Ford Tow Tech: Pro Trailer Backup Assist & Smart Hitch Guide
Towing doesn’t have to be stressful. Ford has invested heavily in smart trailering technology designed to make hauling safer, easier, and more confident—whether you’re backing a boat down a ramp or hooking up a work trailer. In this Ford towing guide, we’ll break down two of Ford’s most talked-about features: Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Ford Smart Hitch.
If you’re a Ford shopper or current owner, this guide will help you understand how these systems work, which vehicles offer them, and how they can simplify your towing experience.
What Is Pro Trailer Backup Assist? 💡
Pro Trailer Backup Assist® is one of Ford’s most innovative towing technologies. Instead of turning the steering wheel while backing up a trailer (which can feel counterintuitive), the system lets you control trailer direction using a simple knob.
You turn the knob in the direction you want the trailer to go, and the truck automatically manages the steering inputs for you.
Why It Matters
Makes backing up with a trailer far less intimidating
Reduces jackknifing risk
Ideal for tight spaces like campgrounds, job sites, and boat ramps
Great for both new and experienced towers
Once you try it, it’s easy to see why Pro Trailer Backup Assist is such a standout feature in the Ford lineup.
What Is Ford Smart Hitch? 🔧
Smart Hitch is designed to make connecting a trailer safer and more precise. It helps drivers properly distribute weight and avoid common hitching mistakes that can affect handling and braking.
Key Benefits of Smart Hitch
Assists with proper trailer setup
Helps confirm hitching accuracy
Supports safer towing dynamics
Reduces trial-and-error during hookup
Paired with other Ford Tow Tech features, Ford Smart Hitch adds confidence before you even start driving.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist vs. Ford Smart Hitch: What’s the Difference? ⚖️
They’re not competitors. They’re complementary tools designed to handle different stages of towing.
Feature | What It Helps With |
|---|---|
Pro Trailer Backup Assist | Backing up and maneuvering a trailer |
Ford Smart Hitch | Backing up and maneuvering a trailer |
Together | A smoother, safer, more confident towing experience |
Which Ford Vehicles Offer Trailer Backup Assist?
Pro Trailer Backup Assist is available on many popular Ford trucks and SUVs, including:
Ford F-150
Ford Super Duty® (F-250 / F-350)
Ford Ranger (select configurations)
Ford Expedition (select trims)
Availability depends on trim level, package, and model year. The team at J.C. Lewis Motor Co. can help you confirm which vehicles are equipped or available with these features.
Can You Add Pro Trailer Backup Assist Later?
This is a common question—and the answer is usually no.
Because Pro Trailer Backup Assist relies on integrated hardware, sensors, wiring, and software, it generally must be factory-equipped. Retrofitting is not typically supported.
So if towing technology is important to you, it’s best to choose a Ford that includes it from the start.
Who Benefits Most from Ford’s Tow Tech?
Ford’s towing technology isn’t just about moving a trailer; it’s about making the entire towing experience easier from hookup to backup. When Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Ford Smart Hitch work together, drivers get added confidence before they even shift into reverse.
This section of our Ford towing guide focuses on who benefits most from Ford’s tow technology.
The Boat Owner
Backing a boat down a ramp can be nerve-racking, especially with spectators watching and limited room to maneuver.
Trailer Backup Assist lets boat owners guide the trailer smoothly and precisely using the control knob, making it easier to line up correctly and avoid overcorrecting in tight spaces.
The Weekend Camper
Campers tow in constantly changing environments, from highways to narrow campground roads. Ford Smart Hitch helps confirm proper trailer setup and balance before the drive, while Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes backing into campsites far less stressful. Together, they help campers spend less time maneuvering and more time enjoying the outdoors.
The Contractor or DIY Hauler
For contractors and DIYers towing work trailers, time and accuracy matter. Smart Hitch helps streamline the hookup process, while Trailer Backup Assist allows precise trailer placement at job sites, driveways, or tight work areas. The result is quicker setup, fewer adjustments, and more confidence in demanding environments.
How to Set Up Ford Trailer Backup Assist
Setup is straightforward and only needs to be done once per trailer:
Measure your trailer (length and hitch position)
Enter measurements into the vehicle’s system
Calibrate using the on-screen instructions
Save the trailer profile for future use
After that, the system remembers your trailer, making future towing even easier.
Why Ford Tow Tech Matters for Georgia Drivers 🏞️
From weekend boating trips to work trailers and campers, towing is part of life for many Georgia drivers. Ford’s advanced trailering technology helps:
Reduce driver fatigue
Improve safety on busy roads
Make towing more accessible for beginners
Increase confidence in real-world conditions
That’s why Ford continues to lead the way in smart towing solutions.
Experience Ford Tow Tech at J.C. Lewis Motor Co. 🛻
Use this Ford towing guide as a resource when choosing the right Ford truck or SUV for your towing needs. Whether you’re towing for work or weekend fun, Ford’s trailering technology is designed to make every trip smoother.
If you want to experience Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Ford Smart Hitch, or explore which Ford vehicle fits your towing needs, the experts at J.C. Lewis Motor Co. are here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ford Towing Tech
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.