I now this has been hashed out and thanks to this forum for the awesome information. I have new 2024 XLT and confirm the side view cameras activate with a trailer or the truck thinking the trailer is attached. I needed this feature due to losing complete vision in my right eye, making checking the right blind spot impossible. I plugged in some portable magnetic trailer lights and the function works like a charm. But as stated in earlier threads, you lose backup alert and cross alert.

I was wondering if there is a way to open the ground circuit for the trailer lights when the truck is put in reverse by triggering off the reverse light, hence disconnecting the “trailer” therefore enabling the reverse sensors and cross traffic alerts. The trailer is sensed by the truck based on resistance of the connected lights. If the ground is taken out temporarily, the resistance is gone and the truck would not ‘sense; the trailer connection. When placed back in drive, the ground would reconnect and the side view functionality would again be active.

Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated,