Hitching A Trailer Made Simple Thanks to Ford’s New AI Technology

Now that Ford has introduced pickup lovers to artificial intelligence (AI), a restock on the Advil is no longer needed. So what does AI have to do with headaches? The Blue Oval’s innovative technology makes hitching a truck and trailer as easy as pushing a button. 

A pair we love to hate is the truck and a trailer; spend too much establishing the tandem, and onlookers will experience second-hand embarrassment. So now it doesn’t matter if the Ford enthusiasts had a spotter; perfectly lining the hitch ball under the trailer is effortless. 

So how does it work? Ford’s Pro Trailer Hitch Assist utilizes the rear camera and corner radars to arrange the hitch with the trailer coupler while maintaining the truck’s speed, steering, and braking, which comes to a halt at the perfect time. Furthermore, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist is exclusive to the F-150, F-150 Lightning, and the all-new F-Series Super Duty. 

“Pro Trailer Hitch Assist is another smart solution to save time for our customers. Instead of struggling to hitch a trailer alone or with a spotter, customers can now get hitched more confidently and on their way to the lake or a jobsite.”

-John Emmert, Ford Truck General Manager

A Technological Leader in Towing Capabilities 

There is a slew of driver-assist technologies that Ford’s Pro Trailer Assist makes an excellent company out of for the F-Series family. For instance, the Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes backing up a trailer as simple as turning a knob, indicating the direction the trailer should go while reversing into the position.  

Ford F-150 enthusiasts can also analyze how they are hauling through the optional Onboard Scales. The Onboard Scales measure and display the actual weight of the payload in the truck. In addition, the load information illuminates in the center infotainment screen, as does a graphic depiction of the pickup, or possibly in graphics within the smart taillamps on specific models. 

The smart taillamps act as the battery charge indicator on a cell phone. In addition, the taillamps display the percentage of payload capacity by illuminating the LEDs arranged through a built-in vertical bar. While loading the pickup, all four lights illuminate, indicating that the vehicle is fully loaded. However, if the truck feels stuffed, then the top lights blink. So how does a Ford vehicle know when it’s full? Easy, the max payload is based on the configuration programmed in the system. Furthermore, the pickup may be set on scale mode, zeroing out the current load, which permits an accurate weight of additional items loaded onto the bed. 

Then there’s the class-exclusive Smart Hitch that serves enthusiasts by making it easier to load trailers and exercise more safe towing practices. Smart Hitch measures the tongue weight of a connected trailer and aids Ford fans with the trailer weight distribution. 

Once the trailer is set up on the center screen, the Smart Hitch analyzes its tongue weight and offers guidance on hitch overloading or weight distribution through the smart taillamps or infotainment display. Further, the pickup also indicates if the hitch weight is too low or high and guides owners through successfully tensioning a weight redistribution hitch.

Now that’s towing made easy. 

Life Made Easy with the Ford F-150 at Kenny Ross Ford 

The Ford F-150 is more than a hard-working utility van; the stylish vehicle also longs for a new home beyond Kenny Ross Ford. However, we must admit the most challenging decision you’ll make here is narrowing your options between our new vehicle inventory and quality pre-owned vehicles. Additionally, our finance managers are sure to find the right program at the most competitive rates. So if you want to get a headstart on that new car smell, apply for auto financing in a matter of moments. On the other hand, if you aren’t ready to surrender your most prized possession, don’t worry. Our technicians are here to exceed your next service or auto repair expectations. Whether a deeply discounted car, an aggressive lease payment plan, routine maintenance, or a significant overhaul, sixty years of business should let you know you’ve come to the right place. Ask a neighbor and see what Kenny Ross Ford has in store for you. 

Photo Source/Copyright: Ford Media