Backing into a parking spot is an impossible challenge for many drivers. How about backing up while also towing a trailer? That could get at least a little easier with a nifty feature on the upcoming 2017 Ford Super Duty pickup, called Trailer Reverse Guidance.
Think of it as training wheels for anyone who doesn’t regularly tow a trailer. Using four rear-facing cameras—one on the tailgate, one on the back of the cab, and one on each side mirror—the driver is given a hybrid view of the trailer via the pickup’s navigation unit touchscreen, so they can back up without having to turn around.
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There’s also an optional wireless camera that can be mounted to the back of the trailer in case it obstructs the driver’s rear-view mirror, and a clever software assistance option that shows the driver exactly how they should be turning the steering wheel to keep the trailer and truck in a straight line while reversing.
To date there hasn’t been much testing of autonomous cars to ensure they can also handle a trailer full of horses towed behind them, so you can forget about waiting for a self-driving pickup truck to arrive. Well, at least until regular autonomous cars are more commonplace on the roads.
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