towing FORD F-150 2019 Owner's Guide

Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer
movement affects your vehicle
when driving:
•
Load the heaviest items closest
to the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items
centered between the left and
right side trailer tires.
• Load the heaviest items above
the trailer axles or just slightly
forward toward the trailer
tongue. Do not allow the final
trailer tongue weight to go
above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
• Select a ball mount with the
correct rise or drop. When both
the loaded vehicle and trailer
are connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly
angled down toward your
vehicle, when viewed from the
side. When driving with a trailer or
payload, a slight takeoff vibration
or shudder may be present due to
the increased payload weight.
Additional information regarding
proper trailer loading and setting
your vehicle up for towing is
located in another chapter of this
manual. See Load Limit (page
277).
You can also find information in
the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized
dealer, or online. RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/
Website
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TRAILER REVERSING AIDS (IF
EQUIPPED)
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ WARNING:
Driving while
distracted can result in loss of vehicle
control, crash and injury. We strongly
recommend that you use extreme
caution when using any device that may
take your focus off the road. Your
primary responsibility is the safe
operation of your vehicle. We
recommend against the use of any
hand-held device while driving and
encourage the use of voice-operated
systems when possible. Make sure you
are aware of all applicable local laws
that may affect the use of electronic
devices while driving. WARNING: This system is an extra
driving aid. It does not replace your
attention and judgment, or the need to
apply the brakes. This system does NOT
automatically brake your vehicle. If you
fail to press the brake pedal when
necessary, you may collide with another
vehicle.
Note: The system is not a substitute for
safe driving practices.
Note: You must always be aware of the
vehicle and trailer combination, and the
surrounding environment.
Note: The system does not detect or
prevent your vehicle or trailer from making
contact with obstacles in the surrounding
environment.
Note: Keep in mind that the front end of
your vehicle swings out when changing the
direction of the trailer. Note:
The system relies on user
measurements to determine sticker
placement and system limits. It is critical to
take the key measurements correctly.
Incorrect measurements can result in the
improper function of the system up to and
including contact between the vehicle and
trailer.
Note: The system limits vehicle speed when
backing up. The system is not a replacement
for proper use of the throttle and brake
pedals.
Principle of Operation
This feature helps you to steer your vehicle
when reversing with a trailer. Turn and hold
the control knob in the direction you want
the trailer to go and the system takes over
the steering. This allows you to focus on
checking the mirrors and operating the
brake and accelerator.
Each trailer you use with your vehicle has
to be setup once.
You must take care to follow the setup
process accurately, to make sure the
sticker is placed correctly.
Contact your dealership if you need
assistance in setting up your trailer.
Setting Up Pro Trailer Backup
Assist
Note: Your vehicle saves the trailer
information when you enter it into the
system. A maximum of 10 trailers can be
added to the system.
Step 1: Position your Vehicle and Trailer
Hitch your trailer to the truck and connect
the electrical wiring harness. Check to
make sure that the wiring is working.
See
Essential Towing Checks (page 309).
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Park your vehicle and hitched trailer on a
level surface.
For best results, make sure that your trailer
rides level with the ground when you hitch
your vehicle. More information on selecting
your towbar is available in the Towing
section. See Towing (page 285).
Make sure that the trailer and your vehicle
are in line with each other. You can do this
by putting the transmission in drive (D) and
pulling straight forward.
Step 2: Follow the Information Display
Prompts
1. Press the button to switch the system
on.
2. Select the option to add a trailer in the
instrument display, using the steering
wheel control. See
General
Information (page 116).
3. Add a personalized name for the trailer
using the screen prompts. Use the
down arrow to scroll to the desired
letter and then press the right arrow to
advance to the next letter. Press OK to
continue.
4. Select the type of trailer brake system for the trailer you are adding.
5. Select the brake effort level for the trailer.
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Note:
The default option is low. This is
recommended for most trailers. If the
trailer's brakes require more initial voltage,
or if you prefer more aggressive braking then
select the other options as required.
6. Select the trailer type.
Some examples of conventional type
trailers are shown below.
Note: You cannot use the system with the
types of trailers marked with the cross.
The system only works with
conventional trailers. It does not work
with other types including goose neck
and fifth wheel. Follow the information display prompts.
Step 3: Place the Sticker on the Trailer
Frame
You must place the sticker in an area
visible by the rear view camera.
Note:
The cargo and trailer hookup lamps
turn on automatically to improve visibility.
Note: An assistant can help to carry out the
following procedure.
Note: Make sure nothing can obstruct the
rear view camera's view of the sticker. For
example, items such as a jack handle or
wiring. Note:
Position the sticker on a flat, dry and
clean horizontal surface. For best results
apply the sticker when temperatures are
above 32°F (0°C).
Note: Do not move stickers after they are
placed. Do not re-use any stickers if
removed.
Note: Additional stickers may be purchased
through your authorized dealer. Use the supplied measurement card, a
tape measure and pen to carefully mark
the area where to attach the sticker. The
sticker is supplied in the back cover pocket
of your quick start guide. Make sure the
entire sticker is within the gray zone
between the two arcs or distance markers
on the diagram, and is also visible in the
rear view camera display.
Once you have found the correct location,
place the sticker.
Step 4: Take Measurements
After you place the sticker on the trailer
you must take some measurements.
Note:
You must take accurate
measurements for the system to operate
properly.
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Note:
When rounding in inches, round
upward if the measured length is a quarter
inch or greater. Round downward if the
measured length is less than a quarter inch.
For example 12.25 in (31.11 cm) would be
rounded up to 12.50 in (31.75 cm). 12.13 in
(30.8 cm) would be rounded down to
12.00 in (30.48 cm).
Note: When rounding in centimeters, round
to the nearest whole centimeter. If the
measurement is less than
0.2 in (0.5 cm)
round downward. If the measurement is
more than or equal to 0.2 in (0.5 cm) round
upward. For example, 11.9 in (30.3 cm)
would be rounded down to
11.8 in (30 cm).
12.0 in (30.5 cm) would be rounded up to
12.2 in (31 cm).
Note: Use consistent metric or imperial
units as required by your country or vehicle.
The measurement card requires you to
record four key distances (A, B, C, D).
Record the trailer name for these
measurements. Distance A
The horizontal distance from the license
plate to the center of the ball hitch on the
trailer. Distance B
The horizontal distance from the center of
the ball hitch to the center of the sticker.
Distance C
The point to point distance from the rear
view camera to the center of the sticker.
Distance D
Trailers with single axle:
•
The horizontal distance from the
tailgate to the center of the trailer axle.
Trailers with dual axles or more:
• The horizontal distance from the
tailgate to the center of the axles.
Note: Round distance D to the nearest inch.
Step 5: Enter Measurements Using the
Information Display
Using the measurements you record, enter
the required data into the system. Follow
the on screen prompts to enter each of the
measurements taken in step 4. Use the up
and down arrows to increase or decrease
the numbers as necessary. Press OK to
confirm each measurement. When you add
the last measurement, the information
display shows all of the measurements
you entered. You can choose to confirm or
change the measurements.
Step 6: Confirming the Sticker Location
Check the rear view camera display to see
if the system identifies the sticker. The
system marks the sticker with a red circle.
Confirm that the red circle shows over the
sticker image in the rear view camera
display.
Note: If the system cannot locate the
sticker, try cleaning the camera lens. Make
sure the sticker is within the zone as
indicated in step 3.
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A
B
C
D
D

Calibrating the System
To complete setup, drive your vehicle
straight forward between 4–
24 mph
(6– 39 km/h), as directed by the
information display.
The information display shows a message
during calibration and after calibration is
complete
Note: Keep the steering wheel straight
during the calibration process. If the steering
wheel is in a turned position, the calibration
pauses. The information display prompts
you to drive straight forward to complete
the calibration.
Note: For best results, do not calibrate the
system at night.
Using Pro Trailer Backup Assist
To use the system, press the button and
select the trailer from the display. When the system locates the sticker, the
display prompts you to shift into reverse
(R). The system turns on.
Note:
The system does not function if your
hands are on the steering wheel. Remove
your hands to resume operation.
Follow the screen prompts to steer your
vehicle and trailer.
Note: You may have to drive forward to
straighten the trailer.
Take your hands off the steering wheel and
turn the Pro Trailer Backup Assist control
knob instead. The knob acts as the steering
control for the trailer.
Note: The more you turn the knob, the
sharper the trailer turns.
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Turn and hold counterclockwise to make
the trailer go left.
Turn and hold clockwise to make the trailer
go right.
Note:
Practice maneuvering with the
system in a safe open area first.
Note: Try backing up in a straight line and
then turning the knob slowly in the direction
you want to go.
Note: Quickly turning and releasing the
knob results in a jerky movement of the
vehicle. Release the knob when the trailer is
moving in the direction you want. Control
the accelerator and brakes while the
system steers your vehicle automatically
to keep the trailer moving straight back.
Note:
You may have to use the knob to
correct the trailer direction when attempting
to move the trailer straight back under some
conditions.
Note: The system limits the vehicle speed.
Note: When you release the knob or turn it
to the center position, your vehicle follows
the trailer's path.
Troubleshooting
Note: The system requires a clear view of
the sticker placed on the trailer. You must
keep the camera lens and sticker clean for
the system to operate correctly.
Setup
The system is designed to be used with a
wide variety of trailers. There are some
trailers that do not have a proper surface
and location to mount the sticker. These
trailers are not supported. Attempts to
place the sticker on a surface that does
not meet the sticker placement
requirement listed in Step 3 of the setup
instruction or entering inaccurate
measurements to proceed through setup
can result in improper system function.
Accurate measurements are critical for
correct system function. If you need to
check measurements entered or change
them you can access them through the
instrument cluster. Choose the option to
change the sticker from the change trailer
settings menu. It is not necessary to
remove the sticker if you are just reviewing
or changing measurements.
The following menu warnings or difficulties
may occur during setup. Tips to resolve
them are listed below.
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Note:
If you still experience issues with the
system's ability to detect the sticker, see
the information in the next section regarding
sticker lost during system operation.
Measurement A has reached maximum or
minimum value:
• The system is designed to work with
drawbars that have a license plate to
hitch ball center measurement of 9 in
(23 cm) to 16 in (41 cm) when installed.
Do not attempt to use drawbars that
have a length outside this range as the
system performance will be degraded
and could cause improper system
function.
• Make sure that the measurement being
made is the horizontal distance only
from license plate and the hitch ball
center. A straight line distance that
includes any vertical rise or drop
increases the measurement and makes
it inaccurate. Inaccurate
measurements degrade system
performance and could cause improper
system function. See step 4 of the
setup instruction to review
measurement instructions.
Measurement B has reached maximum or
minimum value:
• Make sure that the sticker placement
instruction in step 3 of the setup has
been followed. Stickers placed outside
the allowed zone will adversely affect
the system performance and could
cause improper feature function.
• Make sure that the measurement being
made is the horizontal distance only
from center of sticker to the hitch ball
center. A straight line distance that
includes any vertical rise or drop
increases the measurement and
causes an inaccurate value to be
entered into the system. See step 4 of
the setup for additional measurement
instructions. Measurement C has reached maximum or
minimum value:
•
Make sure you follow the sticker
placement instructions in step 3 of the
setup. Stickers placed outside the
allowed zone adversely affect the
system performance and could cause
improper feature function. If you have
met all the criteria for sticker
placement and you see this message,
the sticker is either too far below or too
close to the camera to properly
recognize the sticker. In order for the
system to operate correctly, the sticker
height must be lowered if you receive
the minimum warning or the sticker
height must be raised if you receive the
maximum warning.
• Only one sticker can be placed on the
trailer for correct system function. The
previous sticker must be removed or
covered so only one sticker is visible to
the camera.
• Measurement B and C must be
measured again if a new sticker is
placed on the trailer.
Measurement D has reached maximum or
minimum value:
• Make sure that the measurement being
made is the horizontal distance only
from tailgate to the center of the single
axle or the center of all the axles on the
trailer. See step 4 of the setup for
additional measurement instructions.
The system does not support trailer
lengths outside the range allowed by
the information display.
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System is circling something beside the
sticker or system cannot find the sticker:
•
Make sure the rear camera is clean and
the sticker is clearly visible in the
camera image. Clean the camera and
sticker if necessary.
• The camera system uses the entered
measurements to help locate the
sticker. Inaccurate sticker
measurements degrade the system ’s
ability to locate the sticker. Verify the
measurements you enter into the
system are accurate.
• Remove the incorrectly circled label or
decal if possible.
• If you cannot resolve the issue, try a
new sticker location. The sticker
location must still meet the
requirements noted in step 3 of the
setup instructions. Only one sticker can
be placed on the trailer for correct
system function. The previous sticker
must be removed or covered so only
one sticker is visible to the camera.
Calibration
The system monitors various vehicle
parameters to ensure your vehicle is being
driven straight and the trailer is straight
behind your vehicle. Any steering input or
trailer movement pauses the calibration.
For best results:
• Use a long, straight, smooth and level
road when attempting to calibrate.
• Drive straight forward.
• Drive between 4–24 mph
(6– 39 km/h).
System Operation
The following warnings or difficulties may
occur during feature operation. Tips to
resolve them are listed below. The system is not available:
•
The system relies on many
sub-systems in your vehicle to operate
correctly. If those sub-systems are not
operating correctly, the system may
not be available.
• Low battery voltage is a condition
which prevents the system from
operating. Please make sure the
battery is correctly charged if the
system is not available.
• You may need to drive your vehicle
straight forward above
25 mph
(40 km/h) before the system is
available again.
• If the message continues to display,
see your authorized dealer for service.
Sticker lost:
• If the system cannot initially find the
sticker, it may be necessary for you to
change the lighting conditions by
moving the vehicle and trailer or
waiting until conditions change.
• Check for the following if you receive
the lost sticker message while using
the system.
• Stop your vehicle as soon as the
message displays.
• Make sure the sticker is visible and the
pattern is discernable in the rear view
camera image.
• Clean the sticker and camera to make
sure they are unobstructed.
• Clean the lens with a soft, lint-free
cloth and water.
• Clean the sticker with isopropyl rubbing
alcohol sprayed directly onto the
sticker, and then wipe clean with a soft
cloth.
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•
Remove any items that may be
blocking the view of the sticker.
Depending on your trailer configuration
and any equipment mounted to your
trailer, it is possible for the sticker to be
blocked from view of the camera as it
rotates on the hitch ball but not be
blocked during setup. Remove the
obstruction if possible. It may be
necessary to remove the sticker from
its current location if the obstruction
cannot be cleared. Place a new sticker
that is visible to the camera in all
positions of the trailer behind your
vehicle.
• Placing the sticker on a surface angled
away from the vehicle reduces
performance. Use a drawbar that
positions the trailer level to the ground
when attached to the vehicle. This
typically provides a level surface to
mount the sticker. Place the sticker on
a bracket or other object when no level
surface is available.
• Make sure the entire sticker is on a flat
surface that is completely visible to the
camera. Do not fold the sticker over an
edge on the trailer frame. This can
degrade performance.
• Shadows on the sticker may effect
tracking performance under some
lighting conditions. Moving the sticker
to another location within the allowed
placement area may improve
performance. Use the change sticker
option in the information display menu
if you move the sticker.
• You can change your sticker location
by going into the information display
menu, selecting trailer options,
selecting change trailer settings and
then selecting the change sticker
option. The previous sticker must be
removed. ONLY ONE STICKER
SHOULD BE PLACED ON THE
TRAILER FOR CORRECT SYSTEM
FUNCTION. •
The camera system uses the entered
measurements to help locate the
sticker. Inaccurate measurements
reduce the system ’s ability to locate
the sticker. Check the measurements
entered into the system are correct.
Refer to step 4 of setup for instructions
on measurements.
• You can change your measurement by
going into the information display
menu, selecting trailer options,
selecting change trailer setting and
then selecting the change sticker
option. Disregard the prompt to remove
this sticker and continue to the next
step if you only plan to update the
measurements for the current sticker
location.
System does not reverse straight:
• Factors such as the drawbar
connection to the hitch receiver, road
camber, road grade and compliance in
the trailer suspension can influence
how straight the system is able to
reverse your trailer when the knob is
not turned. You can compensate for
the trailer drifting to the right or left by
slowly turning the knob until the trailer
is following your desired path and then
holding the knob in that position. If you
would like to recalibrate the system for
straight backing, you can do so with the
following procedure.
• Go into the information display menu,
select trailer options, select change
trailer setting and then select the
change sticker option. Your saved
measurements display. Do not change
them but continue to confirm
measurements. Once you confirm the
measurements, the system then
prompts you to perform the calibration
procedure.
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