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Hello, I am reasonably new F150 owner and may be I just misunderstand how it is supposed to work, but when I open a tailgate, the backup camera looks straight down. As a result, it's hard to backup with tailgate open which is often the case in my situation as I haul long, but not heavy objects. Is this how it supposed to be? Am I missing something here? I see couple of 3rd party solutions, but it seems strange when you have 360 view to buy a third party solution. Nevertheless, it's not bothering anybody else? I could not find any discussions about it, so I assumed I am missing something here... What's the proper technique to backup with open tailgate assuming I am alone in the car (beyond the option jump out every 20 cm)
The rear camera is fixed and will not change its frame based on tailgate position. It is manufactured and mounted to perform "as expected" when the tailgate is up and latched. So you either get the view you expect when the tailgate is up or a nice view of the ground with the tailgate down. Not a solution, just an explanation.
Edited to add, the technique to backup without the rear camera is by using your mirrors and turning your head. That is the only proper way to backup, the cameras just add an extra layer of safety.
The rear camera is fixed and will not change its frame based on tailgate position. It is manufactured and mounted to perform "as expected" when the tailgate is up and latched. So you either get the view you expect when the tailgate is up or a nice view of the ground with the tailgate down. Not a solution, just an explanation.
Edited to add, the technique to backup without the rear camera is by using your mirrors and turning your head. That is the only proper way to backup, the cameras just add an extra layer of safety.
I am old school and do turn my head and watch mirrors as well. The problem, however, that side mirrors do not show corners of the open tailgate (I don't have those huge telescopic ears for the mirrors, just regular ones) I do not see open tailgate via rear mirrow either (just checked). In my eyes, this is just bad design. In fact, it's probably the only thing that greatly irritate me in otherwise fantastic truck. I hope ford fixes it in the future models.
Originally Posted by RGtx12
The rear camera is fixed and will not change its frame based on tailgate position. It is manufactured and mounted to perform "as expected" when the tailgate is up and latched. So you either get the view you expect when the tailgate is up or a nice view of the ground with the tailgate down. Not a solution, just an explanation.
Edited to add, the technique to backup without the rear camera is by using your mirrors and turning your head. That is the only proper way to backup, the cameras just add an extra layer of safety.
I am old school and do turn my head and watch mirrors as well. The problem, however, that side mirrors do not show corners of the open tailgate (I don't have those huge telescopic ears for the mirrors, just regular ones) I do not see open tailgate via rear mirrow either (just checked). In my eyes, this is just bad design. In fact, it's probably the only thing that greatly irritate me in otherwise fantastic truck. I hope ford fixes it in the future models.
i don't mean to laugh but.....
it'd be a pretty complicated solution to solve a problem for a very small subset of pickup drivers. not a single manufacturer has a tailgate camera that's usable with the tailgate down. best solution in your case would probably be the center tail light mounted bed camera, typically used in a 5th wheel application. ford sells this as an option on some trucks, i know it's available for the super duty but I can't remember if they have a version for the f-150.
On your trailer rear if using one, install Fiber Glass rods up and at a small angle outward on each side so you can see where the trailer is going as you back up. They can be seen in the outside mirrors day or nite.
I can't even see my trailer in straight alignment without them and it's my second truck.
Better you blame yourself for the issue rather than the mfger.
What did or would you do in the past without a camera to look at?
My 02 did not have a camera. I did not blame Ford for it. That's why the Orange rods got mounted on my trailer years ago. Not a very expensive solution to the problem! You/I had to have them or never back the trailer up without rapping it around the truck.
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If no trailer you let the long material hang out beyond the tail gate, you have no grounds for your argument.
Leave the gate up and hold down the material properly.
You can't snow me because I have 2 Super Crews and haul long material affixed to a ladder for support and a Red Flag by law.
And I am very likely older than you.
Backup camera when tailgate is open
