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Expert
Posts: 3853
    
Location: Vermont | http://www.wired.com/2015/05/ford-makes-backing-trailer-easy-turnin... Now, Ford says it’s made the process as easy as turning a knob. The 2016 F-150, which will go on sale late this year and can tow up to 12,000 pounds, is the first pickup with what’s called (in true Detroit marketing fashion) Pro Trailer Backup Assist. We call it the n00b knob.The system, which has been in development for five years, works by tapping into the truck’s electric power steering (which the F-150 got in 2011). You just have to teach the truck’s computer to work with any trailer you hook up, a 10-minute process. Take a few measurements, add a black and white sticker to the hitch so the rear camera-based system can keep track of what the trailer is doing, and you’re good to go. The system can store info for as many as 10 trailers, each as long as 33 feet from the hitch point to the center of the axles.The driver turns a knob on the dash, and the truck does the rest, steering and controlling the vehicle speed with the gas and brake pedals. The rear camera gives the computer a reference angle using the black-and-white sticker for reference, limiting the truck’s rearward speed as the angle of the trailer increases. |
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Expert
Posts: 1989
Location: South Central OK | This scares the breath out of me. Learn to drive folks! Now every idiot will be out there with a trailer thinking they have complete control. Bet the first person to wreck while using this system sues. |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA | It's an addendum to the self parking automotive options, that have been offered by many manufacturers for several years. By trying to make their products available to a larger market, the manufacturers hope to sell more vehicles. The truck markets generate the highest profit margin for the auto manufacturers, and they will include as many options as possible to sell their wares. Expect to see other truck manufacturers offering similar products in the future, if this option sells well. |
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Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont | Buried in that package is something very interesting...Curve Control, developed exclusively by Ford engineers to help in those cases where customers may enter a turn too quickly. Curve Control helps drivers maintain control of their vehicle by automatically reducing torque and applying four-wheel braking. This can reduce vehicle speed by up to 10 mph in approximately one second – assisting drivers in staying on their intended path. |
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Expert
Posts: 1989
Location: South Central OK | Originally written by PaulChristenson on 2016-01-04 7:11 PM
Buried in that package is something very interesting...Curve Control, developed exclusively by Ford engineers to help in those cases where customers may enter a turn too quickly. Curve Control helps drivers maintain control of their vehicle by automatically reducing torque and applying four-wheel braking. This can reduce vehicle speed by up to 10 mph in approximately one second – assisting drivers in staying on their intended path. While sending your horses into a scramble and your heart into your throat. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1881
Location: NY | what are they doing about the high of the truck so horse trailer do not tow pointing up |
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Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont | Originally written by loveduffy on 2016-01-04 1:11 AM
what are they doing about the high of the truck so horse trailer do not tow pointing up deeper and deeper drop hitches... |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379
Location: Missouri | Can't wait to hear of the first person who runs the nose of the truck into an adjacent vehicle or other obstacle because the driver was watching the trailer camera and not their surroundings. Practice backing, develop that skill, or don't pull a trailer. |
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New User
Posts: 1
Location: Olathe, Ks | my 2015 f150 with my 2 horse bumper pull with tack room sits level. 4x4 truck with a straight 3 ball hitch. pulls it very smoothly too |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 391
Location: Columbia, KY | I agree with Huntseat |
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Well, this should sell some bumper pull trailers...:)
