Ford’s Blind Spot System

[ccourt9283]

I am considering a 2018 Ford F 150 XLT model with the BLIS system which has trailer monitoring. Does anyone have any experience with towing using this option?
How well does it work? Is it worth searching for a truck with it?

I sure put this I the wrong area

[sebis]

I did not tow yet with my 2017 F-150 but I love the BLIS system even when not towing. It saved me couple of times when backing out from a parking spot at the mall and some jackass was racing to pass me before I had a chance to fully back out. The radar system alerts you when that is the case. The Ford system is more sophisticated than the one in my 2015 Porsche and I highly recommend it.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by ccourt9283

I am considering a 2018 Ford F 150 XLT model with the BLIS system which has trailer monitoring. Does anyone have any experience with towing using this option?
How well does it work? Is it worth searching for a truck with it?

I sure put this I the wrong area

We highly recommend BLIS as well. In order for BLIS to cover the trailer, you have to do an initial setup and enter the trailer length so it knows how far back to extend the coverage. Works like a charm.

https://youtu.be/Zv4qLB40GHM

[Zardoz]

Unless I’m mistaken, the BLIS is automatically turned off once you plug your trailer’s power cord in. Otherwise, it would constantly “see” your trailer in the blind spot.

[War Eagle]

Our 2016 F-150 XLT has the first generation of BLIS that only works for the truck itself. We like it a lot, although we wish it also had the auditory signal if you turn on your signal (directional) light while a vehicle is beside you on that side (some Nissans do that). But first generation BLIS shuts off when you plug in a trailer. I wish it didn't do that. I understand that is because the software at the time couldn't interpret the width of the trailer you are pulling, thus it couldn't determine how close other things were to your trailer when passing or being passed. Apparently, the new software (and sensor type/placement) can, so the second generation BLIS stays on and functions for truck and trailer. If we were to upgrade to a new model F-150, I would definitely want the new BLIS whether towing or not. But to each their own....

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Zardoz

Unless I’m mistaken, the BLIS is automatically turned off once you plug your trailer’s power cord in. Otherwise, it would constantly “see” your trailer in the blind spot.

If you have "BLIS with Trailer Coverage", it provides blind spot alerts for both the truck and the trailer. It will not work with 5th wheel or gooseneck trailers - only conventional. The video I linked above describes it.

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

If you have "BLIS with Trailer Coverage", it provides blind spot alerts for both the truck and the trailer. It will not work with 5th wheel or gooseneck trailers - only conventional. The video I linked above describes it.

Ah, thanks Robert. Glad I’m about to switch back to a conventional TT then.

[Hilola]

Originally Posted by War Eagle

Our 2016 F-150 XLT has the first generation of BLIS that only works for the truck itself. We like it a lot, although we wish it also had the auditory signal if you turn on your signal (directional) light while a vehicle is beside you on that side (some Nissans do that). But first generation BLIS shuts off when you plug in a trailer. I wish it didn't do that. I understand that is because the software at the time couldn't interpret the width of the trailer you are pulling, thus it couldn't determine how close other things were to your trailer when passing or being passed. Apparently, the new software (and sensor type/placement) can, so the second generation BLIS stays on and functions for truck and trailer. If we were to upgrade to a new model F-150, I would definitely want the new BLIS whether towing or not. But to each their own....

What model year did Ford start using the 2nd gen BLIS in the F150?

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Hilola

What model year did Ford start using the 2nd gen BLIS in the F150?

I believe it was introduced last year (2017).

[Hilola]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

I believe it was introduced last year (2017).

Thanks, rbryan! Guess I will target at least a 2017 truck then as the BLIS with trailer coverage would be something I find value in.

We have a similar system with cross traffic alert on our 2017 Subaru Outback and it's saved my bacon a couple of times backing out of crowded parking areas!