Ready to order a 2018 f 150 King Ranch V8 crew going with the 3:55 Rear. My Boat i will be Trailing on occasion is only around 4000 lbs . Is the trailer backup assist worth it? I've been backing in trailers for many years it looks like its for newbie,s ? When i check that box it adds in a different trailer tow package $1000. it looks like you cant get the Backup assist with the tow package that is standard with the truck ?

 

If your boat trailer has electric brakes, get the tow package that comes with an integrated brake controller and 7 pin wiring, not just the basic package. It's well worth it. Backup assist is up to you, it does help if you are hooking up solo and don't like jockeying the tongue around.

 

The new transmissions have really low geared 1st and 2nd, much lower than the old 4r70w. 1st gear in the new 10 speed is 4.69/1. 2nd gear is 2.98/1. My old 4R70W has a 1st gear ratio of 2.84/1. So there is more than one reason the new trucks can pull more weight.

 

G
The King Ranch comes with the electric brake controller as standard. And the hitch and 7 pin connector as well. When you add the Back up assist it ups you to the heavy duty tow package. which in my opinion is not needed for what I am doing. You should be able to get the Trailer backup assist with any hitch Package ?

 

That backup assistance is a sales gimmick kinda like the auto parking stuff. It's neat but probably rarely used.

I don't mind buying it off the lot because it helps them pay to develop more technology. I certainly wouldn't option it though.

I noticed on the new super dutys you can get an accessory reverse camera to mount on the trailer and also tpms sensors for the trailer. That's pretty handy.

Anyway... I would use the stock brake controller and hitch for the 4,000 lb trailer and save your money. That's pretty light weight.

 

Agreed.

 

Thanks Joe and G
The Brake controller is for Electric Brakes boat trailers have surge brakes. They are used for RV's that have electric Brakes? correct ? I am pretty sure it comes standard on the king ranch package its great to have if your pulling an RV trailer.

 

I almost wish I had ordered my new truck with 3.31:1 gears. Although I am content with the 3.55:1 gears my 2018 F-150 Platinum FX4 has. It also has the trailer backup assist that I don't care much for. I'm too much old school. It's time to go to the house when I forget how to back a trailer.

 

I agree, I'm kinda old and grumpy myself, if I can't back it I won't be hooking it up. That being said, the camera is handy when hooking up the trailer alone. I don't know if I would option the pro assist but I got mine off the lot with it and am OK with it. Who knows, I might end up using the darn technology yet!

 

Silver
Why do you wish you went with the higher gears ? The gas mileage difference is barely measurable and only on the highway? I have read guys saying the 331 gears felt like a slug ?

 

I would rather have the steeper gear to tow. The difference in fuel mileage probably wouldn't be much at all.

 

Every little bit counts. I figure how much fuel cost savings is over a years time not just from tank to tank. I don't do any heavy towing or hauling.

 

My 2018 F-150 Platinum FX4 has the Pro Trailer Backup Assist with the Max Trailer Tow Package. http://www.windowsticker.forddirect....EW1EGXJFA61869