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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...
The trailer assist system is more than a backup camera. It literally backs your truck up when you have it engaged and the trailer connected. I have it and not interested in using it.
However, the backup cameras you're referring to... are tremendously helpful, and maybe you're not 100% familiar with them. Like a Go-Pro, they have a VERY wide field of view, that extends pass both sides of the rear of the truck. They're surprisingly more beneficial than the early ones Ford used, that displayed just on the side of the rearview mirror. You can see anything laying on the ground behind the truck, that you could NEVER see without physically getting out of the truck and walking back there. And they also have a zoom feature, that only requires a tap on the screen. These are extremely beneficial, especially at night when you're in reverse and the LED at the tailgate comes on, lighting up the rear area that covers the ground view of the camera.
I don't understand why you say they should all be banned. These are truly very helpful driver aides, and using one doesn't make you a less-skilled driver, it in fact enhances your field of vision, to an area you simply cannot see in any mirror. Yes, I'm very proficient backing up to trailers and maneuvering my truck, but being able to see an are that is out of your field of vision is a distinct advantage. Think of it as a household security camera, for your truck. You can't see what's behind your house, from the front door, can you? With a security camera back there, you can.
Alcoholics should only drive with technology aids?
Well, the way they seem to always crash, I figured they could use it to help everyone to get home safe.
It's a very important safety aid for the people who need it, and some people need it more than others...the drunks, the detracted, the unskilled, and the elderly, etc.
I would definitely want such features so I can keep my car keys longer if I'm too old to drive, but I can't use them now.
Backup cameras are simply another set of eyes, and are not intended to replace peripheral vision. The advantage of a backup camera is that they give vision to a significant area that is otherwise blind. In a truck the blind spot is huge. I don’t understand the mentally promoting blindness.
+1 on this. The camera gives you an angle you cannot get with your eyes, unless you have a long enough neck to stick your head out the window and put it over the tailgate. Using it in conjunction with the side-view mirrors and appropriate head swiveling makes backing up a heck of a lot safer (and easier) than it is without the aid. The vehicle-side and hitch-lineup lines are a nice benefit, too, as long as you remember that the view may be misleading if it's a three-dimensional scene (it works great in parking lots but not 100% when there are significant elevation changes involved).
As far as the backup assist, it's great for following long, gradual curves or extended backing in a straight line when you realize you can't turn around where you thought you could, but in truly tight quarters, I found it limiting because it wouldn't let me get my sled trailer close enough to jackknifed to put it into my driveway from the narrow alleyway; backing up manually, while it often took more than one try, I could fully commit to one side and get the trailer to turn more sharply than the automated system would allow. I like it for the extended-backing use case because it makes it easier to focus on where you're going and keep an eye out for people, obstacles or other vehicles entering your path; I like it less in tighter quarters because I find that it's harder to keep track of which way the front of the truck is going and whether or not I'm about to swing a fender into an obstacle using the backup assist. YMMV, of course.
North of 50 here too and have used the back up assist once so far. I'm not shy of technology but I don't fully trust myself yet to letting the assist do it for me. I'm sure I'll keep trying it until get it down pat and comfortable with. I have no problem looking like a buffoon backing up occasionally since I'm the one who would have to foot the repair bill and not them. Like anything else it takes time to master a skill set. In the mean time I'll just entertain those around me when I'm backing in. Hell I may even get some applause when i'm done.
I use it occasionally. Normally when I am backing up a long distance and need to keep the trailer straight. I agree, backing into a tight spot, it doesn't work well as you can't jack knife into a tight spot.
I tow a trailer about once a year, so I'm not well practiced. This one required backing through a 90 degree right turn followed by an immediate 90 degree left turn, then backing about 200 yards between two rows of parked cars to a loading dock. There was some manual override in the turns, but the backup assist was helpful along the straightaway. Now if only I can figure out my own driveway . . . .
40 now, been backing up trailers since I was 14. I set up one of my trailers to play with it and almost put my boat in to the garage wall. I have not used it since. The old way is natural for me now. I see no benefit, so why change? That is how I look at it for ME. I can see it being useful in 2 ways...first, for really short trailers since it won't allow you to jackknife, and second, for people who have no clue how to back up a trailer.
Yes, I use it. Have on both a 20' open, car hauler and more recently on my enclosed 24' car hauler. I can reasonably back a trailer without it but not with a ton of confidence as I just don't do it every day or every week. Back up assist works and I can much more easily hit a spot the first time using it so it's a time saver for sure, too. I just think of it as working smarter but haters gonna hate.
Just to be clear, I love, love , love my back-up camera. Getting that hitch right on top of the ball, or backing the truck into a tight spot is great. Its the Pro-assist that I am not interested in. Like others have said, it seems like it adds extra steps and would slow down my process. Thanks for all the replies. looks like I am not the only one who thinks its just Meh.
Like others have said, it is great for long relatively straight approaches. I have a long driveway that I have to back down. I have to manually get the camper into the driveway because the backup assist will not allow me to get enough angle to transition from the street to my driveway. But once I'm in the driveway, I switch to the backup assist. The thing people never mention is that when the system is active and the **** is at center, the truck and camper will stay at dead center. The truck handles all of the tiny adjustments needed to keep the trailer 100% straight. You use the **** to get the trailer angle where you want it and then let go and the truck automatically aligns itself to the trailer's angle and goes straight back from there I use the **** to get my approach angle set and then let the truck take it the rest of the way. It works really well when you have long approaches with angles +/- 20 degrees or so. Tough approaches with lots of extreme angles don't work very well. You need to try it before you knock it. It took me a few tries before I figured out that it is actually useful.
05-16-2019, 07:03 PM
