorithm it uses would be wonky if I chose 5th wheel to make the yaw sensor work when pulling my conventional bumper pull trailer.
Thoughts?
Thanks
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 752
Likes: 519
Well, I be interested to hear what folks say, as I have had the pro trailer back up assist for a couple years and pull both fivers and tags. I have not used the system or even set it up... I think primarily because backing trailers the old way is not stressful or unappealing to me, and because dealing with and setting up techy stuff is often stressful and unappealing to me.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2019
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What I don't know is what else changes between the two settings. I wonder if the system will do anything silly when using yaw on a conventional since the rates would 'theoretically' be quite different depending on how far back the yaw sensor is on the trailer. On my flatbed, I mounted the sensor as far forward on the neck as possible, maybe 6" back from the pin. On the bumper-pull, it's probably 6' behind the gooseneck pin in the bed since it's on the first cross-member under the trailer.
If we don't have someone chime in that actually has knowledge of how the truck looks at the data, I'll be the guinea pig. hah.
edit: I just realized that it shouldn't matter because you have to go through a calibration procedure with every trailer. So yeah, will try tomorrow and circle back with results.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2020
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I thought that when I first set it up for my 5th wheel 44 foot toyhauler, I would have to enter measurements like length of trailer, distance to axles, number of axles, etc. It didn't require any inputs at all, just drive, turn, then drive straight again.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 669
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The yaw sensor can be used on a conventional trailer with Pro Trailer Back up Assist on the Super Duty, so long as you configure your TT as if it were a gooseneck/5th wheel. You might also have to add the 12 pin connector for your tag plug or plug into the in bed plug. Whether or not this will have any negative affect on the truck’s anti sway technology when towing down the highway; I have no idea ….. my guess is that it won’t matter.
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Cross-Country
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Well, it calibrated just fine. Backup assist works fine as well, I was backing slowly, but it didn't let me jackknife. The only negative so far is that the BLIS system doesn't work with 5th wheels or goosenecks - which I had forgotten. I don't use that system towing, but FYI for future thread readers.
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Difference is in pivot point. Conventional puts the pivot as the rear of the truck while 5th/goose puts it on the axle. The differences are that if you were to back a 5th as conventional, it would not turn properly, the break points would be completely wrong. Same would go doing a conventional as a 5th wheel.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
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Well, it calibrated just fine. Backup assist works fine as well, I was backing slowly, but it didn't let me jackknife. The only negative so far is that the BLIS system doesn't work with 5th wheels or goosenecks - which I had forgotten. I don't use that system towing, but FYI for future thread readers.
You can set the length within the parameters (28' I think?) and blind spot will work. I didn't notice any difference using the assist. I don't use the assist much, it is too 'fast' of a steering wheel movement for me. But, it is fun to play with.
I did my usual backup 1000' plus yesterday picking up my 5th wheel at the storage yard. It is kind of neat to back in a straight line for that distance hands free. And if you haven't noticed, speed in reverse using the assist is limited.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2019
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Blind spot doesn't work because of length on my boat trailer.
You can set the length within the parameters (28' I think?) and blind spot will work. I didn't notice any difference using the assist. I don't use the assist much, it is too 'fast' of a steering wheel movement for me. But, it is fun to play with.
I did my usual backup 1000' plus yesterday picking up my 5th wheel at the storage yard. It is kind of neat to back in a straight line for that distance hands free. And if you haven't noticed, speed in reverse using the assist is limited.
You can set the length within the parameters (28' I think?) and blind spot will work. I didn't notice any difference using the assist. I don't use the assist much, it is too 'fast' of a steering wheel movement for me. But, it is fun to play with.
I did my usual backup 1000' plus yesterday picking up my 5th wheel at the storage yard. It is kind of neat to back in a straight line for that distance hands free. And if you haven't noticed, speed in reverse using the assist is limited.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2020
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1. Trailer detected.
2. BLIS disabled.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 669
Likes: 179
Blind spot doesn't work because of length on my boat trailer.
You can set the length within the parameters (28' I think?) and blind spot will work. I didn't notice any difference using the assist. I don't use the assist much, it is too 'fast' of a steering wheel movement for me. But, it is fun to play with.
I did my usual backup 1000' plus yesterday picking up my 5th wheel at the storage yard. It is kind of neat to back in a straight line for that distance hands free. And if you haven't noticed, speed in reverse using the assist is limited.
You can set the length within the parameters (28' I think?) and blind spot will work. I didn't notice any difference using the assist. I don't use the assist much, it is too 'fast' of a steering wheel movement for me. But, it is fun to play with.
I did my usual backup 1000' plus yesterday picking up my 5th wheel at the storage yard. It is kind of neat to back in a straight line for that distance hands free. And if you haven't noticed, speed in reverse using the assist is limited.
The limited travel speed of PTBA is what I don't like. My 2017 F350 was capable of backing a trailer up at 55 km/hour ... My 2022 will only do 30 or 35 km/hr in reverse which I find limiting at times. The 3 or 4 km/hr that the PTBA is limited to is crazy slow if you ever come across a situation where you have to back up a long distance.
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