Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist Makes Towing Easier for Novice
Disclosure: We were loaned this vehicle in order to facilitate this review. No other compensation was given. All opinions are 100% my own.
There is something to be said for getting out on the open road, seeing places you’ve never seen, learning new things, trying a variety of foods, and opening our eyes to the country we’re living in.
Thanks to a collaboration with Ford, Airstream, and KOA, Colby and I were able to take our three youngest (plus an extra friend) on a summer road trip across 13 states.
Towing Easier for Novice
Of course, one reason road trips work well for large families is due to the non-essential cost of airfare.
But, as in the normal, everyday life of a big family, the vehicle we ride in becomes the most important part of our road trip.
Fortunately, the 2018 Ford Expedition provided the six of us with plenty of space.
In fact, the Expedition features best-in-class second and third-row legroom and flexible seating and storage solutions include second-row tip-and-slide seating, providing easy access to the third row.
Not to mention, in today’s tech-driven world, from the front to the back, the Ford Expedition includes wireless charging and USB ports in every row.
Most importantly, for this trip, the all-new Ford Expedition features class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ that makes it easier for drivers of all skill levels to back up a trailer like a pro.
As I mentioned above, Airstream and KOA joined this partnership by offering us a 2018 Airstream Tommy Bahama 19CB Travel Trailer to use during our road trip.
We stayed each night at a KOA campground and loved the idea of our having our little house on wheels.
So much so that we are currently looking for one to purchase (but that’s another story).
Weighing around 5,000 pounds, the Airstream was an easy pull for the Expedition (with a towing capacity of 9,300 pounds). Colby, an amateur at towing, had no problems backing the trailer into our KOA sites thanks to the user-friendly Pro Trailer Backup Assist feature on the Ford.
In addition to the backup camera, trailer hitch, and a bit of patience, they all work together to help steer the trailer just where it needs to be.
When you’re a novice at maneuvering a trailer it can be a great time-(and sanity)-saver.
Not to mention, with the Airstream in tow, we could store all of our luggage in it leaving us even more room in the Expedition for our road trip snacks, personal “carry-on” bags, and, well, 6 pairs of legs.
You can imagine with four kids/teens in the back, over the duration of 3,200+ miles, things can easily start to feel too close for comfort.
Having the room to stretch, lean back in their seats, zone out to their own music for a while, or kick back and watch the countryside go by helped make the trip smoother.
All in all, though, we had an incredible time on our summer road trip.
Having never traveled through the Midwest, we were able to mark several new states off our travel list.
We learned a great deal of information about the area, saw some beautiful landscapes, and made incredible memories.
From star-gazing through the Expedition’s Panoramic Vista Roof® to listening to the waves crashing along the shore of Lake Michigan, every day was different and brought a new adventure.
Ready to plan your next family road trip?
Learn more about the 2018 Ford Expedition and how it can help make your trip easier and more enjoyable for all. Plus, see more of our trip on Instagram!