Ford Trucks is scheduled to debut a new option on its 2016 F-150 pickups that’s designed to ease the task of backing up a boat trailer. Known as Pro Trailer Backup Assist, it works in conjunction with the F-150’s electronic power-assist steering and optional backup camera.
As this Ford video shows, the driver uses the backup video camera to view the trailer while turning the Pro Trailer backup knob left or right to steer the trailer. The truck steers itself, according to Ford. It also takes over speed and brake control.
There is a setup process, according to wired.com, which broke the story online. “You just have to teach the truck’s computer to work with any trailer you hook up, a 10-minute process,” according to the report. “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.”
Boating Magazine plans to bring readers a field test of Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist as soon as we can get our hands on a test truck.
