Who actually uses the pro trailer back up assist?
08-21-2020, 09:15 PM
#12
Senior Member
I wanted to set it up for my little trailer. But never found the time it’s been 3 years. Thought about setting our boat up so the wife could use it but she’s happy loading the boat on the trailer
08-21-2020, 10:47 PM
#13
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My friend's '17 Screw has it, and even though he has no trouble backing trailers, we set it up (it's not as hard as it sounds, if you can follow simple instructions - he can't, which is why it took both of us) and he uses it occasionally. When he's in a hurry, it certainly makes backing faster - his truck is always telling him to slow down, but it keeps working even when he's on the gas. The only trailer it's set up for is an 18' for hauling tires to the dump, which is probably why it works at speed. A shorter trailer would probably require slower backing.
08-22-2020, 10:39 AM
#14
Senior Member
I’d like to set it up for a very small trailer I have but I use it very in frequently and haven’t had a chance. My other trailer I use a Hensley hitch and I don’t think it works with that.
08-22-2020, 11:30 AM
#15
Senior Member
Mine currently doesn't work but I dont know why. Probably need to redo the set up procedure.
It gives my wife confidence out of fear she might have to back up to get out of a predicament.
Long straight runs are actually easier than conventional steerage.
Doesn't work on sharp turns.
Doesn't work in low light situations.
It doesn’t replace conventional steerage because it doesn’t work in all situations so you better have conventional steerage skills. When it works it works well.
It gives my wife confidence out of fear she might have to back up to get out of a predicament.
Long straight runs are actually easier than conventional steerage.
Doesn't work on sharp turns.
Doesn't work in low light situations.
It doesn’t replace conventional steerage because it doesn’t work in all situations so you better have conventional steerage skills. When it works it works well.
08-22-2020, 11:31 AM
#16
Senior Member
Gotta love the people that haven't had the time to set it up (15 - 30 minutes?), despite owning their vehicle for years. They have time to wash, clay bar, wax 17 coats, ceramic coat, ... They have time to ask people on forums what they think of their custom ____, because that's a valuable use of time. But spending time setting up a time saving option, nah, that's too hard.
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08-22-2020, 11:36 AM
#17
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08-22-2020, 01:04 PM
#18
Senior Member
After paying a small fortune for this truck, I figured it only fair to try it out. . I too have backed up trailers for many years so not a rookie. I have it setup on my boat trailer and man enough to admit I have used it often.
The setup sounds complicated, but actually very simple
The back up assist does work pretty good. If not touching the dial, it will keep the rig in a straight line, good for long distance. A small touch of the dial and it reacts instantly. It's not magic though, you still need good mirrors, a visual of the back end of the trailer. Still need to work the gas and brake.
The setup sounds complicated, but actually very simple
The back up assist does work pretty good. If not touching the dial, it will keep the rig in a straight line, good for long distance. A small touch of the dial and it reacts instantly. It's not magic though, you still need good mirrors, a visual of the back end of the trailer. Still need to work the gas and brake.
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08-22-2020, 02:23 PM
#19
Senior Member
a boating buddy of mine has a '16 lariat with it. makes backing a 28' pontoon down the ramp a breeze. with his old '11 it would take him 3 or 4 tries for him to get the boat in the water. not anymore
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08-23-2020, 08:11 PM
#20
I have a tight garage for my 24 ft Lance trailer....a bare six inches each side backing up an upward-inclined graveled slope. As long as I'm exactly straight, no problem. Turn the front wheels a titch and forget it. This is where the backup assist excels, keeping truck and trailer in perfectly straight alignment. Thanks, Ford!
Last edited by Wyoboy; 08-23-2020 at 08:15 PM.