Ford Wants To Stop People From Smacking Into Your Trailer

Towing is what trucks are for. Well, at least, that's one thing they can be used for. Ford, being one who makes trucks, has filed patents to make towing a little easier. The patent was filed back in September of 2019 and was published on May 17 this year. In short, Ford is expanding its current repertoire oftrailer-oriented driver assiststo include sideswipe avoidance. We're expecting it to be available via software updates or as options from the factory on trucks like theF-150 Lightning.

That will join features likeFord's Trailer Reverse Guidance system, which uses a truck's suite of cameras and sensors to help drivers get around while they're towing, as well as warning them if jackknifing will occur. This latest patent sounds like it's geared more towards the safety end of the scale than the convenience one, unlike the brand's guidance system.

The patent filing states the system will use "a sensor system configured to detect objects in an operating environment of the vehicle." To us, that sounds like the system will use existing blindspot sensors to make sure you don't hit something with the trailer, or more likely, that someone doesn't hit your trailer. The patent goes on to say that the system will "determine whether an object detected in the operating environment of the vehicle is in the travel path of the towed trailer."

It'll then figure out how long you have until you get pasted, and if necessary, execute avoidance maneuvers for you. Basically, this is like a combination of lane-keep assist, which moves the wheel for you should you begin to drift, and blind-spot monitoring, which warns you of an impending collision. Neat.