I do think the 360 camera package is worth it. There's supposed to be a feature that helps you reverse out of a parking spot if somebody parks too close to you. I always park my truck out where nobody parks- but it never fails that people park around it when things get busy (think Costco on a Saturday). I've yet to use the feature but I have seen the screen light up a side of the truck when I get close to the snow piles when backing into my driveway.

I am a little upset that the bed camera doesn't turn on while in motion (or at least the camera button is blocked). My old Ram would let you view the rear view for 8 secs or so (for trailer viewing) and show the bed camera to check on your cargo. I frequently hail motorcycles and really wanted the bed camera to be able to come on while driving. Anyone know if I'm doing something wrong or if there's a Forscan trick?

 

There will be an over the air update with sync 4 to where you will be able to have the bed camera in while driving. Should come out sometime around summer.

 

Nice! Thanks for letting me know. Any chance it'll have the rear camera view for 8 secs or so like the Rams have?

 

Yeah it's definitely worth it. My XLT didn't have it and I never hit anything, the earlier idea of bumping a vehicle is... terrifying. I would just get out and check my distance in the rare instances things were that tight. With that said. it's made some navigation that I would otherwise not even attempt much easier and safer. One example was today, our garage isn't deep enough to fit the truck, unfortunately. But in MI we got hit by a lot of snow (as many parts of the US did, I know) and I have JUST enough room on each side to back the truck in with the front hanging out so I can run the snow blower, but it's very tight. I can see where every single item in the garage is around the truck, stuff out of view of the mirrors regardless of adjustment. I have done this back in twice with not even a bump on anything. Another instance was going to a carry out burger place near us. They are in an insanely tight spot, it's tough to get in when they aren't busy which is almost never. Anyway, when you leave you have to go down this one way alley. Some genius parked in the alley instead of just walking further and parking elsewhere. They were nowhere to be found and I was now completely blocking the alley as I needed to get past them and couldn't back out. On the passenger side of the truck was a building and a guard rail that was below the belt line of the truck, so impossible to see from the driver side. I folded in the mirrors and turned on the 360 camera, and slipped by without an incident.

Are those instances rare? Of course, thankfully. Could I have made it out with my XLT? Sure, it obviously COULD be done as I did it. It's more that you drop your chances of incident from maybe 50/50 to 5% or lower. Only issue you run into is if your cameras are really dirty.

 

I like mine on my new 2021. Works great.

 

I agree here. My last two trucks have had the FX4 package...and my current '20 has the moon roof. Both of which I will not be having on my next F150. I'm sure I will end up having to order my next truck because this time I am getting what I want and nothing I don't want. But it WILL have the 360 camera.

 

Who said?

 

Probably a stupid question, but can the 360 camera be installed after purchase? I had it in my 2018 Lariat and I miss it on my '21.

 

Some were able to add it to their '15-'20 gen XLTs using replacement parts and FORSCAN, IIRC, a lot of the wiring connections are there. The biggest issue is the cost is not insignificant. I believe they had to replace side mirrors, new front grille (or maybe some just drilled out a spot, it's been a while since I followed the thread).

Anyway, the point is they were able to do it then, and it may be possible in the '21+ for the same reasons. FORSCAN is still around, we have ASBUILT data for 360 cam trucks. Biggest question is the amount of wiring missing, if any, and finding replacement side mirrors with the cameras and all that. I think it may be a little while before the spare parts are easy enough to get for the project though.

 

Thanks for the awesome info! Much appreciated!
I think I'll hold off on adding it and just deal with it. At least for now...

Thanks again!