Hate backing up your trailer? F-150 can do it for you

By Justine Woodard, Crain News Service

DETROIT (June 2, 2015) — Every camper or fisherman has at least one horror story about trying to back up a trailer or boat.

Fear not — Ford Motor Co. claims to have found a solution with its Pro Trailer Backup Assist system.

The 2016 F-150 pickup offers the new technology, which will allow drivers to steer their trailers using a knob on the dashboard instead of countersteering the wheel. How does it work? The driver shifts the truck into reverse and then uses the rearview camera in conjunction with the Backup Assist knob to guide the trailer into the desired spot.

The truck steers the front wheels while the backup camera tracks the trailer angles, making movements easier and smoother. The driver will still have to control the brake and throttle, but if the angles get too tight the truck will step in and limit the speeds.

In essence, it's a lot like the parallel-parking assist systems now available on many models — only applied to trailer towing. We're interested to see if it works as well as advertised.

“Pro Trailer Backup Assist is a smart solution to save time and increase productivity for our customers,” said Doug Scott, marketing manager, Ford Truck Group. “Instead of struggling to back up their trailer, they can spend more time on the job or enjoying the lake.”

On one hand, it's a nice technology to help drivers who aren't skilled at backing up a trailer. On the other hand, it's another example of relying on technology rather than improving owners' driving skills. (We'll report back on how well it works as soon as we get our hands on a 2016 F-150...and a bass boat.)

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This report appeared on the website of Autoweek magazine, a Detroit-based sister publication of Tire Business.