Ford Pro Trailer Backup Assist Sensor Install Guide (2021 F-150)

Knickell · Dec 17, 2020

I was perusing the 2021 Ford F-150 owner's manual online when I came across this. This is a PDF of Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist and how to install and use the sensors with the system. I haven't been able to make too much sense of it yet, but I'm sure some of you towing gurus will appreciate the info!

daemonic3 · Dec 17, 2020

Ok, what in the hell is the "sensor" for? I have the sticker for mine. You get a pack of several stickers so you can put them on multiple trailers, it comes in the glove box when you get the truck. But a SENSOR?!? Now I have more research to do!

Wally27 · Dec 18, 2020

daemonic3 said:
Ok, what in the hell is the "sensor" for? I have the sticker for mine. You get a pack of several stickers so you can put them on multiple trailers, it comes in the glove box when you get the truck. But a SENSOR?!? Now I have more research to do!

I believe the sensor is for fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers

Roger350 · Dec 18, 2020

daemonic3 said:
Ok, what in the hell is the "sensor" for? I have the sticker for mine. You get a pack of several stickers so you can put them on multiple trailers, it comes in the glove box when you get the truck. But a SENSOR?!? Now I have more research to do!

What are the stickers for, and where on the trailer do you put them?

heffer86 · Dec 18, 2020

Here is another document about the Pro trailer backup assist. It says you need to get a software update to use the stickers. This is the first time I've seen the "sensor" setup.

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/...-F-150-TBA-QSG-Version-1_QG-EN-US_08_2020.pdf

daemonic3 · Dec 18, 2020

Roger350 said:
What are the stickers for, and where on the trailer do you put them?

The sticker is so simple, the sync menu shows you in the camera image the zone to place the sticker on your trailer's hitch. As long as it is in that zone, it will hunt for that sticker when you enter pro trailer backup. Then it uses the sticker to see what angle the trailer is at all times.

I noted before that it isn't *necessary* for backing up trailers, most of us know how to do it. BUT it is fantastic at keeping the trailer straight once it is lined up. FAR better than me doing it manually. It knows the exact rate to unwind the steering wheel as you let off the accel to keep it pointed the same direction. To me, THAT is the biggest advantage.

I only have the tailgate cam in my current XLT, so I'm really looking forward to also having the side views and 360 view as extra helpers! I will be able to see the pedestals and whatnot without the wife trying to scream directions at me.

Cmfrasher · Dec 18, 2020

Knickell said:
I was perusing the 2021 Ford F-150 owner's manual online when I came across this. This is a PDF of Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist and how to install and use the sensors with the system. I haven't been able to make too much sense of it yet, but I'm sure some of you towing gurus will appreciate the info!

I have a 2018 Platinum with this feature.

It works great for boat trailers or utility trailers. My salesman and I programmed this feature for my 17.5 ft flats boat and trailer. We met one afternoon in his parking lot where it was flat and had room to pull forward and back up till the on board computer was programmed.

On the 2018 Platinum you control the gas and break as you turn the know in the direction you want to turn. The wheel will turn in the proper direction. Just remember the knob is spring loaded and if you turn loose of it, it will return to the center position. It works great.

Wilsons66605 · Dec 19, 2020

Cmfrasher said:
I have a 2018 Platinum with this feature.

It works great for boat trailers or utility trailers. My salesman and I programmed this feature for my 17.5 ft flats boat and trailer. We met one afternoon in his parking lot where it was flat and had room to pull forward and back up till the on board computer was programmed.

On the 2018 Platinum you control the gas and break as you turn the know in the direction you want to turn. The wheel will turn in the proper direction. Just remember the knob is spring loaded and if you turn loose of it, it will return to the center position. It works great.

I found that I can back a trailer in to spots easier myself (I’m old). The going back straight works very well.

jasenj1 · Dec 21, 2020

Wally27 said:
I believe the sensor is for fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers

Actually, fifth wheel & gooseneck are not supported.

According to the doc heffer86 posted:

NON-CONVENTIONAL

TRAILER EXAMPLES

The functionality of Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance is not available for Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck type trailers.

Also according to the "Quick Start Guide" you can either use the sensor OR the sticker.

Your 2021 F-150 has two options for Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance setup.

Your vehicle came with a trailer sensor kit.

...

Your vehicle will be eligible to receive a vehicle system update that will allow trailers to be set up with the stickers in this kit.

So you use the sensor or the stickers.

Wally27 · Dec 21, 2020

jasenj1 said:
Actually, fifth wheel & gooseneck are not supported.

According to the doc heffer86 posted:

NON-CONVENTIONAL
TRAILER EXAMPLES
The functionality of Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance is not available for Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck type trailers.

Also according to the "Quick Start Guide" you can either use the sensor OR the sticker.

Your 2021 F-150 has two options for Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance setup.
Your vehicle came with a trailer sensor kit.
...
Your vehicle will be eligible to receive a vehicle system update that will allow trailers to be set up with the stickers in this kit.

So you use the sensor or the stickers.

Thanks, I thought I had read something or seen something that it was for 5th wheel/goosenecks. Thanks for the correction

kavm · Dec 24, 2020

jasenj1 said:
Actually, fifth wheel & gooseneck are not supported.

According to the doc heffer86 posted:

NON-CONVENTIONAL
TRAILER EXAMPLES
The functionality of Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance is not available for Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck type trailers.

Also according to the "Quick Start Guide" you can either use the sensor OR the sticker.

Your 2021 F-150 has two options for Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance setup.
Your vehicle came with a trailer sensor kit.
...
Your vehicle will be eligible to receive a vehicle system update that will allow trailers to be set up with the stickers in this kit.

So you use the sensor or the stickers.

The following YouTube video from Ford seems to suggest otherwise:

snoshuu · Dec 24, 2020

kavm said:
The following YouTube video from Ford seems to suggest otherwise:

The truck in the above video appears to be a F250?

kavm · Dec 24, 2020

You are right. The truck in the video is, I think, SuperDuty... However, the system from SuperDuty has been brought into 2021 F150.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/34388/all-the-most-innovative-new-features-on-the-2021-ford-f-150

I am not 100% sure on this but the system on 2021 F150 is an upgrade over the previous versions, as per the above and other sources.

BMWtoF150 · Jan 7, 2021

I have a 2021 F150 King Ranch with max tow. It came with a sensor and a cable. The sensor mounts on the frame of the trailer and connects to the truck. From what I have read (i have not tried it) once the sensor is connected and you perform a few maneuvers the truck will figure out the length of the trailer and store in the trailer profile. The truck no long has a 4 pin light plug. it has been replaced by the plug for the sensor. They now include an adapter to utilize a four pin light hookup.

daemonic3 · Jan 7, 2021

BMWtoF150 said:
I have a 2021 F150 King Ranch with max tow. It came with a sensor and a cable. The sensor mounts on the frame of the trailer and connects to the truck. From what I have read (i have not tried it) once the sensor is connected and you perform a few maneuvers the truck will figure out the length of the trailer and store in the trailer profile. The truck no long has a 4 pin light plug. it has been replaced by the plug for the sensor. They now include an adapter to utilize a four pin light hookup.

Are you saying that with the sensor, you don't have to take measurements, it just figures it out? Because that would be sweet...

Otherwise I would think the sticker method is superior. Less cabling around your tongue, and if you have multiple trailers that would suck ass to keep moving it and securing it in the exact same spot as before. The sticker kit came with multiple stickers.

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