applying the vehicle’s own brakes to bring the trailer
back on track.
Brake dancing
Integrated trailer brake control is often coupled
with trailer sway control. This system stores the truck’s
braking system data while delivering precise electric
currents to activate the trailer’s brakes. The braking
action of the truck and trailer working together creates
a smoother and more precise ride.
Lane game
Radar-enhanced lane-keep assist found in passenger
cars and crossovers usually provides audible warnings
if inadvertently encroaching upon the next lane over.
Ford’s 2018 F-150 takes a different approach, vibrating
the steering wheel instead, to alert drivers of a potential
lane violation.
Steer clear
The Ford F-150 includes an available ‘Pro Trailer
Backup Assist’ greatly easing the sometimes frustrating
task of backing up a trailer. When backing, the truck’s
front wheels need to be turned in the opposite
direction of where the trailer is going. With Ford’s
system, the driver steers the trailer via a dashboard
control knob while viewing the rear camera feed. The
F-150 guides itself in reverse as the driver’s hands
are free of the steering wheel as the technology
automatically and slowly steers the truck.
Low-tech solutions
Advances in ease-ability need not always be classified
as high tech. Low-tech advances may be as simple as
the addition of concaved mirror inserts located on the
side or lower framing of traditionally large
side-view mirrors, illuminating pesky
blind spots and working in tandem with
higher-tech radar ware.
More power per square inch
Towing requires a happy mix
of horsepower and torque. Diesel
powertrains enhance low-end torque,
while goosing up miles per gallon. Diesel
engines run at lower rpms and require
stronger engine blocks to handle higher
compression ratios. While widely available
in medium (2500) and heavy duty (3500)
full-size pickups, the past few years have
witnessed diesel technology coming
aboard a wider spectrum of offerings.
In the 2014 model year, full-size Ram
light-duty (1500) trucks introduced a V6
Ecodiesel engine, generating 240 horsepower and an
impressive 420 lb.-ft. of low-end torque. Both Ford and
Chevrolet have just announced diesel power for their
new full-size trucks.
Medium-sized Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon
pickups sport an available 2.8-liter turbodiesel. This
four cylinder engine (available since 2016) can tow up
to 7,700 pounds, or 700 pounds more than an available
gasoline-powered V-6.
Diesel premium
If purchasing a mid-size pickup or light-duty full-size
(1500) with a diesel powertrain under hood, expect a
$3,000 to $5,000 price premium compared to a gas-fed
counterpart, although resale value of diesels remains
generally stronger than a traditional gas engine.
M
ore
C
ar
, L
ess
M
oney
: T
he
LEASE
you
can
do
!
CHICAGO AUTO SHOW 2018
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