Quick Facts About Trailer Backup Assist Systems
- All current systems require the driver to accelerate and brake the vehicle.
- Ford and Ram trailer backup assist systems provide a separate control knob for steering.
- Aftermarket backup assist kits similar to the Ford and Ram factory systems aren’t currently available.
Truck makers are tirelessly working to eliminate some of the drama from towing a trailer. These are welcome improvements to a task that can be stressful for even experienced drivers and downright scary for the novice.
Here we are going to concentrate on some current technologies that simplify one of the more dreaded exercises in towing: Backing up a trailer. Yes, this undertaking becomes less stressful and more intuitive with experience. However, even seasoned trailer tuggers should appreciate the help such technologies offer.
Let’s look at the latest trailer backup technology available from the major truck makers. We’ll learn a little about the systems from Ford, Ram, Toyota, and General Motors, what they do, and how to operate them.
Backing Up a Trailer: What’s the Big Deal?
Two major issues conspire to make backing up a trailer a blood-pressure-raising version of rubbing your stomach while patting your head. First, with almost any load, the line of sight between the driver and the intended trailer-resting point is, at least, partially blocked. In many cases, it’s entirely out of sight. Second, when in reverse, the trailer goes in the opposite direction of the truck. In other words, in reverse, when you steer the vehicle to the right, it pushes the trailer left.
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What Is Trailer Backup Assist?
As we use it here, trailer backup assist is any technology rendering backing up a trailer safer and less stressful. Each featured truck maker has its own approach to easing the tension of putting a trailer exactly where you want it. All the systems require the driver to maintain control of the accelerator and the brakes. However, some provide at least a degree of steering assistance.
Let’s look at each system and how it functions.
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Ford: Pro Trailer Backup Assist
In essence, Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist system allows the driver to steer the trailer rather than the truck when in reverse. How is that possible?
Using a step-by-step menu, drivers enter and store the vital trailer information the system needs to function for up to 10 unique trailers. Each trailer requires setup and one-time calibration. The setup involves entering the trailer’s brake system and your desired brake force into the system. You accomplish this setup task by using the direction arrows on the steering wheel. Instructions appear on the driver information display in the gauge cluster.
Calibration requires some effort and a few supplies, including a special checkered sticker you place on the trailer tongue, as well as a tape measure and instruction card. The system uses the camera on the truck’s tailgate to determine the direction the trailer is moving. It does so by keeping track of the checkered sticker. Therefore, the sticker must be in the correct spot for the system to function successfully. Moreover, you must take several exact measurements and input them into the system using the direction arrows on the steering wheel. The system is ready to go when you complete all the steps.
With the information integrated into the system, you push the button on the Pro Trailer knob just to the right of the steering wheel. Shifting the transmission into reverse engages the system. Removing both hands from the steering wheel, the driver backs the truck and trailer using the Pro Trailer knob to steer the trailer. Projected on the touchscreen, the image from rear-facing cameras provides the driver with a view of the trailer’s position relative to surrounding obstacles.
2023 Models Offering Pro Trailer Backup Assist
Note: Because of the microchip shortage, we only list the models offering the Pro Trailer Backup Assist at the time of this writing.
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Ram: Trailer Reverse Steering Control
Ram’s system is similar to Ford’s, but it is easier to set up because it self-calibrates for the trailer’s size and so forth. Therefore, the driver doesn’t need to do it manually. Like Ford’s system, when the Trailer Reverse Steering Control is active, the driver steers the trailer through the Trailer Steering knob on the center stack.
The system automatically calibrates for the trailer during normal forward operation. To engage the system, you need to shift the transmission into Park, depress the brake pedal, and press the Activation button just above the Trailer Steering knob. As with Ford’s system, shift into Reverse, remove your hands from the steering wheel, and steer the trailer with the knob. Remember, the driver still operates the accelerator and brakes. Leaving the knob in its resting position when the system is engaged will keep the trailer backing in a straight line.
2023 Models Offering Trailer Reverse Steering Control
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Toyota: Trailer Backup Guide
Toyota’s system operates differently from those of Ford and Ram. With the Toyota system, the driver must use the steering wheel during backup maneuvers. Like Ford’s setup, you must input some trailer specifications, using what Toyota calls the Trailer Garage. Once input, you save the specifications for each trailer to conveniently call up for its next use. Adding information is achieved using an arrow switch on the steering wheel and toggling through a menu on the MID (message information display). As with the other assistive technologies, Toyota’s system can store multiple trailers.
Once you’ve entered a trailer’s specs into the Trailer Garage, you must calibrate the system. Pressing the on-off button in the center stack engages the Trailer Backup Guide system. Calibration is a 6-step process easily followed through instructions appearing on both the MID display and the infotainment touchscreen. With the calibration completed, shifting into reverse engages the system.
Toyota’s system aids the driver by overlaying a big arrow on the rearview camera image, indicating the trailer’s direction. This helps the driver react with the appropriate steering input to correct or maintain the trailer’s current course.
2023 Models Offering the Trailer Backup Guide
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General Motors: Advanced Camera Technologies
GM’s Chevrolet and GMC divisions don’t provide dedicated trailer backup assistance technologies; however, they do offer multi-camera systems with up to 14 unique views. They include a surround-view, rear-side views, and even a rear view of what’s behind the trailer. While the driver is responsible for manually steering the truck when in reverse, having several camera views makes that navigation job easier.
2023 Models Offering the Advanced Camera Technologies
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