I only bought a ford f150 because of this feature. I'm a disabled vet I have my whole neck fused together and this is the only way I can back my boat into the lake. So this system has its benefits for certain people. Prior to neck fusion I had no need for this system but now I am thankful for it. Thanks for the video guys!
This video is a good example of why reading the manual and learning the product first is important. Arguably the best feature of PTBA is backing a trailer in a straight line by letting go of the knob. When I tried it at a dealer demo, it was easy to see the places where PTBA would be useful.
I've been backing trailers my whole life and I activated the backup assist on my 2016. The thing I liked most about it is that it will not let you "jackknife" a trailer and damage your truck. It will go nuts warning you that you are about to make contact. I agree with Sam that its worthless for an experienced backer. But I could see it being useful for a lady who has never learned to back, especially small watercraft trailers and boat trailers on busy ramps.
It’s actually really useful. It take a bit of getting use to sure but I have mastered it and even though I have no issue backing up without assistance, have found this definitely useful. The trick it to realize that you need to just let the knob go and let it straighten out. Whipping the knob back and forth like he was doing isn’t going to help. Can’t say I agree with this assessment.
Yes, same here. I am a master trailer backer and find the pro trailer a useful gadget under certain situations. However you do have to learn how to use it just like you learn how to back a trailer. It's good for newbys and added skill to pros.
I'm with you. I tried it out and tried to back our 7' x 16' cargo trailer in our driveway and gave up after 3 attempts. Love the camera views but I agree that people that know how to back a trailer will never use it.
I liked the video guys. But what I appreciated most about it was y'all being totally honest. Refreshing to find people that still display integrity in this world that is so evil nowdays. I tip my hat to you gentlemen. Thank you.✌🏻🙏🏻✝️
My 2021 Limited came with the stickers also and said there would be an update to use them. If you check the owners manual and booklets you'll likely find them there. This method seems far more complicated than using the stickers. No hardware required. Most people will not go through this and is actuallyjust more incentiveto learn how to back up the trailer themselves. Great video as always guys. Keep it up. Most informative video I've seen on this.
Thanks for recommending this video when I mentioned backup assist. You've convinced me that I don't want to pursue retrofitting mine for now at least. I talked to the parts guy at the dealer and he said they're replacing a LOT of those cameras, too. Apparently they're junk.
There are two sensitively setting , I use the most sensitive one. It is useful for my 20 foot boat getting into tight boat launch’s .I also use it on long curved launch about 90 yards with guide rails on both sides
Personally I wouldn’t use it much but I could see it being easier if you let go of the knob and let the system do it’s job to straighten out. I notice you were turning the knob back and forth as you would the wheel. The system is designed to self align.
It sounds awesome, I have BLIS on my truck but no trailer BLIS, the 2017 has it so I need to figure out how to add it to mine because I CANT SEE A THING OUT OF THE MIRRORS!! Ugh, those things drive me crazy. $1800 replacements whoopee!
I’m just seeing this video. Makes me glad I got my truck without this Backup Assist and opted to just have the factory brake controller installed. I already know how to back up and figured it was a waste of money. Glad to see I was right. Thanks
Love it, great job guys and your honesty is always appreciated. My wife and I are planning on getting a travel trailer fairly soonish and I'm going to make sure it comes prewired for the backup camera, so it's just plug and play. When I saw this Pro Trailer Backup Assist on the trucks my first thought was it's for people who've never backed up a trailer before and "might" help them a bit. As you state in the video, it doesn't take long to get good backing up a trailer the normal way. What most people don't understand is that a longer trailer is actually easier to back up then a short/small one. With a backup camera on your trailer and just the normal method of using your mirrors should be plenty to get the job done.
You can actually just bump the knob to make small corrections. You do not have to hold the knob all the way to one side or the other to make small turns or corrections. I do agree though that if you are well versed in backing up a trailer already this may not help you much, but for those new to or not comfortable with trailers or if you have a single axel trailer; they tend to move a lot no matter how good you are, this is a great feature that DOES NOT SUCK.
I agree! And I noticed that Sam was constantly turning the dial one way or the other (could be wrong but it sure looked that way). The manual clearly states that once the trailer is straight, simply release the dial and the tow vehicle will maneuver to keep the trailer straight...that in itself is worth it for me.
@@brettbergman9396Can you make a video or have one to share? I have the stickers and still trying to determine why it kicks out. Then have to restart the process.
I think by having the split screen its easier just to manually turn the steering wheel. Also, if you use a Furrion Rear facing camera on camper you will always use the steering wheel. As you are aware, if you turn the bottom of the steering wheel left, the trailer goes left.
Best video about trailer backup assist I've seen. I followed it to a T and it worked. Thank you so much for taking the effort to make this video, you earned a new subscriber.
the camera view is available whether you actually use the back up assist right? Can't you do what you have for all these years but have the added view you didn't have before?
would like to have a review over a longer period of time where you get use to it. To me, the camera view is where the money is. With larger trailer, you quickly loose sight of where you're going. In camping sight I feel like you see the person guiding you way better with the 360 package.. so if its a matter of getting use to the pro assist thingy.. may be worth it for the benefits you get in return
Thank you... Enjoy your content. I say you should go for the Ford hardwired camera kit as a TH-cam channel project to help us all out on deciding if it would work for us. The wiring should be able to be run under the Trailer on the inner frame rails and not over the roof. Would love to see the rear trailer camera integrated into Sync4
Hey Sam I agree with Daniel. I would really like to see the trailer cam on the sync 4 screen. I think someone will come up with a hack to turn it on while driving.
works well on my Travel Trailer. For 2021 Models, unfortunely the sticker type sensor don't work and I can't afford to buy another compatible Trailer Sensor Kit for my old Utility Trailer
I believe the most recent SW update for the TRM (trailer relay module) will allow the early 2021 F150s to work with the stickers. It may even be part of the current 22S17 recall.
Very cool and informative. Thank you. I'm doing the first tow later this week with my 2021 truck and 14' Camplite. I can back up myself very, very well, and I can even do a last minute pivot when backing, to position my trailer on the site to my desires. I think I'll not install this yet. I think the trailer set up in the Ford will allow me to enter the length of the camper, so I can use the blind spot detector. I hope these are two different things. Blind spot detector should work without the trailer backup package. Besides, I really don't want more cables and junk, and technology on my camper.
Great video! I've had this system for 3 years now and have yet to use it. Renting an RV soon and looking at using it. So to use the backup assist thing you need to hookup that sensor? Since it's a rental I just don't want to permanently attach it. Can you just zip tie the sensor on or something?
There are couple of like "chess board" stickers into the truck's manual; you can use one of those stickers instead of the sensor if you don't have the sensor or don't want to use it.
Thanks for the video but if you’re good at backing a trailer up you don’t need the help anyway so the negative comments really don’t help but for those who don’t have a lot of experience back in the trailer up it works good I bought a 32 foot camper trailer has never buy a trailer up more than three times in the past and I put it in the hard to get two parking spots with no trouble so it is not crap for some people
I have a genuine question I’ve asked many people but they couldn’t give me a straight answer. So I just bought a new 21 with the 5.0. I know this generation they bumped the compression to 12:1. Now I know the manual says regular gas is ok. But…to me with a 12:1 compression engine it would need premium to run at its full potential. Especially when towing. What are your thoughts? Thanks
I don't have any facts to back it up but I also run premium in my truck and agree with what you're saying about compression ratio. It seems to me that the engine can make max power with premium fuel and that's what you want when you're towing. I buy my gas at Sam's club which saves a ton of money compared to just buying it at a regular gas station. Right now with prices the way they are it can save 20 to $25 with a 36 gallon tank.
The engine electronics adapt to whatever gas you put in it. It will run fine and not knock with 87. But if you put in 91 or 93 the engine is likely to have marginally more power and get marginally better gas mileage. Thus, it’s up to you. For day-to-day (not towing) I run 87 octane gas. For towing my 5K pound boat/trailer and running across country on interstates, I use 91 octane. Why? It’s in the middle. 😊
Just bought a 2021 F-150 Lariat, Powerboost. Came equipped with the ProTrailer Backup Assist. Should the connecting cables and the receiver box been included?
There was an update for 2021. The sensor comes with tow technology package. If you have max tow it comes with all the electronics to make a sensor work but it comes now with the same stickers they used to use.
Probably NOT. I bought mine 2 weeks ago, no SENSOR bag; only six stickers. The other possibility is that the sensor kit was pilfered from my truck by the dealer to sweeten another sale.
I've recently seen a discussion that mentioned the sensor itself had a microchip in it. I would say that is the reason they went back to the stickers and quit shipping the new sensor setup.
I'm finding that the 2021 Ford F-150 Pro Trailer Assist animation video of my truck and trailer disappears during using it, and I can't figure out how to get that tiny video back on my screen. (I have a ford F-150 2021 Lariat, 4x4, 3.5 L Engine; without the 360 Camera support.) Thanks for your help, I googled this problem but no results.
I was wondering if you had the trailer camera option before you hooked up the sensor and harness I have 360 view but hd it have the trailer camera any idea?
Thank you! We're learning to back up our new F-150 Powerboost manually so we know how to do it if we have to. (Sorta like knowing how to deal with a jib sail on your sailboat in case the furler fails....) Our new travel trailer comes equipped with a mount for a rear camera. Wondering what model you or your subscribers recommend for that trailer rear camera?
Which is why I prefer a 85% hank-on. No fuss, just point her upwind for a moment, uncleat the jib halyard, and pull on the downhall. I just ordered an F-350 that required the pro-trailer backup assist to get the 360 camera's. I will probably never touch it, but at least it's there.
My dads 16 has PTBA and we wanted to try it out when he bought it. We both know how to back up a trailer but we figured why not. Some doofus stole the owners manual out of the truck so we didn’t have any stickers. We ended up getting one from a neighbors Super Duty and it took a while to set up. We saw no real benefit, just going straight back for a long time.
FYI u can use the steering wheel with pro trailer. Press 3 lines click on steering wheel icon. I don’t use pro trailer at all on mine . I’ve been backing up trailers since I was a kid. Simple beginner method . see too much in your left mirror turn toward it. See too much in right mirror turn toward it…
I tow with my truck less than 5% of the time. I don't like how the tow mirrors look the other 95% of the time. Also my camper is 21 ft long and I can get by just fine without the tow mirrors.
Are there Aftermarket clip on tow mirrors you would suggest for longer trailers outs is 32+ feet long and having a hard time finding some nice tow mirrors.
At around 7:37 of your video, you switch to the “better” view. My 2021 F150 also has the 360° camera, but I’m not getting that menu that pops up giving me that option. Any suggestions?
Had to chuckle when you said the PTBA wasn't really as good without a camera on the back of the trailer (so you knew how far from the wall you were). I mean, you didn't have a camera on the back of the trailer when you were NOT using PTBA, so what's the difference? LOL.
I was towing a 12’ enclosed tool trailer for 8 hours yesterday and parked it 8 times, every time without PTBA or even turning the neck. Man, them Super Duty mirrors. Why aren’t they standard on every truck?
Hey guys, really appreciate your channel I have a 21 F150 power boost. Do they offer anything for motor to the air is in your trailer it’s out I’m having a hard time finding some and cameras can you shoot me someplace so I’ll know what to do.
Glad I didn't order that option. I do like the camera views though on both sides. Backing up old school you loose the view on one side of your trailer in the mirrors when turning into a spot.
Question. I'm looking for an affordable rear shock only option to help with towing my camper. 21 f150. I'm having trouble finding any,just the kit u guys have and we'll to b honest there a lil out of my price range
Check out the Bilstein 5100 kit for your truck. It should be under $400 for the complete kit and I had that on my previous 2015 EcoBoost f-150. It is a huge upgrade over the stock system and helps towing quite a bit. At about a quarter of the cost it's a pretty sweet option.
@@BackroadDriver thanks. Are they good for towing. Trying to keep the rear from sagging.towing a 6000 pnd travel trailer. The truck has a 2.5 level on the front buy the back just barley sags
The bilstein's are stiffer and help with porpoising while driving down the road and hitting bumps. If you just want to help towing, the Roadmaster active suspension may be a better option to help with sagging and controlling the load. Both are about the same price.
@@BackroadDriver, I got the 2.7 ecoboost because I liked the truck and thought it would be a great option because I had read it was a great all around engine but I feel it needs more power.
Heck, with today’s lack of inventory you may be able to trade it in for the price you paid for it. However, it probably won’t be a Ford truck…maybe a Ram or Chevy perhaps. That said, from what I read on the net, the 2.7 Ecoboost is a damn good engine. I have the 3.5. Yes it’s got power, but when pulling my camper west toward the front range of the Rocky Mountains. I only get 5 mpg. So, there’s that.
That’s some rough honesty because I have plans buying a travel trailer and I have zero experience with backing trailers lol… I can back the shit out of huge ambulances. I have lots of experience driving larger than normal units but yeah, that’s not TOWING 😭🤣. So to hear some dudes with real world experience shit on this well that’s just scary . Looks like I will be in my Walmart parking lots at midnight messing around then until I get decent so I won’t tear my house up 😂🤦🏽♂️🙅🏽♂️
After this video a lot of people told us that you don’t hold the knob to turn. You make an adjustment and let go of the knob and keep backing. We may have just needed more instruction.
Bad take, the backup assist works, these guys gave bad info as they were using it incorrectly. The greatest benefit was never featured backing up the trailer straight which it’s incredible at.
We took them down…. Sam and Brad came back to town early… maybe they will go back up in the future. New video goes live in just a sec. waiting on TH-cam.
any idea after what build month? I bought a 21 used and it didn't come with the kit. I'm trying to find the part number to order it. Mine has a 08/10/21 mfg. date.@@seagullsbtn
You didn't explain the operation of the knob in relation to what is on screen. I'm assuming if you want the trailer to go right you turn the knob right. I've seen a few of these videos on this subject and no one else had talked about this either.
Just subscribed, great channel. How much higher did the falcon shocks lift your truck? I know it's a leveling kit but seeing if you maybe had numbers from stock to know. Thanks again, from Az.
If you're looking for info about my truck there's a video on pretty much anything. If you want to be able to search quicker check out the playlist for my truck. Here's a link to the video where we installed the falcon shocks. You'll see the difference between factory ride height and after they were installed. Thanks for subscribing Luis!
I'm surprised there isn't an after-market alternative that plugs into the port on the truck. But then, I keep waiting for someone to figure out how to tap into the truck cameras to add a DVR. Tesla can record, but not Ford? WTF?
No practice at all. Some guys might get used to it and find it easier but in my experience it's easier to get used to backing a trailer the old-fashioned way.
Hi, nice video, good visual. Not something that I would use. I have the old sticker back up option on my other truck and didn’t use that either. Won’t use it with my new truck. Thanks.
The sensor has a chip in it. Therefore they quit shipping new trucks with it and went back to the old sticker system. It's just one more thing that they took off the trucks because of the microchip shortage. Yours must have been a late 21 build after they stopped shipping with the new system.
Hello! Funny you mentioned that. I bought a used 2019 Rockwood, with an "A" frame set up. There is no fully uncompromised surface to attach the sticker. Do you know how crucial it is to be completely flat, or can I cheat the instructions, and have a part of the sticker overlapping the hitch jack bracket base where it is welded on the frame?
I have the exact truck ordered with max towing package. I have the 3.5 ecoboost. I've been pulling same trailer with a 2.7 ecoboost so I know it will pull it just fine. But I have a 32 foot trailer that weighs around 9500 to 10 000 pounds fully loaded. I don't have the truck yet but I'm hoping I can pull it much easier with minimal sway. Oh, and current truck doesn't have the max towing package.
@@AlfredoMonarrezLV It depends on your truck's configuration (engine, axle ratio). Some F150 can tow slightly more than 13,000 lbs while others have a max of 5,000 lbs.
You can probably pull the trailer, but be warned -- your gas mileage will drop to near ZERO! Towing an empty 12' cargo trailer, mine dropped from roughly 20MPG to SIX!
I agree that it would be useless if you know how to back up a trailer. Once I learned to back a trailer while using your side mirrors I can back any trailer no problem. So that is one feature that I would not use at all. My question would be can you back up a cotton trailer? That would be my challenge to either one of y’all. Yes I can back one up using my tractor but not real good with my truck.
@@BackroadDriver no the cotton trailer I’m referring to has a steering on the front that is operated by the trailer tongue so you have a double pivot point that is close to each other, so no it would not back up like a big rig trailer, I used to drive big rigs.
I’m a little late to the party here, but I have to say the pro back up assist is very gimmicky...which pains me to say because I’m a blue oval guy. My 20 f150 came with it and so I set it up with my car trailer and tried it only once. It’s just faster and easier to back up the conventional way. It may be good if someone inexperienced is driving your truck, but make sure to tell them to watch the front end swing! Otherwise they will be so busy watching the screen and twisting the knob that they won’t watch what the front of the truck is doing, and may mess up the truck!
Thank you for the video and your honest impression. Yes, as I watched the vid, I thought, do I really need to install all of that for perhaps marginal improvement? Probably not.
Can you still use the decal setup? Is there a different way to attach the sensor to a trailer other than using the double sided tape?? Happy Father’s Day everyone
@@BackroadDriver I'm 99% certain that Ford had planned to go back to the stickers (and retrofit the early 2021's via an OTA update) irrespective of the chip shortage.
I thought you guys were promoting it for a second and it scared me, because it is horrible. I don't understand what Ford was thinking, and to be honest I don't see how it would even help anyone who has never backed a trailer up before. The camera view is great though. Sam, I put the haloview rd7 camera on the back of my RV, and it works pretty good.
I only bought a ford f150 because of this feature. I'm a disabled vet I have my whole neck fused together and this is the only way I can back my boat into the lake. So this system has its benefits for certain people. Prior to neck fusion I had no need for this system but now I am thankful for it. Thanks for the video guys!
This video is a good example of why reading the manual and learning the product first is important. Arguably the best feature of PTBA is backing a trailer in a straight line by letting go of the knob. When I tried it at a dealer demo, it was easy to see the places where PTBA would be useful.
I've been backing trailers my whole life and I activated the backup assist on my 2016. The thing I liked most about it is that it will not let you "jackknife" a trailer and damage your truck. It will go nuts warning you that you are about to make contact. I agree with Sam that its worthless for an experienced backer. But I could see it being useful for a lady who has never learned to back, especially small watercraft trailers and boat trailers on busy ramps.
It’s actually really useful. It take a bit of getting use to sure but I have mastered it and even though I have no issue backing up without assistance, have found this definitely useful. The trick it to realize that you need to just let the knob go and let it straighten out. Whipping the knob back and forth like he was doing isn’t going to help. Can’t say I agree with this assessment.
The feedback in the comments has been good. We will definitely try this.
Yes, same here. I am a master trailer backer and find the pro trailer a useful gadget under certain situations. However you do have to learn how to use it just like you learn how to back a trailer. It's good for newbys and added skill to pros.
I'm with you. I tried it out and tried to back our 7' x 16' cargo trailer in our driveway and gave up after 3 attempts. Love the camera views but I agree that people that know how to back a trailer will never use it.
I liked the video guys. But what I appreciated most about it was y'all being totally honest. Refreshing to find people that still display integrity in this world that is so evil nowdays. I tip my hat to you gentlemen. Thank you.✌🏻🙏🏻✝️
Love this option... they changed the way it works from 2018 so thank you for showing us how to install it!
My 2021 Limited came with the stickers also and said there would be an update to use them. If you check the owners manual and booklets you'll likely find them there. This method seems far more complicated than using the stickers. No hardware required. Most people will not go through this and is actuallyjust more incentiveto learn how to back up the trailer themselves. Great video as always guys. Keep it up. Most informative video I've seen on this.
Thanks for recommending this video when I mentioned backup assist. You've convinced me that I don't want to pursue retrofitting mine for now at least.
I talked to the parts guy at the dealer and he said they're replacing a LOT of those cameras, too. Apparently they're junk.
There are two sensitively setting , I use the most sensitive one. It is useful for my 20 foot boat getting into tight boat launch’s .I also use it on long curved launch about 90 yards with guide rails on both sides
Personally I wouldn’t use it much but I could see it being easier if you let go of the knob and let the system do it’s job to straighten out. I notice you were turning the knob back and forth as you would the wheel. The system is designed to self align.
I get it it’s for people who never backed a trailer in. Now the blind spot for the trailer is awesome…
I used the extended BLIS this weekend on a camping trip. I agree it is a nice feature.
It sounds awesome, I have BLIS on my truck but no trailer BLIS, the 2017 has it so I need to figure out how to add it to mine because I CANT SEE A THING OUT OF THE MIRRORS!! Ugh, those things drive me crazy. $1800 replacements whoopee!
I've got a 22 F350 ordered with the backup assist and trailer tpms and camera. I'm wondering how all of that plugs in together.
I’m just seeing this video. Makes me glad I got my truck without this Backup Assist and opted to just have the factory brake controller installed. I already know how to back up and figured it was a waste of money. Glad to see I was right. Thanks
Love it, great job guys and your honesty is always appreciated. My wife and I are planning on getting a travel trailer fairly soonish and I'm going to make sure it comes prewired for the backup camera, so it's just plug and play. When I saw this Pro Trailer Backup Assist on the trucks my first thought was it's for people who've never backed up a trailer before and "might" help them a bit. As you state in the video, it doesn't take long to get good backing up a trailer the normal way. What most people don't understand is that a longer trailer is actually easier to back up then a short/small one. With a backup camera on your trailer and just the normal method of using your mirrors should be plenty to get the job done.
You can actually just bump the knob to make small corrections. You do not have to hold the knob all the way to one side or the other to make small turns or corrections. I do agree though that if you are well versed in backing up a trailer already this may not help you much, but for those new to or not comfortable with trailers or if you have a single axel trailer; they tend to move a lot no matter how good you are, this is a great feature that DOES NOT SUCK.
I agree! And I noticed that Sam was constantly turning the dial one way or the other (could be wrong but it sure looked that way). The manual clearly states that once the trailer is straight, simply release the dial and the tow vehicle will maneuver to keep the trailer straight...that in itself is worth it for me.
Correct this does not suck.. this was a case of uninformed video guys doing wrong. Lol
@@brettbergman9396Can you make a video or have one to share? I have the stickers and still trying to determine why it kicks out. Then have to restart the process.
I think by having the split screen its easier just to manually turn the steering wheel. Also, if you use a Furrion Rear facing camera on camper you will always use the steering wheel. As you are aware, if you turn the bottom of the steering wheel left, the trailer goes left.
Best video about trailer backup assist I've seen. I followed it to a T and it worked. Thank you so much for taking the effort to make this video, you earned a new subscriber.
Nice Video. Thanks for making it. 👍👍
the camera view is available whether you actually use the back up assist right? Can't you do what you have for all these years but have the added view you didn't have before?
Thanks for the honest pro trailer back up review.
Hey team, Thank you for the video! It's simple and easy to understand! Just helped me with a client to explain how this thing works!! Thanks again!
Glad we could help!
would like to have a review over a longer period of time where you get use to it. To me, the camera view is where the money is. With larger trailer, you quickly loose sight of where you're going. In camping sight I feel like you see the person guiding you way better with the 360 package.. so if its a matter of getting use to the pro assist thingy.. may be worth it for the benefits you get in return
Dang...that hook-up was simple! Too bad the chip shortage means no more sensor boxes shipping with the truck, only the stickers.
This is an awesome system, talk about over correcting while backup a trailer! Hope you don't have to move the wheel while backing up normally.
does this work for the 2019 model also what is the part number for the cables that you bought
This comes with the new 21
You would need the trailer light plug and to change some Forscan codes but yes it is possible. Look at the forums, I’m sure somebody has done it.
I've found just backing up with the camera on the hitch helps tremendously with all sorts of conventional pull trailers and implements.
Did you have to purchase that kit separate? I got the max towing pro trailer backup-assist option but I don’t have any of those cables with mine
You need to go request it or its stored somewhere in the truck. Was it Brand new?
Does it come with the truck when you get the pro?
Thank you... Enjoy your content.
I say you should go for the Ford hardwired camera kit as a TH-cam channel project to help us all out on deciding if it would work for us.
The wiring should be able to be run under the Trailer on the inner frame rails and not over the roof.
Would love to see the rear trailer camera integrated into Sync4
Hey Sam I agree with Daniel. I would really like to see the trailer cam on the sync 4 screen. I think someone will come up with a hack to turn it on while driving.
works well on my Travel Trailer. For 2021 Models, unfortunely the sticker type sensor don't work and I can't afford to buy another compatible Trailer Sensor Kit for my old Utility Trailer
I believe the most recent SW update for the TRM (trailer relay module) will allow the early 2021 F150s to work with the stickers. It may even be part of the current 22S17 recall.
Very cool and informative. Thank you. I'm doing the first tow later this week with my 2021 truck and 14' Camplite. I can back up myself very, very well, and I can even do a last minute pivot when backing, to position my trailer on the site to my desires. I think I'll not install this yet.
I think the trailer set up in the Ford will allow me to enter the length of the camper, so I can use the blind spot detector. I hope these are two different things. Blind spot detector should work without the trailer backup package. Besides, I really don't want more cables and junk, and technology on my camper.
Great video! I've had this system for 3 years now and have yet to use it. Renting an RV soon and looking at using it. So to use the backup assist thing you need to hookup that sensor? Since it's a rental I just don't want to permanently attach it. Can you just zip tie the sensor on or something?
There are couple of like "chess board" stickers into the truck's manual; you can use one of those stickers instead of the sensor if you don't have the sensor or don't want to use it.
Thanks for the video but if you’re good at backing a trailer up you don’t need the help anyway so the negative comments really don’t help but for those who don’t have a lot of experience back in the trailer up it works good I bought a 32 foot camper trailer has never buy a trailer up more than three times in the past and I put it in the hard to get two parking spots with no trouble so it is not crap for some people
Thank you for the really great breakdown of PTBA!
Great video guys thanks! Did the sensor kit come with the truck or did you purchase it separately? Thanks again!
I have a genuine question I’ve asked many people but they couldn’t give me a straight answer. So I just bought a new 21 with the 5.0. I know this generation they bumped the compression to 12:1. Now I know the manual says regular gas is ok. But…to me with a 12:1 compression engine it would need premium to run at its full potential. Especially when towing. What are your thoughts? Thanks
I don't have any facts to back it up but I also run premium in my truck and agree with what you're saying about compression ratio. It seems to me that the engine can make max power with premium fuel and that's what you want when you're towing. I buy my gas at Sam's club which saves a ton of money compared to just buying it at a regular gas station. Right now with prices the way they are it can save 20 to $25 with a 36 gallon tank.
@@BackroadDriver thanks for the reply. I will start running premium and see how the 5.0 likes it. Thanks again!
The engine electronics adapt to whatever gas you put in it. It will run fine and not knock with 87. But if you put in 91 or 93 the engine is likely to have marginally more power and get marginally better gas mileage. Thus, it’s up to you. For day-to-day (not towing) I run 87 octane gas. For towing my 5K pound boat/trailer and running across country on interstates, I use 91 octane. Why? It’s in the middle. 😊
Just bought a 2021 F-150 Lariat, Powerboost. Came equipped with the ProTrailer Backup Assist. Should the connecting cables and the receiver box been included?
They should have came in a clear bag with the truck.
There was an update for 2021. The sensor comes with tow technology package. If you have max tow it comes with all the electronics to make a sensor work but it comes now with the same stickers they used to use.
Probably NOT. I bought mine 2 weeks ago, no SENSOR bag; only six stickers. The other possibility is that the sensor kit was pilfered from my truck by the dealer to sweeten another sale.
I've recently seen a discussion that mentioned the sensor itself had a microchip in it. I would say that is the reason they went back to the stickers and quit shipping the new sensor setup.
Is the follow up video up with the new wireless camera installed?
Does this require the 360 camera set up?
Pretty sure it doesn't require the 360 camera. I think it does require the towing package or the max tow package.
I'm finding that the 2021 Ford F-150 Pro Trailer Assist animation video of my truck and trailer disappears during using it, and I can't figure out how to get that tiny video back on my screen. (I have a ford F-150 2021 Lariat, 4x4, 3.5 L Engine; without the 360 Camera support.) Thanks for your help, I googled this problem but no results.
I was wondering if you had the trailer camera option before you hooked up the sensor and harness I have 360 view but hd it have the trailer camera any idea?
Thank you! We're learning to back up our new F-150 Powerboost manually so we know how to do it if we have to. (Sorta like knowing how to deal with a jib sail on your sailboat in case the furler fails....) Our new travel trailer comes equipped with a mount for a rear camera. Wondering what model you or your subscribers recommend for that trailer rear camera?
Which is why I prefer a 85% hank-on. No fuss, just point her upwind for a moment, uncleat the jib halyard, and pull on the downhall. I just ordered an F-350 that required the pro-trailer backup assist to get the 360 camera's. I will probably never touch it, but at least it's there.
My dads 16 has PTBA and we wanted to try it out when he bought it. We both know how to back up a trailer but we figured why not. Some doofus stole the owners manual out of the truck so we didn’t have any stickers. We ended up getting one from a neighbors Super Duty and it took a while to set up. We saw no real benefit, just going straight back for a long time.
FYI u can use the steering wheel with pro trailer. Press 3 lines click on steering wheel icon. I don’t use pro trailer at all on mine . I’ve been backing up trailers since I was a kid. Simple beginner method . see too much in your left mirror turn toward it. See too much in right mirror turn toward it…
I noticed you special ordered your truck. Is there a reason you didn’t opt for the trailer mirrors?
I tow with my truck less than 5% of the time. I don't like how the tow mirrors look the other 95% of the time. Also my camper is 21 ft long and I can get by just fine without the tow mirrors.
@@BackroadDriver okay thanks for the reply
Are there Aftermarket clip on tow mirrors you would suggest for longer trailers outs is 32+ feet long and having a hard time finding some nice tow mirrors.
At around 7:37 of your video, you switch to the “better” view. My 2021 F150 also has the 360° camera, but I’m not getting that menu that pops up giving me that option. Any suggestions?
Had to chuckle when you said the PTBA wasn't really as good without a camera on the back of the trailer (so you knew how far from the wall you were). I mean, you didn't have a camera on the back of the trailer when you were NOT using PTBA, so what's the difference? LOL.
Let's be honest. This is for the guys at the boat ramp you see holding up everyone else lol
I was towing a 12’ enclosed tool trailer for 8 hours yesterday and parked it 8 times, every time without PTBA or even turning the neck. Man, them Super Duty mirrors. Why aren’t they standard on every truck?
Hey guys, really appreciate your channel I have a 21 F150 power boost. Do they offer anything for motor to the air is in your trailer it’s out I’m having a hard time finding some and cameras can you shoot me someplace so I’ll know what to do.
Glad I didn't order that option. I do like the camera views though on both sides. Backing up old school you loose the view on one side of your trailer in the mirrors when turning into a spot.
Another great videos. Thanks guys!
Question. I'm looking for an affordable rear shock only option to help with towing my camper. 21 f150. I'm having trouble finding any,just the kit u guys have and we'll to b honest there a lil out of my price range
Check out the Bilstein 5100 kit for your truck. It should be under $400 for the complete kit and I had that on my previous 2015 EcoBoost f-150. It is a huge upgrade over the stock system and helps towing quite a bit. At about a quarter of the cost it's a pretty sweet option.
@@BackroadDriver thanks. Are they good for towing. Trying to keep the rear from sagging.towing a 6000 pnd travel trailer. The truck has a 2.5 level on the front buy the back just barley sags
The bilstein's are stiffer and help with porpoising while driving down the road and hitting bumps. If you just want to help towing, the Roadmaster active suspension may be a better option to help with sagging and controlling the load. Both are about the same price.
@@BackroadDriver thank u sir.u have a video on that rite,
If I understand correctly you work at Ted Russell and Knoxville?
Got my f-150 supercab about a month ago and still loving mine but wish I would have gotten a different engine size.
What did you get?
@@BackroadDriver, I got the 2.7 ecoboost because I liked the truck and thought it would be a great option because I had read it was a great all around engine but I feel it needs more power.
Heck, with today’s lack of inventory you may be able to trade it in for the price you paid for it. However, it probably won’t be a Ford truck…maybe a Ram or Chevy perhaps. That said, from what I read on the net, the 2.7 Ecoboost is a damn good engine. I have the 3.5. Yes it’s got power, but when pulling my camper west toward the front range of the Rocky Mountains. I only get 5 mpg. So, there’s that.
@@rdbjr52 the ecoboost is definitely not for fuel economy when towing. That is another the only thing I don't like about it.
That’s some rough honesty because I have plans buying a travel trailer and I have zero experience with backing trailers lol… I can back the shit out of huge ambulances. I have lots of experience driving larger than normal units but yeah, that’s not TOWING 😭🤣. So to hear some dudes with real world experience shit on this well that’s just scary . Looks like I will be in my Walmart parking lots at midnight messing around then until I get decent so I won’t tear my house up 😂🤦🏽♂️🙅🏽♂️
After this video a lot of people told us that you don’t hold the knob to turn. You make an adjustment and let go of the knob and keep backing. We may have just needed more instruction.
Bad take, the backup assist works, these guys gave bad info as they were using it incorrectly. The greatest benefit was never featured backing up the trailer straight which it’s incredible at.
You saved me 15 minutes. 👍 I think I would hate it
Needed this. thank you
Glad we could help!
How come your last 2 videos are saying they're private and I can't veiw them
We took them down…. Sam and Brad came back to town early… maybe they will go back up in the future. New video goes live in just a sec. waiting on TH-cam.
👍
🤔 Is that harness extra because I didn’t get anything with my 2023 Lariat PBoost…
They quit shipping with it because it has a microchip in it. They went back to the old school sticker system.
@@BackroadDriver Oh crap… ok😕. Truck is expensive enough 🤦🏽♂️
@@BackroadDriveryup, that happened late in the 2021 model year.
any idea after what build month? I bought a 21 used and it didn't come with the kit. I'm trying to find the part number to order it. Mine has a 08/10/21 mfg. date.@@seagullsbtn
You didn't explain the operation of the knob in relation to what is on screen. I'm assuming if you want the trailer to go right you turn the knob right. I've seen a few of these videos on this subject and no one else had talked about this either.
It's good he just doesn't know how to use it. With some practice i imagine it would be better considering all the camera angles.
Just subscribed, great channel. How much higher did the falcon shocks lift your truck? I know it's a leveling kit but seeing if you maybe had numbers from stock to know. Thanks again, from Az.
If you're looking for info about my truck there's a video on pretty much anything. If you want to be able to search quicker check out the playlist for my truck. Here's a link to the video where we installed the falcon shocks. You'll see the difference between factory ride height and after they were installed. Thanks for subscribing Luis!
@@BackroadDriver Thank you!!! I'll definitely check it out! You two remind me of my brother and I. He's just a tad (10) years older than me lol
Yup, pay $100K for an F150 Limited and you haave to shell out another $1K for a trailer camera ?? Great Deal !! I'm rite on it !!
I'm surprised there isn't an after-market alternative that plugs into the port on the truck. But then, I keep waiting for someone to figure out how to tap into the truck cameras to add a DVR. Tesla can record, but not Ford? WTF?
Sounds like practice makes perfect with this or without it
No practice at all. Some guys might get used to it and find it easier but in my experience it's easier to get used to backing a trailer the old-fashioned way.
Hi, nice video, good visual. Not something that I would use. I have the old sticker back up option on my other truck and didn’t use that either. Won’t use it with my new truck. Thanks.
cant use the sensor anymore , ford went back to the dreaded sticker ...tough finding a spot with propane tanks sitting on the "A" frame .
Do you have any details on this? I just bought a used 2021 and have the stickers but not the sensor.
The sensor has a chip in it. Therefore they quit shipping new trucks with it and went back to the old sticker system. It's just one more thing that they took off the trucks because of the microchip shortage. Yours must have been a late 21 build after they stopped shipping with the new system.
Hello! Funny you mentioned that. I bought a used 2019 Rockwood, with an "A" frame set up. There is no fully uncompromised surface to attach the sticker. Do you know how crucial it is to be completely flat, or can I cheat the instructions, and have a part of the sticker overlapping the hitch jack bracket base where it is welded on the frame?
I have the exact truck ordered with max towing package. I have the 3.5 ecoboost. I've been pulling same trailer with a 2.7 ecoboost so I know it will pull it just fine. But I have a 32 foot trailer that weighs around 9500 to 10 000 pounds fully loaded. I don't have the truck yet but I'm hoping I can pull it much easier with minimal sway. Oh, and current truck doesn't have the max towing package.
You need to educate yourself on payload a f150 shouldn't be pulling anything more than 6k
@@AlfredoMonarrezLV you are an idiot. You have no clue what payload is vs. towing. You need to educate yourself.
@@AlfredoMonarrezLV It depends on your truck's configuration (engine, axle ratio). Some F150 can tow slightly more than 13,000 lbs while others have a max of 5,000 lbs.
You can probably pull the trailer, but be warned -- your gas mileage will drop to near ZERO! Towing an empty 12' cargo trailer, mine dropped from roughly 20MPG to SIX!
I agree that it would be useless if you know how to back up a trailer. Once I learned to back a trailer while using your side mirrors I can back any trailer no problem. So that is one feature that I would not use at all. My question would be can you back up a cotton trailer? That would be my challenge to either one of y’all. Yes I can back one up using my tractor but not real good with my truck.
I just looked up a cotton trailer and if that bad boy was full it would be like a big rig trailer.
@@BackroadDriver no the cotton trailer I’m referring to has a steering on the front that is operated by the trailer tongue so you have a double pivot point that is close to each other, so no it would not back up like a big rig trailer, I used to drive big rigs.
Have it on mine, never used it. I probably be turning it the wrong way all the time anyhow.
I’m a little late to the party here, but I have to say the pro back up assist is very gimmicky...which pains me to say because I’m a blue oval guy. My 20 f150 came with it and so I set it up with my car trailer and tried it only once. It’s just faster and easier to back up the conventional way. It may be good if someone inexperienced is driving your truck, but make sure to tell them to watch the front end swing! Otherwise they will be so busy watching the screen and twisting the knob that they won’t watch what the front of the truck is doing, and may mess up the truck!
Thank you for the video and your honest impression. Yes, as I watched the vid, I thought, do I really need to install all of that for perhaps marginal improvement? Probably not.
It's also 600.00 dollars for the kit. I'll use the sticker.
Happy Father's Day
Can you still use the decal setup? Is there a different way to attach the sensor to a trailer other than using the double sided tape??
Happy Father’s Day everyone
I've heard there's supposed to be a software update later this year to support the sticker setup.
I’m going to guess the stickers won’t work with Sync 4 on the 21’s.
@@BackroadDriver Yes, they do (now). Recent TRM SW update.
I just got a new up-optioned Lariat Hybrid... NO SENSOR! Just six stickers.
Thanks for watching Hugh! Yeah, unfortunately they stopped shipping f-150s with the new sensor setup. Blame it on the chip shortage.....
@@BackroadDriver I'm 99% certain that Ford had planned to go back to the stickers (and retrofit the early 2021's via an OTA update) irrespective of the chip shortage.
I have no idea who would ever need a zip tie that long!
Yeah boi!
Just bought my truck…no sensor, just some stickers 🤔
same for me
Same here , how do I enter info using sticker on a 2021 F-150.
Same, I got a 23.Nothing in the truck. Do I need to buy this extra harness
This makes backing up harder if you’re already experienced. Nice idea, but pretty worthless if you know what you’re doing without it
Yeah kinda seems that way, but I'll try it and see.
And you need 360
I thought you guys were promoting it for a second and it scared me, because it is horrible. I don't understand what Ford was thinking, and to be honest I don't see how it would even help anyone who has never backed a trailer up before. The camera view is great though. Sam, I put the haloview rd7 camera on the back of my RV, and it works pretty good.
Right in about the camera angle. We will never say it’s good if it’s bad. Take that to the bank.
hello
Goodbye
Part number please 🙏
What’s wrong with your channel. Your bronco video comes up private
We pushed it back to 7:00. Look for it then.
Looks like 7:15 now. TH-cam is moving slow.
If you need a backup assist you shouldn’t be towing
Or you could just learn how to backup a trailer.... stop using the noob knob