trailer FORD F150 2023 Manual PDF

The yellow indicator representsthat you have positioned yourvehicle too close to the trailerand you need to pull away from the traileruntil the indicator turns green.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMTrailer Hitching Assistance (If Equipped)E317893

WHAT IS SMART HITCH
Smart hitch shows how balanced theweight is from the trailer onto the vehicle'shitch and front axle.
HOW DOES SMART HITCH
WORK
Smart hitch uses sensors mounted to thesuspension to calculate the tongue weightof the connected trailer.
SMART HITCH LIMITATIONS
You cannot use the system if any of thefollowing occur:
•The wheels are not pointed straightahead.
•Your vehicle is not in park (P).
•Your vehicle is not on a level surface.
•The tire pressures are below therecommended levels.
•Your vehicle is off.
USING SMART HITCH
1.Press Features on the touchscreen.
2.Press Smart Hitch.
Note:You can also access smart hitchusing the FordPass app.
Settings menu.A
Quick setup.B
Connection checklist.C
Hitch type selection.D
Hitch Type Selection
Press to select the hitch type.
Quick Setup
Press to skip the trailer setup guide andadjust the load in the trailer to a balancedrange.
Reset Hitch Weight
Press to reset the weight on the hitch tozero.
Loaded Trailer Weight
Press to set the total weight of the loadedtrailer.
Note:The vehicle's tongue weight is notavailable until you attach a trailer.
Note:Make sure you include both the trailerweight and the trailer cargo in yourcalculation for total weight of the loadedtrailer.
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Tail Lamps
Press to see the hitch load balance on thevehicle’s tail lamps.
Connection Checklist
Press to go through the trailer setup guideand adjust the load in the trailer to abalanced range.
Reset Hitch Weight
Press to reset the weight on the hitch tozero.
Loaded Trailer Weight
Press to set the total weight of the loadedtrailer.
Note:The vehicle's tongue weight is notavailable until you attach a trailer.
Note:Make sure you include both the trailerweight and the trailer cargo in yourcalculation for total weight of the loadedtrailer.
Tail Lamps
Press to see the hitch load balance on thevehicle’s tail lamps.
Smart Hitch Settings
Measurement Units
Press to change measurement unitsbetween pounds and kilograms.
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WHAT IS TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE
Trailer backup assistance utilizes thecontrol knob on the instrument panel tohelp you steer a trailer. Turn the controlknob in the direction you want the trailerto go and the system steers the vehicle.
HOW DOES TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE WORK
Trailer backup assistance uses a sticker orsensor attached to the trailer to detect thetrailer angle relative to the towing vehicleand provides instructions, graphics andcamera views on the touchscreen.
TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Driving while distractedcan result in loss of vehicle control, crashand injury. We strongly recommend thatyou use extreme caution when using anydevice that may take your focus off theroad. Your primary responsibility is thesafe operation of your vehicle. Werecommend against the use of anyhand-held device while driving andencourage the use of voice-operatedsystems when possible. Make sure youare aware of all applicable local lawsthat may affect the use of electronicdevices while driving.
WARNING: This system is an extradriving aid. It does not replace yourattention and judgment, or the need toapply the brakes. This system does NOTautomatically brake your vehicle. If youfail to press the brake pedal whennecessary, you may collide with anothervehicle.
Note:The system is not a substitute forsafe driving practices. Always be aware ofyour vehicle and trailer combination, andthe surrounding environment.
Note:The system does not detect orprevent your vehicle or trailer from makingcontact with obstacles in the surroundingenvironment.
Note:The front end of your vehicle swingsout when changing the direction of thetrailer.
Note:In certain conditions, the trailer couldturn faster or the trailer angle could increasemore than anticipated. Always monitor theclearance between the trailer and vehicleand the surroundings.
SETTING UP THE TRAILER
BACKUP ASSISTANCE FOR A
CONVENTIONAL TRAILER
CONFIGURING THE TRAILER
You must configure a trailer in the systemto use trailer backup assistance. This is aone-time setup process and the systemsaves the trailer information for the nexttime you use that trailer.
The system only works with conventionaltrailers. It does not work with other typesincluding fifth-wheel and gooseneck. Thefollowing illustration shows examples ofconventional trailers on the left-hand side.
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Positioning the Trailer
Hitch the trailer to your vehicle andconnect the electrical wiring harness.Check to make sure that the wiring isworking. See Connecting a Trailer (page414).
Park your vehicle and hitched trailer on alevel surface.
For best results, make sure that your trailerrides level with the ground when you hitchyour vehicle. See Connecting a Trailer(page 414).
Make sure that the trailer and your vehicleare in line with each other. You can do thisby putting the transmission in drive (D) andpulling straight forward.
Configuring the Trailer in theTouchscreen
1.Press the button to switch the systemon.
2.Press Add Trailer on the touchscreen.
3.Follow the directions on thetouchscreen to enter the trailer nameand trailer type, then proceed to thesticker or sensor setup.
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Note:Your vehicle has two options fortrailer backup assistance set up. The systemdefaults to the camera based system. SeeApplying the Trailer Reversing Aid Sticker(page 441). You can also set up the systemwith the trailer sensor that you can purchasefrom your authorized dealer. You mustconnect the sensor to your vehicle to set upthe system. See Trailer SensorInstallation (page 441).
Note:If you configure the trailer and installa sensor, the system saves the trailer withthat sensor information. If you want to usethis trailer with the sticker, you need todelete the trailer from the system andrepeat the setup process.
APPLYING THE TRAILERREVERSING AID STICKER
Place the sticker in an area visible by therear view camera. The entire sticker mustbe within 4–19 in (10–48 cm) from thecenter of the hitch ball, as shown in thefollowing illustration.
Use the supplied sticker placement card,a tape measure and pen to carefully markthe area to attach the sticker. The stickeris in the back cover pocket of your quickstart guide. Make sure the entire sticker iswithin the green zone between the twoarcs or distance markers on the diagram,and is also visible in the rear view cameradisplay.
Once you have found the correct location,place the sticker.
Note:Make sure nothing can obstruct therear view camera's view of the sticker suchas a jack handle or wiring.
Note:Position the sticker on a flat, dry andclean horizontal surface. For best results,apply the sticker when temperatures areabove 32°F (0°C).
Note:Do not move stickers after placingthem. Do not re-use any stickers if removed.
Note:You can purchase additional stickersthrough your authorized dealer.
Note:If you previously setup the trailer withthe trailer sensor, make sure it is not pluggedin before configuring the trailer and placingthe sticker.
TRAILER SENSOR INSTALLATION
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You need to purchase a sensor kit and 7/12way connector to replace the 7/4 wayconnector on your vehicle to setup thesystem with a sensor. See your authorizeddealer.
Refer to the instructions included with yourtrailer sensor for detailed informationregarding installation.
Note:Make sure the arrows on the sensorhousing are facing up. Mount the sensor toa vertical part of the trailer that pivots whenyou turn your vehicle. Do not mount to astationary surface such as the truck side ofthe trailer hitch.
Note:To setup a trailer with a sensor, installthe sensor on the trailer and plug theconnector into the connector in your bumperprior to configuring the trailer. Trailers thatwere set up with a sensor still require thesensor to function. To change a trailer touse the sticker, delete the trailer in thesystem and repeat the trailer setup with thesticker.
CALIBRATING THE SYSTEM
Calibrating the system requires drivingforward and turning left or right. Follow theinstructions on the touchscreen tocomplete the calibration process.
Note:To calibrate the system, you need anarea where you can safely drive forward andturn left or right. An open parking lot is anideal place to perform the calibration.
Note:Keep the steering wheel straightwhen instructed to by the touchscreen. Ifthe steering wheel is in a turned positionduring this instruction, the calibrationpauses.
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Note:During calibration, the systemdetermines the trailer length. The systemsupports trailer lengths of 6–33 ft(1.85–10.05 m) distance from the hitchpoint to the center of the axle or axles. Thesystem is designed to work with drawbarsthat have a license plate to hitch ball centermeasurement of 9–18 in (23–46 cm) wheninstalled. Do not attempt to use drawbarsor trailers that have a length outside of thisrange as the system performance degradesand could cause improper system function.
Note:The touchscreen shows if you aregoing too slow or fast. Calibration pauses ifthe speed is outside the required range of2–9 mph (4–15 km/h).
Note:You need to complete at least a 90°turn, and longer trailers could require a 180°turn. Camera trailer tracking requires thesystem to locate the hitch ball as well asdetermine the trailer length. Some trailerscould require you to drive straight then turnmultiple times before calibration completes.The touchscreen provides instructions andnotifies you when calibration completes.
Note:For best results, do not calibrate thesystem at night when calibrating the systemwith the sticker.
SWITCHING TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE ON AND OFF
Press the button and use the touchscreento select the connected trailer.
Note:A trailer must be configured to usetrailer backup assistance. See Configuringthe Trailer (page 454).
Note:If you use the steering wheel whenusing trailer backup assistance, the systemturns off and a message displays in thetouchscreen.
Note:If the trailer was connected just priorto turning the system on, you may need todrive forward to initialize the system. Followthe instructions on the touchscreen toactivate the system.
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USING THE TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE CONTROLLER
Use the control knob to steer the trailer.Take your hands off the steering wheel andturn the control knob instead. The controlknob acts as the steering control for thetrailer.
Turn and hold counterclockwise to makethe trailer go left.
Turn and hold clockwise to make the trailergo right.
Release the knob when the trailer ismoving in the direction you want.
Note:The more you turn the knob, thesharper the trailer turns.
Note:Quickly turning and releasing theknob results in a jerky movement of thevehicle.
Note:You may have to use the knob tocorrect the trailer direction when attemptingto move the trailer straight back under someconditions.
USING THE TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE VIEWS
Up to seven camera views could beavailable when using trailer backupassistance. Use the view that helps you themost when reversing your vehicle andtrailer.
Note:The rear view camera view isavailable on all vehicles with trailer backupassistance. Additional views are availableon vehicles with trailer reverse guidance.
360° camera view. Shows a360° view on the right-hand sideof the touchscreen with a rearcamera view on the left-hand side of thetouchscreen.
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Rear view camera view. Showsyour trailer hitch or what isdirectly behind your vehicle.
Rear split view camera view.Shows a 180° degree view ofwhat is behind your vehicle.
Bed camera view. Shows thetruck bed.
Note:This view also provides apicture-in-picture view.
Trailer AUX camera view. Showsa rear view camera image ofwhat is behind your trailer. Youneed to separately purchase this cameraand have it installed.
Note:This view also provides apicture-in-picture view.
Trailer reverse guidance view.Shows you a view of the sides ofyour truck and the trailer. In automode, this view moves as the trailer movesso that you do not have to adjust thecamera as you turn. Left and right arrowslet you see other camera views.
Picture-in-picture view. Showsa main view and a secondaryview when in bed camera viewor trailer AUX camera view.
Note:If you have a 8 in (20 cm)touchscreen, picture-in-picture is off bydefault. Press the picture-in-picture icon onthe touchscreen to switch picture-in-pictureview on and off.
Note:If you have a 12 in (30 cm)touchscreen, picture-in-picture is on bydefault and you cannot switch it off.
Swap. Press to swap betweenpicture-in-picture views.
Auto. Press to return to autoview.
Note:Auto is the default setting.
Hitch Angle Graphic
The hitch angle graphic shows a smallrepresentation of your truck and trailer withvisual feedback to help you monitor thetrailer. The graphic shows two differentcolored lines for the trailer hitch angle. Ablack line shows you where your trailer isin relation to your vehicle. The white linerepresents the amount the trailer can turnbased on knob input.
The graphic shows a yellow and red zonefor the hitch angle to warn you of a highangle condition that could require you topull forward to reduce the hitch angle. Theangle limits for each zone vary based onthe trailer length.
The yellow zone indicates you areapproaching the maximum controllabletrailer angle for the system. When thetrailer enters this zone, it is more difficultto reduce the trailer turn when backing up.It may be necessary to put your vehicleback into drive (D) and pull forward to getthe truck and trailer back to an in-lineposition.
The red zone indicates you have exceededthe maximum controllable trailer angle forthe system. Immediately stop reversing.Put your vehicle into drive (D) and pullforward until the trailer is no longer in thered zone.
Setting the Trailer Angle Limit
1.Press Features on the touchscreen.
2.Press Towing.
3.Press Manage trailers.
4.Press Pro Trailer Backup Assist.
5.Press Trailer Angle Limit.
6.Press a setting.
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