Ford Pro Trailer Backup Assist is designed to make reversing with a trailer easier by helping control the Maverick’s steering while you guide the trailer in the direction you want it to go. On properly equipped Ford Maverick trucks, the system can be useful when backing a utility trailer, camper, or other compatible conventional trailer.
For drivers around Cochrane, Alberta, that can be especially helpful when manoeuvring a trailer into a campsite, driveway, storage area, or recreational destination west of the city.
Availability note: Pro Trailer Backup Assist availability and operation can vary by Ford Maverick trim, model year, equipment package, trailer type, and software configuration. Check your vehicle’s equipment and owner’s information for details specific to your Maverick. Ford currently lists the technology on select Maverick configurations.
How to Set Up and Use Ford Maverick Pro Trailer Backup Assist
Step 1: Connect Your Trailer
Properly hitch the trailer to your Ford Maverick before beginning. Connect the required trailer wiring and make sure the hitch, coupler, safety chains, lights, and other towing equipment are secured correctly.
Never rely on Pro Trailer Backup Assist as a replacement for properly connecting and inspecting your trailer.
Step 2: Add or Select the Trailer
Use the Maverick’s trailer setup interface to select a previously saved trailer or begin adding a new one.
The exact screens and prompts may differ depending on the vehicle’s model year and software, so follow the instructions displayed inside your Maverick.
Step 3: Enter the Required Trailer Information
When setting up a new trailer, the system may ask you to enter measurements or other information about the trailer.
Follow the on-screen instructions carefully and measure from the locations specified by the vehicle. Ford notes that Pro Trailer Backup Assist requires trailer measurements to be entered and the trailer to be calibrated before use.
Step 4: Complete Trailer Calibration
Follow the vehicle’s prompts to complete the calibration process.
Choose an open area where you have enough room to move the truck and trailer safely. Avoid attempting the initial setup in a crowded parking lot, narrow driveway, or other area with limited manoeuvring space.
Once calibration is complete, the system can recognize the configured trailer for future use.
Step 5: Prepare to Reverse
When you’re ready to back up, select the appropriate trailer and activate Pro Trailer Backup Assist according to the prompts shown in your Maverick.
Check your mirrors, camera views, and surroundings before moving. Make sure there are no people, vehicles, posts, or other obstacles behind or beside the trailer.
Step 6: Turn the Control Toward Your Desired Trailer Direction
Instead of steering the truck normally, use the Pro Trailer Backup Assist control to indicate where you want the trailer to go.
Turn the control toward the direction you want the trailer to travel. The Maverick then manages the steering needed to guide the trailer in that direction.
Make small adjustments instead of making sudden movements.
Step 7: Control Your Speed
You are still responsible for controlling the vehicle’s movement.
Back up slowly using the accelerator and brake as needed while continuously checking your mirrors, available camera views, and surroundings.
If the trailer begins moving somewhere you did not intend, stop and reposition rather than trying to correct it too quickly.
Before You Start
Before using Pro Trailer Backup Assist:
- Confirm your Maverick is equipped with the feature.
- Make sure the trailer is correctly hitched and connected.
- Complete any required trailer setup and calibration.
- Check that the trailer lights and required connections are working.
- Clear people and objects from the area around the truck and trailer.
- Practice in a large, open area before using the feature in a tight space.
- Clear snow, ice, mud, or heavy road grime from cameras and sensors before towing during Alberta winters.
Benefits of Ford Pro Trailer Backup Assist
Pro Trailer Backup Assist can help make several common towing situations easier:
- Simpler directional control: Turn the control toward the direction you want the trailer to travel.
- Less steering-wheel guesswork: The system manages steering inputs while reversing.
- Useful for new trailer drivers: It can reduce some of the learning curve involved in backing a trailer.
- Helpful in tighter spaces: Controlled adjustments can help when positioning a trailer in driveways, campsites, and storage areas.
- Repeat trailer setup: A previously configured trailer can be selected again rather than starting the setup process from the beginning.
The driver remains responsible for maintaining control of the Maverick and watching the surrounding area at all times.
Troubleshooting Ford Maverick Pro Trailer Backup Assist
If Pro Trailer Backup Assist is not working as expected, check these common issues:
- The trailer is not recognized: Confirm that the correct trailer has been selected and that its required setup has been completed.
- Calibration will not complete: Move to a larger, open area and carefully follow the calibration instructions shown by the vehicle.
- Camera visibility is poor: Clean dirt, snow, road salt, or moisture from the available cameras and sensors.
- The system becomes unavailable: Stop safely and review any message displayed by the vehicle before trying again.
- A different trailer is being used: Make sure the trailer selected in the system matches the trailer currently connected.
If you continue having trouble with the system around Cochrane, Alberta, you can book a service appointment with NorthStar Ford Cochrane for in-person assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ford Maverick Pro Trailer Backup Assist do?
Pro Trailer Backup Assist helps control the truck’s steering while you reverse with a configured trailer. You indicate the direction you want the trailer to move, and the system manages the corresponding steering inputs.
Do I have to set up my trailer before using Pro Trailer Backup Assist?
Yes. Ford indicates that trailer measurements must be entered and the trailer calibrated before the system can be used with that trailer.
Does Pro Trailer Backup Assist control the entire truck?
No. The system assists with steering while backing the trailer. The driver still needs to control vehicle speed, monitor the surroundings, and stop when necessary.
Is Pro Trailer Backup Assist standard on every Ford Maverick?
No. Availability varies by trim, configuration, model year, and equipment. For example, Ford Canada currently lists Pro Trailer Backup Assist as standard towing equipment on the Maverick Lariat while also showing the technology as available elsewhere in the Maverick lineup.
Can I use Pro Trailer Backup Assist with any trailer?
Compatibility and required setup can vary. Follow the instructions for your specific Maverick and trailer combination rather than assuming every trailer will work with the system.
Does snow or ice affect Pro Trailer Backup Assist?
Winter conditions can reduce visibility around cameras and other vehicle systems. Before towing around Cochrane in winter, clear accumulated snow, ice, salt, and road grime from the truck’s cameras and relevant sensors and make sure you have clear visibility around the trailer.
Need help with your Maverick? Contact NorthStar Ford Cochrane, book a service appointment, or browse Ford Maverick inventory.
