Ford Pro Trailer Backup Assist: The Ultimate Guide
Towing a trailer, whether it’s a boat, camper, or utility trailer, can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to backing up. Many drivers struggle with the counterintuitive steering inputs required to get the trailer to go where you want. Fortunately, Ford has developed a innovative technology called Pro Trailer Backup Assist to make this tricky maneuver easier for both novice and experienced towers alike.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Ford Pro Trailer Backup Assist – how it works, which Ford vehicles offer it, how to set it up and use it, its key benefits and limitations, and more. By the end, you’ll see how this impressive piece of technology is a game-changer when it comes to towing.
What is Ford Pro Trailer Backup Assist?
Ford Pro Trailer Backup Assist is an available technology on select Ford trucks and SUVs designed to simplify the process of backing up a trailer. It enables drivers to steer their trailer in the desired direction using a simple dashboard-mounted knob, while the system controls the steering wheel to get the truck and trailer to follow the indicated path.
Whether you’re a trailer towing novice intimidated by the thought of backing up or a seasoned veteran who appreciates a bit of assistance in tricky situations, Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes reversing a trailer a low-stress affair. Let’s take a closer look at how this technology pulls off this feat.
How Pro Trailer Backup Assist Works
Backing up a conventional trailer requires turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction you want the trailer to go – a skill that takes time and practice to master. Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist simplifies this by allowing you to simply turn a knob on the dashboard in the direction you want the trailer to go, while the system automatically controls the steering.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:
- When you shift into reverse with a trailer connected,…
- the backup camera activates and Pro Trailer Backup Assist prompts you to choose your trailer from a pre-saved list (or add a new one).
- The system then guides you to line up the trailer and shows the available steering angle.
- Using the Pro Trailer Backup Assist knob on the dash, rotate it in the direction you want the trailer to go.
- As you turn the knob, the system limits vehicle speed and automatically steers the truck to get the trailer reversing on the desired path.
- You control the brake and accelerator.
- To help keep you on track, the backup camera display shows a graphic overlay of the trailer along with steering angle and heading indicators. Yellow means you’re approaching the system’s steering limits, while red indicates you’ve exceeded them and need to pull forward to straighten out.
- If needed, release the knob or turn it to the center position to steer the truck and trailer straight backwards.
- You can make minor path adjustments by bumping the knob slightly left or right.
The Pro Trailer Backup Assist knob is so intuitive that after a few minutes of use, it starts to feel like second nature. But how does the system know what inputs to make based on knob position?
During initial setup of Pro Trailer Backup Assist, the driver has to go through a brief calibration process. This involves placing a checkered sticker on the trailer tongue, then driving forward to allow the backup camera to detect the sticker and take some key measurements (distance from ball mount to axle, for example). The system can store profiles for up to 10 different trailers, so you only have to go through setup once per trailer.
Some newer versions of Pro Trailer Backup Assist use a yaw sensor instead of a sticker, but the concept is the same. Using these measurements along with steering angle information, the system is able to calculate the trailer’s position in real-time and determine the steering inputs needed to get it reversing along the path indicated by the dash knob. It’s an impressive bit of technology that makes a potentially nerve-wracking task refreshingly simple….
Next we’ll look at which Ford vehicles you can get Pro Trailer Backup Assist on.
Ford Vehicles with Pro Trailer Backup Assist
Pro Trailer Backup Assist first debuted on the 2016 Ford F-150 and has expanded to additional Ford trucks and SUVs since then. As of 2024, the following Ford vehicles offer Pro Trailer Backup Assist either as a standard or optional feature:
- Ford F-150
- Ford Super Duty (F-250, F-350, F-450)
- Ford Expedition
- Ford Ranger
- Ford Everest (not available in North America)
On the F-150, Pro Trailer Backup Assist is included on King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims. It’s optional on XL, XLT, and Lariat.
The system is also part of the Trailer Tow Package on Expedition, and the Tow Technology Package on Ranger.
Ford’s heavy duty trucks (F-250 and up) use a more advanced version called Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance. In addition to the standard system’s functionality, Trailer Reverse Guidance adds multiple camera views and graphic overlays to provide even more assistance when backing longer, heavier trailers.
With Pro Trailer Backup Assist available on such a wide range of capable tow vehicles, it’s easier than ever to get a truck or SUV equipped to make reversing a trailer a low-stress task. But how exactly do you use this technology? Read on to find out.
Setting Up and Using Pro Trailer Backup Assist
Getting started with Pro Trailer Backup Assist is a straightforward process, but there are a few key steps required to set the system up for each trailer you plan to tow. Let’s walk through initial setup and how to use the system when reversing.
Initial Setup
Before you can use Pro Trailer Backup Assist, you need to calibrate the system for the specific trailer you’re towing. Here’s how:
- Connect your trailer to the truck and make sure the trailer and truck are in a straight line.
- Place the provided setup sticker on the trailer tongue frame, 4-6 inches from the hitch ball, on a flat upward-facing surface. Avoid putting the sticker on curved areas or near any obstructing elements.
- With the truck in park,…
- push the Pro Trailer Backup Assist button to enter setup mode. The center display will show the view from the backup camera.
- Drive the truck forward until the sticker is fully visible and highlighted by the camera. A message will appear confirming the sticker was detected.
- Drive forward a bit more until prompted to stop to calibrate trailer dimensions.
- The system will take measurements then prompt you to pull forward to complete calibration.
- After setup, the system will ask you to name the trailer for future reference. You can store up to 10 trailer profiles.
That’s all there is to it! Once calibrated, you’re ready to use Pro Trailer Backup Assist the next time you need to reverse your trailer.
Note that some newer versions of the system use a yaw sensor on the trailer instead of a sticker, but the general setup process is similar. Consult your owner’s manual for details on setting up your specific system.
Activating and Using Pro Trailer Backup Assist
With setup complete, using Pro Trailer Backup Assist is easy. Here’s how to back up a trailer with the system:
- Shift into reverse with the trailer connected. The backup camera view will activate.
- Press the Pro Trailer Backup Assist button to activate the system.
- Select the trailer you’re using from the stored profiles (or perform setup if it’s a new trailer).
- Use the backup camera view to position the trailer on the desired reversing path, using the steering wheel to point the trailer in the right direction.
- Take your hands off the wheel and use the Pro Trailer Backup Assist knob to point the trailer in the direction you want it to go – turn clockwise to reverse the trailer right, and counterclockwise to steer it left.
- Control the accelerator and brake pedals as needed while keeping the knob pointed in the desired direction. The system will limit speed and steer automatically.
- If you need to make adjustments, turn the knob slightly. Return it to the middle to reverse the trailer straight back.
- The backup camera view will show the trailer’s projected path and indicate if you’re approaching the steering limits….
- If the trailer starts to jackknife, the system will prompt you to pull forward and straighten it out before continuing to reverse.
And that’s all there is to it! With a little practice, reversing a trailer using Pro Trailer Backup Assist will become second nature. The precise, low-speed maneuvering the system enables can make it easier to navigate tight spots and crowded boat ramps.
Of course, it’s still important to practice good trailering techniques like using a spotter in difficult situations and maintaining proper speed. Pro Trailer Backup Assist doesn’t override your responsibility as a driver. But used properly, it’s an incredibly helpful tool.
Next let’s dive into some of the key benefits Pro Trailer Backup Assist offers and why you might want to add it to your towing toolkit.
Benefits of Pro Trailer Backup Assist
Reversing a trailer is often cited as one of the most challenging and stressful parts of towing, especially for beginners. Even seasoned towers can struggle in certain situations, like backing down a crowded boat ramp or maneuvering in tight campsites.
This is where Pro Trailer Backup Assist really shines. Here are some of the key benefits this technology offers:
- Intuitive Control – The simple knob interface makes controlling your trailer’s direction incredibly intuitive. Just point the knob the way you want the trailer to go – no more mental gymnastics trying to remember which way to crank the steering wheel for the desired result. This allows you to focus more on your surroundings.
- Reduced Stress – Taking the guesswork out of steering inputs helps make reversing a much lower-stress task. Beginners will appreciate the simplified controls and reduced risk of jackknifing, while experienced towers will welcome the assistance in tricky situations.
- Increased Confidence – For many drivers, the prospect of backing up a trailer is downright intimidating. Pro Trailer Backup Assist can help these folks get over that initial hump and build confidence in their ability to maneuver their trailer….
- More Camping Spot Options – Crowded campgrounds often have tight campsites that are tricky to back into, limiting options for those not comfortable reversing. Pro Trailer Backup Assist can open up more of those spots and make the whole process easier.
- Easier Boat Launching – Backing down a crowded boat ramp is a high-stress situation for many boaters. The precise, low-speed control of Pro Trailer Backup Assist can help you keep your cool and get your boat in the water smoothly.
- Flexibility – With the ability to store info for up to 10 trailers, Pro Trailer Backup Assist offers useful flexibility for those who tow multiple trailers. And since the system controls steering and limits speed, it can help keep you safe while you’re still getting a feel for the dynamics of a new or unfamiliar trailer.
These benefits help illustrate what a game-changer Pro Trailer Backup Assist can be for all kinds of towing situations. But the system does have a few limitations to be aware of, which we’ll cover next.
Limitations of Pro Trailer Backup Assist
As helpful as it is, there are some things Pro Trailer Backup Assist doesn’t do. And in certain situations, the system may have reduced functionality. Here are some key limitations to keep in mind:
- Pedal Control – While Pro Trailer Backup Assist controls the steering, you’re still responsible for operating the accelerator and brake pedals. Don’t get too focused on the knob and forget to control your speed! The system will limit you to low speeds, but coming to a smooth stop still requires a careful right foot.
- Obstructed Sticker – For Pro Trailer Backup Assist to work properly, the backup camera needs a clear view of the setup sticker on the trailer tongue. If the sticker gets damaged or obstructed by mud/snow, you may get limited functionality. Newer versions that use a yaw sensor instead of the sticker avoid this issue.
- Lighting – In very dark conditions, the backup camera may not be able to see the setup sticker clearly, again limiting functionality….
- Uneven Ground – While Pro Trailer Backup Assist can handle most mild off-camber situations, the system may have trouble on significantly uneven ground. If you’re backing onto a steep side hill, you may need to take over steering yourself.
- Trailer Size – Pro Trailer Backup Assist can accommodate conventional trailers up to 33 feet in length (hitch to axle). That covers a wide range of typical utility, boat, and camping trailers. But if you’re towing something extra long, you may need to look to the Super Duty’s more advanced system with Trailer Reverse Guidance.
- Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck – Unfortunately, Pro Trailer Backup Assist is not compatible with fifth wheel or gooseneck trailers at this time. The geometry is just too different compared to a conventional trailer for the system to work properly. For these trailers, you’ll have to rely on your own skills and practice.
While these limitations are worth noting, they don’t significantly detract from Pro Trailer Backup Assist’s overall usefulness. In the vast majority of typical towing situations, the system works flawlessly and makes reversing a trailer so much easier.