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Apart from being a more attractive bakkie, the new Ranger promises to be a safer bakkie too, with Ford offering a trailer stability system as standard equipment.
The "trailer sway control" will be standard on certain Ranger models as part of the electronic stability programme (ESP) system and monitors yaw, acceleration and steering angle.
The feature is designed to control trailer sway, where a trailer swings from side to side – a situation that compromises vehicle control and can quickly escalate and be difficult to catch – and could lead to accidents.
CERTAIN PARAMETERS
Matt Bridger, stability control engineer in product development, Ford Australia, said, “For the inexperienced, towing can be a daunting experience. You have to adapt your driving technique and pay attention to your speed but even then weather conditions or the actions of other road users can lead to trouble.
"For such cases we have developed Ford’s 'Trailer Sway Control' technology to assist the driver. The ESP system monitors these parameters anyway so it makes sense that we should use this information to look out for and react to trailer sway as well.
DRIVER SENSE
“If a situation develops and intervention is necessary the system will make brake and engine changes based on the sway severity and lateral movements caused."
Another feature to assist drivers who tow is the rear-view camera system that displays a video image in the rear-view mirror, useful when hooking up to a trailer.
However, the presence of technology will never substitute for a driver's caution when towing. Excessive speed, poorly distributed loads and improperly inflated tyres can all negatively influence trailer stability. Wet roads and crosswinds are also factors.
TIPS FOR TOWING
* Check tyre pressures and lights on trailer and tow vehicle.
* Make sure the trailer’s load is correctly balanced and secured.
* Adjust speed to suit driving conditions.
* Take extra care when changing lanes and negotiating sharp bends.
The "trailer sway control" will be standard on certain Ranger models as part of the electronic stability programme (ESP) system and monitors yaw, acceleration and steering angle.
The feature is designed to control trailer sway, where a trailer swings from side to side – a situation that compromises vehicle control and can quickly escalate and be difficult to catch – and could lead to accidents.
CERTAIN PARAMETERS
Matt Bridger, stability control engineer in product development, Ford Australia, said, “For the inexperienced, towing can be a daunting experience. You have to adapt your driving technique and pay attention to your speed but even then weather conditions or the actions of other road users can lead to trouble.
"For such cases we have developed Ford’s 'Trailer Sway Control' technology to assist the driver. The ESP system monitors these parameters anyway so it makes sense that we should use this information to look out for and react to trailer sway as well.
DRIVER SENSE
“If a situation develops and intervention is necessary the system will make brake and engine changes based on the sway severity and lateral movements caused."
Another feature to assist drivers who tow is the rear-view camera system that displays a video image in the rear-view mirror, useful when hooking up to a trailer.
However, the presence of technology will never substitute for a driver's caution when towing. Excessive speed, poorly distributed loads and improperly inflated tyres can all negatively influence trailer stability. Wet roads and crosswinds are also factors.
TIPS FOR TOWING
* Check tyre pressures and lights on trailer and tow vehicle.
* Make sure the trailer’s load is correctly balanced and secured.
* Adjust speed to suit driving conditions.
* Take extra care when changing lanes and negotiating sharp bends.
