2021 FORD F-150 Owners Manual

The maximum value is 1,400 lb (650 kg).
Press
Set Current Load as Estimate to
store the current payload of the vehicle.
Measurement Units
Press to change measurement units
between pounds and kilograms.
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WHAT IS TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE
Trailer backup assistance utilizes the
control knob on the instrument panel to
help you steer a trailer. Turn the control
knob in the direction you want the trailer
to go and the system steers the vehicle.
HOW DOES TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE WORK
Trailer backup assistance uses a sticker or
sensor attached to the trailer to detect the
trailer angle relative to the towing vehicle
and provides instructions, graphics and
camera views on the touchscreen.
TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE PRECAUTIONS
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. Always be aware of
your 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: The front end of your vehicle swings
out when changing the direction of the
trailer.
Note: In certain conditions, the trailer could
turn faster or the trailer angle could increase
more than anticipated. Always monitor the
clearance between the trailer and vehicle
and the surroundings.
SETTING UP THE TRAILER
BACKUP ASSISTANCE FOR A
CONVENTIONAL TRAILER
CONFIGURING THE TRAILER
You must configure a trailer in the system
to use trailer backup assistance. This is a
one-time setup process and the trailer
information is saved in the system for the
next time you use that trailer.
The system only works with conventional
trailers. It does not work with other types
including fifth-wheel and gooseneck. The
following illustration shows examples of
conventional trailers on the left-hand side.
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Positioning the Trailer
Hitch the trailer to your vehicle and
connect the electrical wiring harness.
Check to make sure that the wiring is
working. See Connecting a Trailer (page
424).
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. See
Connecting a Trailer
(page 424). 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.
Configuring the Trailer in the
Touchscreen
1. Press the button to switch the system
on.
2. Press
Add Trailer on the touchscreen.
3. Follow the directions on the touchscreen to enter the trailer name
and trailer type, then proceed to the
sticker or sensor setup.
Note: If you configure the trailer and install
a sensor, the trailer is saved with that sensor
information. If you want to use this trailer
with the sticker, you need to delete the
trailer from the system and repeat the setup
process.
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Note:
Your vehicle has two options for the
trailer reversing aid setup. If your vehicle
came with a trailer sensor kit or if a message
displays to install a sensor, follow the sensor
installation instructions. See Trailer Sensor
Installation (page 448). If your vehicle did
not come with a trailer sensor kit, follow the
sticker installation instructions. See
Applying the Trailer Reversing Aid Sticker
(page
448).
Note: If your vehicle came with a trailer
sensor kit, the vehicle will receive an update
that allows the system to operate with a
sensor or sticker. If your vehicle did not come
with a trailer sensor kit, your vehicle can be
setup using either method, but you need to
separately purchase the trailer sensor kit
from your authorized dealer.
APPLYING THE TRAILER
REVERSING AID STICKER
Place the sticker in an area visible by the
rear view camera. The entire sticker must
be within
4– 19 in (10–48 cm) from the
center of the hitch ball, as shown in the
following illustration. Use the supplied sticker placement card,
a tape measure and pen to carefully mark
the area to attach the sticker. The sticker
is in the back cover pocket of your quick
start guide. Make sure the entire sticker is
within the green 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.
Note:
Make sure nothing can obstruct the
rear view camera's view of the sticker 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 placing
them. Do not re-use any stickers if removed.
Note: You can purchase additional stickers
through your authorized dealer.
Note: If you previously setup the trailer with
the trailer sensor, make sure it is not plugged
in before configuring the trailer and placing
the sticker.
TRAILER SENSOR INSTALLATION 448
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Refer to the instructions included with your
trailer sensor for detailed information
regarding installation.
Note:
Make sure the arrows on the sensor
housing are facing up. Mount the sensor to
a vertical part of the trailer that pivots when
you turn your vehicle. Do not mount to a
stationary surface such as the truck side of
the trailer hitch.
Note: If your vehicle came with a trailer
sensor kit, the vehicle will receive an update
that allows the system to operate with a
sensor or sticker. If your vehicle did not come
with a trailer sensor kit, your vehicle can be
setup using either method, but you need to
separately purchase the trailer sensor kit
from your authorized dealer. Once your
vehicle is enabled for sticker setup, the
default setup for new trailers requires
placement of the sticker. To setup a trailer
with a sensor, install the sensor on the trailer
and plug the connector into the connector
in your bumper prior to configuring the
trailer. Trailers that were set up with a
sensor still require the sensor to function.
To change a trailer to use the sticker, delete
the trailer in the system and repeat the
trailer setup with the sticker. CALIBRATING THE SYSTEM
Calibrating the system requires driving
forward and turning left or right. Follow the
instructions on the touchscreen to
complete the calibration process.
Note:
To calibrate the system, you need an
area where you can safely drive forward and
turn left or right. An open parking lot is an
ideal place to perform the calibration.
Note: Keep the steering wheel straight
when instructed to by the touchscreen. If
the steering wheel is in a turned position
during this instruction, the calibration
pauses.
Note: During calibration, the system
determines the trailer length. The system
supports trailer lengths of 6– 33 ft
(1.85– 10.05 m) distance from the hitch
point to the center of the axle or axles. The
system is designed to work with drawbars
that have a license plate to hitch ball center
measurement of 9– 18 in (23–46 cm) when
installed. Do not attempt to use drawbars
or trailers that have a length outside of this
range as the system performance degrades
and could cause improper system function.
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Note:
The touchscreen shows if you are
going too slow or fast. Calibration pauses if
the speed is outside the required range of
2 –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 the
system to locate the hitch ball as well as
determine the trailer length. Some trailers
could require you to drive straight then turn
multiple times before calibration completes.
The touchscreen provides instructions and
notifies you when calibration completes.
Note: For best results, do not calibrate the
system at night when calibrating the system
with the sticker.
SWITCHING TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE ON AND OFF Press the button and use the touchscreen
to select the connected trailer. Note:
A trailer must be configured to use
trailer backup assistance. See Configuring
the Trailer (page 446).
Note: If you use the steering wheel when
using trailer backup assistance, the system
turns off and a message displays in the
touchscreen.
Note: If the trailer was connected just prior
to turning the system on, you may need to
drive forward to initialize the system. Follow
the instructions on the touchscreen to
activate the system.
USING THE TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE CONTROLLER
Use the control knob to steer the trailer.
Take your hands off the steering wheel and
turn the control knob instead. The control
knob acts as the steering control for the
trailer. Turn and hold counterclockwise to make
the trailer go left.
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Turn and hold clockwise to make the trailer
go right.
Release the knob when the trailer is
moving in the direction you want.
Note:
The more you turn the knob, the
sharper the trailer turns.
Note: Quickly turning and releasing the
knob results in a jerky movement of the
vehicle.
Note: You may have to use the knob to
correct the trailer direction when attempting
to move the trailer straight back under some
conditions. USING THE TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE VIEWS
Up to seven camera views could be
available when using trailer backup
assistance. Use the view that helps you the
most when reversing your vehicle and
trailer. 360° camera view. Shows a
360° view on the right-hand side
of the touchscreen with a rear
camera view on the left-hand side of the
touchscreen. Rear view camera view. Shows
your trailer hitch or what is
directly behind your vehicle.
Rear split view camera view.
Shows a
180° degree view of
what is behind your vehicle. Bed camera view. Shows the
truck bed.
Note: This view also provides a
picture-in-picture view. Trailer AUX camera view. Shows
a rear view camera image of
what is behind your trailer. You
need to separately purchase this camera
and have it installed.
Note: This view also provides a
picture-in-picture view. Trailer reverse guidance view.
Shows you a view of the sides of
your truck and the trailer. In auto
mode, this view moves as the trailer moves
so that you do not have to adjust the
camera as you turn. Left and right arrows
let you see other camera views. Picture-in-picture view. Shows
a main view and a secondary
view when in bed camera view
or trailer AUX camera view.
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Note:
If you have a 8 in (20 cm)
touchscreen, picture-in-picture is off by
default. Press the picture-in-picture icon on
the touchscreen to switch picture-in-picture
view on and off.
Note: If you have a
12 in (30 cm)
touchscreen, picture-in-picture is on by
default and cannot be switched off. Swap. Press to swap between
picture-in-picture views.
Auto. Press to return to auto
view.
Note: Auto mode is the default setting.
Hitch Angle Graphic
The hitch angle graphic shows a small
representation of your truck and trailer with
visual feedback to help you monitor the
trailer. The graphic shows two different
colored lines for the trailer hitch angle. A
black line shows you where your trailer is
in relation to your vehicle. The white line
represents the amount the trailer can turn
based on knob input.
The graphic shows a yellow and red zone
for the hitch angle to warn you of a high
angle condition that could require you to
pull forward to reduce the hitch angle. The
angle limits for each zone vary based on
the trailer length. The yellow zone indicates you are
approaching the maximum controllable
trailer angle for the system. When the
trailer enters this zone, it is more difficult
to reduce the trailer turn when backing up.
It may be necessary to put your vehicle
back into drive (D) and pull forward to get
the truck and trailer back to an in-line
position.
The red zone indicates you have exceeded
the maximum controllable trailer angle for
the system. Immediately stop reversing.
Put your vehicle into drive (D) and pull
forward until the trailer is no longer in the
red 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.
Normal Control Angle
Default setting. This provides a balanced
limit that returns from a turn to straight
backing with minimal change to the trailer
direction.
Max Control Angle
Increases the trailer angle limit close to the
maximum controllable angle to allow
sharper turns but also causes more change
in the trailer direction when straightening
out from a turn.
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