ProTrailer - MUST I Use the Barcode Stickers?

[Jerome10]

Got a new cargo trailer a couple weeks back. Finally got around to playing with all the various trailer capabilities. Practice reversing, etc.

I did the Pro Trailer Calibration procedure and it seems as though the truck thinks it calibrated correctly, however, I never installed the barcode stickers on my trailer beforehand.

Do I need those barcodes? Safer or work more reliably if I put them on or do things generally work fine without using the stickers?

Seemed to be working however there were 1 or 2 times where the system suddenly slammed on the brakes while I was backing up. However, the sun was low and likely shining right into the cameras and such. Or maybe its the lack of using the barcodes.....

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[{tpc}]

I think if your not using the yaw sensor, you have to use the barcodes. I am surprised it would "calibrate" at all without the yaw sensor or barcodes. As for backing up straight, I don't think the system would slam on the brakes because you didn't have the sticker on it, more likely it sensed something else like a shadow.

If I was using the dial to back in and turn, I'd be concerned of jackknifing the trailer without the stickers (or sensor).

If you have the 12 way connector under the 7 way, you can use the yaw sensor (assuming at least the 2 wires needed are populated). If you don't you would need to purchase the kit that comes with the 7way/12way connector, or pickup a connector somewhere else. Then underneath the bumper you should find a capped up connector that plugs into the back of it..in that general area.

For me, I had the yaw sensor set up with my previous truck as I didn't have room on the frame for proper placement of the sticker. With the new truck, I had to find a 7way/12way to swap in, and I found one for about $40 on ebay. They can be a tough find, but you can also purchase from a dealer.

 

[Davexxxx]

I originally installed the stickers and all the functions worked well but at some point, it blew off the trailer and I haven't bothered to reinstall it.

I used the knob once, just to see. It worked fine.

 

[pjc123]

It's been a year and I haven't installed the sticker or touched the knob, maybe sometime. I guess I should test the AC outlets too, as I haven't checked to see if they are even working.

 

[Jerome10]

Appreciate the feedback. I will go ahead and put them on.

I'm not the world's best tow driver so I will definitely use the Pro Trailer to reverse and all that. Definitely want to avoid that jackknife.

 

[Ricksc]

Personally I would just learn how to back it up with out the dial. I have the dial but refuse to use it . I also am not that great at backing but as time goes on and the more I do it the better I get. If you get use to the dial and then don’t have it your starting all over. We all have to learn at the enjoyment of those watching.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Got a new cargo trailer a couple weeks back. Finally got around to playing with all the various trailer capabilities. Practice reversing, etc.

I did the Pro Trailer Calibration procedure and it seems as though the truck thinks it calibrated correctly, however, I never installed the barcode stickers on my trailer beforehand.

Do I need those barcodes? Safer or work more reliably if I put them on or do things generally work fine without using the stickers?

Seemed to be working however there were 1 or 2 times where the system suddenly slammed on the brakes while I was backing up. However, the sun was low and likely shining right into the cameras and such. Or maybe its the lack of using the barcodes.....

Think of it this way, the stickers are the target. It’s rather difficult to site in a rifle shotgun without the use of a target. The system first orient itself with the target decal to establish what is considered to be straight. Then uses that distortion of the target decal to know where the trailer is at.

 

[Racerdave]

We all have to learn at the enjoyment of those watching.

Well said!!

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