Pro Trailer backup Assist--reviews please
06-26-2018, 03:48 PM
#21
Senior Member
It's a useful tool, albeit somewhat slow to engage. Takes a little practice to become proficient, just like when we all learned to back a trailer with mirrors only. As mentioned earlier, the main advantage is the ability to keep the trailer lined up how you want it while letting the system bring the truck straight to the trailer, not the other way around. Once the trailer is lined up, just let go of the **** and back up slowly without being spooked by the steering wheel doing its thing. While it is quite helpful when maneuvering the trailer past obstructions (poles, trees), I would not recommend using it when obstructions are near the cab. I could easily see a scenario where the system swings the front fenders of the truck into something you don't want to make contact with.
Back to the point on the fenders. Since my truck knows where it is when it parallel parks itself, you would think that could translate into this and help the novice not take the truck out when backing the trailer up. I would hope this would be not far off from being a reality.
06-26-2018, 05:45 PM
#22
Senior Member
I think it might be handy to have (my truck doesn't), just more options available to you, should you need/want it. When I was shopping, a lot of the mid-grade XLT's had it.
I do love the rest of the OEM towing stuff; the brake controller, BLIS w/ trailer coverage, and how it's all integrated, displayed, and works together. My '18 is easily the best LD tow vehicle I've ever had. It's actually fun towing with this thing! The 10AT is a tow beast, as is the over-achieving 2.7. I recent trip with my 4500# tandem flatbed yielded 18mpg. Quite a few new trucks out there that don't get that empty!
Anyway, I love how this truck tows, and imagine the PTB would just enhance the experience when needed.
I do love the rest of the OEM towing stuff; the brake controller, BLIS w/ trailer coverage, and how it's all integrated, displayed, and works together. My '18 is easily the best LD tow vehicle I've ever had. It's actually fun towing with this thing! The 10AT is a tow beast, as is the over-achieving 2.7. I recent trip with my 4500# tandem flatbed yielded 18mpg. Quite a few new trucks out there that don't get that empty!
Anyway, I love how this truck tows, and imagine the PTB would just enhance the experience when needed.
06-26-2018, 07:49 PM
#23
At the boat ramp i use it every time. Yes theres a learning curve and its touchy. After time you learn how far to turn the *** to make the trailer go where you want. Once your going straight its going straight no input from you is needed. And this is what needs to be realized. Once the *** is returned to its resting place. The truck will adjust and back straight no matter if your going where you want or not.
Once i get home i have a very hard turn around. The back up assist just cant or wont make the cut needed to back the boat around my shop. But after i get it turned around. Then it makes backing the boat where i want it to go very simple.
The camera is worthless with my boat backing. I must use the mirrors. Do i need it no is it nice yeah i think so. And its cool lol.
Once i get home i have a very hard turn around. The back up assist just cant or wont make the cut needed to back the boat around my shop. But after i get it turned around. Then it makes backing the boat where i want it to go very simple.
The camera is worthless with my boat backing. I must use the mirrors. Do i need it no is it nice yeah i think so. And its cool lol.
Last edited by rt2bowhunter; 06-26-2018 at 08:15 PM.
06-26-2018, 10:59 PM
#25
Ok, now my question for those of you who have boats, does your spouse/significant other use the PTBA while entering/leaving the water while your in the boat?
Secondly, has anybody added it to a 2015? I sure as **** don't want to get a new truck for it, but then again, it would help keep my blood pressure down from wanting to throw her *** off the dock for not backing up properly....just saying
Secondly, has anybody added it to a 2015? I sure as **** don't want to get a new truck for it, but then again, it would help keep my blood pressure down from wanting to throw her *** off the dock for not backing up properly....just saying
06-26-2018, 11:35 PM
#26
My wife said she is uncomfortable backing up trailers. So when I launch my boat, I do all the work. Back the truck, launch the boat, tie off boat, pull truck out, park truck, run back to boat, then off I go. Most people understand that if you’re launching by yourself or your “wife” can’t do it, they don’t mind you leaving your boat at the ramp while you park/retrieve your truck. If my buddies were here on the other hand, they do the truck work...and I work the boat.
I’ve actually seen guys yell at their wives or whatever for not backing up “properly” but to be honest, it’s not their fault. How often does your wife/significant other back up trailers? And then expecting them to get it right at the ramp is poor thinking.
I’ve actually seen guys yell at their wives or whatever for not backing up “properly” but to be honest, it’s not their fault. How often does your wife/significant other back up trailers? And then expecting them to get it right at the ramp is poor thinking.
06-27-2018, 12:12 AM
#29
Senior Member
Since my neck is fused together, multiple fusions, I can say I really like the Pro Assist. If my neck wasn't a mix of stainless and titanium I probably wouldn't use it much. It really helps me getting backed up into my garage.
06-27-2018, 08:38 AM
#30
I do it all my self. Her job is just don't let go of the rope. Or i snap the rope to the tailgate cable bump the boat off. Pull forward un snap tie the boat off. Park then we go out.
Retrailering her job is hold the rope. I back the trailer in use the trolling motor to drive the boat on. Lifting the foot control motor as i reach the pads on the trailer. I hook up the crank reach up and let the tailgate down with the assist added
. Set on it crank the boat on. step on the back tire to get out of the bed. And drive up out of the way and get her ready for the road.
I don't know what i would do if my truck and trailer was underwater and im setting in a boat. I might just blow up. Better to just do it myself.
Retrailering her job is hold the rope. I back the trailer in use the trolling motor to drive the boat on. Lifting the foot control motor as i reach the pads on the trailer. I hook up the crank reach up and let the tailgate down with the assist added
. Set on it crank the boat on. step on the back tire to get out of the bed. And drive up out of the way and get her ready for the road.I don't know what i would do if my truck and trailer was underwater and im setting in a boat. I might just blow up. Better to just do it myself.