Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Yaw Sensor

[Fleckio]

Hello. I bought my 2023 F150 Lariat specifically for Towing my travel trailer. I use the backup assist in certain situations, and I think overall it works pretty well. I'm an intermediate tower and I'll take all the help I can get. I'm thinking of upgrading to a Hensley Hitch, at which point I won't be able to use the backup assist sticker. My question is: wil the yaw sensor (bought separately) work on a 2023 F150, and if so, what adapters would I need? I don't think the yaw sensor will fit into the flat 4-pin connection under the trailer wiring. Thanks

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[Buyer2021]

Just FYI, the backup assist algorithm assumes that the pivot point between the truck and trailer is at a fixed location and the projected guidelines are based on that.

With the Hensley hitch the pivot point moves through a U-shaped arc when backing, displacing the pivot point both sideways and fore/aft. Because of the geometry involved even small displacements of the pivot point have a large impact on how the guideline projections work. Therefore, even with a yaw sensor the backup assist guidelines will not be accurate and will be increasingly inaccurate with an increasingly sharp backing-bend angle.

IMO the backup assist will be of very little meaningful 'assist' as a result, you'll end-up needing to make continuous mental and steering input 'corrections' to get the trailer where you want it (essentially ignoring the projected guidelines), so ultimately would be better-off without the misdirection from 'backup assist' and just learning the idiosyncrasies of backing with the Hensley.

Yep, if you are sold on the Hensley there are lots of learning curves that come with it, this is only one of them.

 

[roadPilot]

so ultimately would be better-off without the misdirection from 'backup assist' and just learning the idiosyncrasies of backing with the Hensley.

^ This.

 

[Fleckio]

That's helpful to know, its making me wonder if the Hensley is really worth it...

 

[ksimon123451]

I have the Pro Pride hitch with 1400 bars and the backup assist it works great with the YAW sensor.

 

[Fleckio]

Was there anything special you needed to do in order to connect the yaw sensor to a 2022 F150?

 

[ksimon123451]

Was there anything special you needed to do in order to connect the yaw sensor to a 2022 F150?

The yaw sensors plug, plugs into the truck under the normal 7 pin. Took me all of 10 minutes to install.

 

[Fleckio]

That's interesting, I have a flat "blade" 4 pin connector under the 7 pin connector that the yaw sensor won't fit. I guess I need an adapter of some sort.

 

[ksimon123451]

you will need to replace the 4 pin, I think there is a kit. That has the 7 pin and the new 12 pin that supports the Yaw sensor, trailer TPMS and trailer camera.
I think this is the connector you need.
https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/pc3z-15a416-a.html

 

[PaulGrun]

Not exactly on topic, but...
I've tried to like the pro backup assist, but just can't get used to it. I've tried it several times, and it does work, but I always seem to end up turning it off and going back to regular old backing up.
It almost seems like the learning curve to use it is about as long as to learn regular old fashioned backing up.
That's been my experience anyway...

 

[ksimon123451]

Not exactly on topic, but...
I've tried to like the pro backup assist, but just can't get used to it. I've tried it several times, and it does work, but I always seem to end up turning it off and going back to regular old backing up.
It almost seems like the learning curve to use it is about as long as to learn regular old fashioned backing up.
That's been my experience anyway...

The best reason I started using it, was due to backing up my Wave runner on that tinny trailer, If you take your hand off the knob it will just backs up straight which is awesome.

 

[Fleckio]

I use it in some situations, I find it helpful. I always shut it off for fine tuning. The PTBA is one of the reasons I bought the F150 in the first place as I was new to towing, and I do find it helpful. That’s why I was hoping to still be able to use it if I got a ProPride hitch.

 

[Buyer2021]

That's helpful to know, its making me wonder if the Hensley is really worth it...

IMO there's lots of reasons to question the 'value' of the heavy, costly, unique Hensley.

Many, many, TT owners tow trailers with proper weight distribution (at least 10% of loaded-for-travel trailer weight on the tongue) using traditional, lighter, and much less expensive WDHs (sans any 'friction' anti-sway device) with never a hint of sway issues. And, having a fixed pivot-point, they 'play nice' with Backup Assist using either the sticker or yaw module.

IMO if you "need" a Hensley to prevent sway issues, you've got other problems with your rig's set-up, and it's better to identify and address those underlying problems.

 

[Ricksc]

What size TT? Weight? Maybe your WDH is too small. Why do you think you need that hitch? I tow a 25 foot lance with an equalizer brand WDH. No problems. Took a few times to get it set just right. Can’t even tell it’s back there.

 

[Fleckio]

It’s a 36’ TT so I feel every passing car and every tiny gust.

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