smilin bob

It’s the only way my wife can back down the boat ramp!

Wanna Ride

Not the case at all, because I embrace technology more than a lot of people half my age. But I learned how to connect, pull, and back up trailers over three decades ago and I'm pretty proficient at it. It's pretty simple, so I just don't have the need to learn how to let a machine do it. Not at all knocking anyone that doesn't have those skills, or does it with the aid of the computer.

But it's like a lot of other basic skills that are replaced with automation. If you don't stay in practice, you lose those skills. Or at least, you get less proficient at using them.

FourBitty

This thread reminds me of the story of the DVORAK keyboard.

The DVORAK, unlike the standard QWERTY keyboard, has a key layout design with typing efficiency in mind rather than the mechanical limitations of a typewriter, which in a nutshell is why keyboard layouts are what they are today. Typists who converted to DVORAK could apparently type 5 to 10% faster once they got accustom to it.

Problem was, people were so used to the QWERTY layout that a minimal improvement in efficiency for typists wasn't worth the whole ordeal of relearning a new foreign key layout, which probably took months to do. Never mind most people who do not type professionally, who would certainly not see it as valuable for the same reason.. Heck, it's kind of funny when you think about it that even keyboard layouts on our touchscreen phones are still mostly the QWERTY layout.

To me, the pro trailer backup assist is like the DVORAK. Is it better, easier, safer? Maybe. Is it worth it to me to re-train my mind which, as many here, are natural and proficient at backing up trailers as it is? Plus, there's the whole ordeal involved with setting up the program. Taking measurements, stickers, etc. And that's if your trailer is compatible (some hitches cannot properly accommodate the sticker) and you'll have to do that more than once if you pull different trailers.

Personally, I have not at any point felt like I've needed it, let alone needed to go through the ordeal of getting it set up. I'll stick to QWERTY.

pjazz

Sometimes ego and the unwillingness to try new technologies can bite you in the *** when you get older. I'm not saying it's a useful feature but i did just order some stickers off ebay. I'll let you know my experience. FYI to the person who wanted to remove the **** you do know that there is already a pre-wired empty spot for an OEM brake controller.

scootereh

I have no problem backing up old fashioned way but i do find the backup assist makes it even easier. My favourite part about it is puzzled look i get from people sometimes when they see the steering wheel turning by itself.

bisjoe

I took the time to apply the sticker and set it up, and it does work, when you have time. I live on a corner lot, and have to back in across the driveway and onto the side yard next to the garage. We have very little traffic, but I can guarantee that when backing in the trailer some cars will come along. The first time I tried it, I was blocking traffic on two streets because you turn it on, have to wait for it to ask which trailer, then you select, then let go of the wheel and reach for the ****. All of that takes much longer than just backing in the old fashioned way.

Wanna Ride

I get your reference to improvements in technology, but I’m not quite convinced that it’s a fair comparison between a change in keyboard layout, to the physical forces that it takes to manipulate a 4000lb, thirty-foot long trailer.

Technology is a great thing, and I subscribe to the theory that there’s room for improvment to almost anything, but at the same time, some drivers have minimal skills and some drivers are more skilled. Like, the parallel parking aids on some vehicles... I know how to parallel park. My neighbor’s wife... does not. I’m sure that if she were not such a moron (for other reasons that aren’t relevant right now), she could greatly benefit from adapting to the parallel parking aid features. Well, to be honest, anyone she parks near, would also benefit from that.

My point is, some drivers NEED these features. Not all do. But then also, some drivers haven’t mastered the use of the turn signal. I can’t wait until manufacturers create the technology for, what I’ll refer to as, “predictive lane signaling”.

dodgeman1

Backing a trailer isn't something you are born with, its a skill you develop with experience. I've gone from poor at backing a trailer to fair on a good day. I've never set mine up with the stickers and just figure I need the practice.

mikeinatlanta

Bought the Queen a new car with hands free cruise. Guess you could try the same arguments against hands free, but I think it's fantastic too.

schmenke

Gawd, this sounds like the geriatrics thread... lol!

I too am north of 50, embrace technology where it provides a meaningful benefit, but when it comes to driving gizmos I'm a QWERTY.

My '13 model F150 isn’t equipped with the backup assist feature so I can't comment on it, but likely wouldn't use it simply because, similar to any other backup cameras, I wouldn't trust it.
Our other two vehicles are equipped with backup cameras and I have never used them. In fact, I would disable them if there was a way, and even go so far as to suggest that they be banned. A camera lens in a fixed position is a poor replacement for two eyes (a requirement for proper peripheral vision) on a swiveling head.

I feel that vehicle safety technology (lane assist, hands free control, etc.) allows drivers to become too complacent, lose focus when driving and may, in the long run, prove to be counter-productive.

That's my geriatric rant...