Trailer Backup Assist Decals

[Edwin]

Let me start off by saying this. Yes, I've tried learning to backup a trailer proficiently. However, I just suck at it. I don't do it enough to become a pro at it.

I bought my Raptor used and it did not come with the decals that you install on the trailer to use with the backup assist feature. I looked them up how much they run, thinking they wouldn't cost more than $10 for a pair and was shocked to see that they cost $40 (SEE BELOW)!!!!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-NEW-15...e:Ford&hash=item3fa4c3107b:g:jIMAAOSwOLVbQ8KB


I have a friend that can print me some stickers for free. Can someone provide me the dimensions of the stickers? Overall dimensions and the dimensions of the individual squares.

 

[wheelman55]

Edwin. You are much better off learning to backup on your own. The backup assist in my experience is no help at all. Your experience could vary from mine though...

 

[JohnC12]

There are plenty of stickers on eBay for $15. Like here - https://www.ebay.com/itm/133352470034

I somewhat agree with wheelman - you should continue to learn to back up a trailer the real way (can’t believe I just said that). Fords Trailer Backup Assist feature is really cool, but it will only “assist” you with the principals.

What kind of trailer do you have?

 

[Small Town Raptor]

I'd have to disagree with learning the "real way". Easier said than done when you're towing a shorter trailer that you can't see.

I've found the back up assist critical with our small sea-doo trailer. Our local boat launch is very narrow and requires a bit of precision. It is easy with my 18" boat, or in an SUV where you lift the tailgate with full view of the trailer.

In my raptor, you can't see the small trailer at all until it starts turning into view of the side mirrors...and by then with the narrow launch, it's too late and you have to reset.

The trailer assist works extremely well in this specific case. Line up the trailer with the launch, and the truck makes these micro-adjustments to track perfectly down the ramp.

Yes, I it's good to know how to manually to it....but it's also good to explore the capabilities of your truck and use all the tools in the toolbox when you need it.

 

[Badgertits]

I'd have to disagree with learning the "real way". Easier said than done when you're towing a shorter trailer that you can't see.

I've found the back up assist critical with our small sea-doo trailer. Our local boat launch is very narrow and requires a bit of precision. It is easy with my 18" boat, or in an SUV where you lift the tailgate with full view of the trailer.

In my raptor, you can't see the small trailer at all until it starts turning into view of the side mirrors...and by then with the narrow launch, it's too late and you have to reset.

The trailer assist works extremely well in this specific case. Line up the trailer with the launch, and the truck makes these micro-adjustments to track perfectly down the ramp.

Yes, I it's good to know how to manually to it....but it's also good to explore the capabilities of your truck and use all the tools in the toolbox when you need it.

i tow single or twin waverunners w/ mine- you gotta kinda “muscle em” around- don’t be afraid to use short jerky maneuvers to whip the thing around. Once it’s straight though keeping it that way is tough especially w/ a single waverunner since it’s so light- I find backing smoothly but also swiftly is helpful - depending on depth/angle of the launch ramp doesn’t really matter if the jet ski is dead nuts straight in water once in a couple feet it’s buoyant enough to start floating & light enough you should be able to maneuver some in the water

 

[JohnC12]

I'd have to disagree with learning the "real way". Easier said than done when you're towing a shorter trailer that you can't see.

I've found the back up assist critical with our small sea-doo trailer. Our local boat launch is very narrow and requires a bit of precision. It is easy with my 18" boat, or in an SUV where you lift the tailgate with full view of the trailer.

In my raptor, you can't see the small trailer at all until it starts turning into view of the side mirrors...and by then with the narrow launch, it's too late and you have to reset.

The trailer assist works extremely well in this specific case. Line up the trailer with the launch, and the truck makes these micro-adjustments to track perfectly down the ramp.

Yes, I it's good to know how to manually to it....but it's also good to explore the capabilities of your truck and use all the tools in the toolbox when you need it.

I'm sorry, but if one can't back up a trailer without the Ford Trailer Assist, then one is either towing with wrong vehicle or shouldn't be towing at all. I know, just my opinion.

Out of curiosity, have you tried lowering your tailgate to see the ski and trailer?

 

[Small Town Raptor]

I'm sorry, but if one can't back up a trailer without the Ford Trailer Assist, then one is either towing with wrong vehicle or shouldn't be towing at all. I know, just my opinion.

Out of curiosity, have you tried lowering your tailgate to see the ski and trailer?

Yes, your opinion, but again it's about using the tools you have available to get the job done. I guess if you can't drive a manual transmission,you shouldn't be driving at all.

With the tailgate down, you can see the ski. That makes things easier. When it's just the trailer, you can't.

 

[blackbird18]

I would encourage everyone who cannot back a trailer to find an empty parking lot and practice a bit. Keep a cool head and pay attention to how the trailer moves. You don't want to be manuevering a trailer and the back-up assist stops working. Electronics tend to fail.

I have 2 Sea Doos on a double trailer and find it hard to see. I have always preferred backing while looking through the back glass. I just prop myself up and go. You could also make some flags so you can see the corners.

 

[JohnC12]

I guess if you can't drive a manual transmission, you shouldn't be driving at all.

I'm not sure that your analogy works here. But if you're going to drive a car with a manual transmission, you should know how to drive a stick shift. If you're going to tow a trailer, you should know how to back it up. Based on what you've said so far, I'm guessing you know how to back up a trailer, right?

With the tailgate down, you can see the ski. That makes things easier. When it's just the trailer, you can't.

That makes sense. I've run into this with backing up jet skis in a Suburban with my rescue department. We ended up adding guide posts to the trailer so we knew where it was at any time. They help out a lot.

 

[TXRaptor]

I learned to back up a trailer for my first job, as I had a wide landscape trailer and a very narrow driveway. Once you know how to do it, it becomes almost automatic with side mirrors or by turning your head. I never tried to use my camera or the automatic feature. As others have said, when backing up an empty boat trailer and jet-ski trailer, I found the guideposts are an excellent option. As long as you can see the rear of the trailer, backing up is the same steering wheel movements.

I had several sets of those stickers, but I threw them away when I moved.