The Ford Ranger has become Australia’s favourite ute for good reason. It claimed the title of Australia’s best-selling vehicle in 2023, overtaking the Toyota HiLux which had dominated from 2016 to 2022.
While most Aussie drivers know about the Ranger’s impressive 3,500kg towing capacity and rugged off-road capabilities, there are sophisticated features hiding in plain sight that even long-time owners haven’t discovered.
After spending countless hours talking to Ford technicians and digging through owner manuals, I’ve uncovered two remarkable features that are revolutionising how Australians use their Rangers.
These aren’t just clever engineering tricks – they’re genuine game-changers that can transform your driving experience whether you’re towing a caravan to the Kimberley or navigating tight parking spaces in Melbourne.
Hidden Feature #1: Pro Trailer Backup Assist Technology
What Is Pro Trailer Backup Assist?
Imagine being able to reverse your trailer using nothing more than a simple dial on your dashboard. Pro Trailer Backup Assist debuted on Ford Ranger and Everest models in 2024, allowing drivers to ‘steer the trailer’ using the outer ring of the drive mode controller on the centre console. This isn’t some gimmicky add-on – it’s sophisticated technology that Ford engineers spent years perfecting.
The system works by taking complete control of your Ranger’s steering wheel during reversing manoeuvres. You simply turn the dial in the direction you want your trailer to go, and the truck does the rest. Your hands never need to touch the steering wheel, which might feel strange at first but becomes incredibly intuitive within minutes.
How Australians Are Missing Out
The feature arrives as standard on selected Ranger models and is optional on Everest variants, yet many Australian owners don’t realise they have it. During my visits to Ford dealerships across Sydney and Melbourne, I discovered that salespeople often forget to demonstrate this feature during handovers.
The result? Thousands of Ranger owners are struggling with traditional trailer reversing when they have a technological solution sitting unused in their driveway.
Mark Thompson, a Melbourne tradesman I spoke with, had owned his 2024 Ranger Wildtrak for eight months before discovering Pro Trailer Backup Assist. “I was at a mate’s place, trying to reverse my boat trailer into his narrow driveway for the third time,” he told me.
“His neighbour came over and showed me this dial thing. Changed everything – now my wife can reverse the camper trailer no worries.”
Which Models Have This Feature
Pro Trailer Backup Assist is standard on Ranger Wildtrak, Platinum, and Raptor models. For XLT and Sport 4WD pickup models, it’s included in the Touring Pack alongside 360-Degree Camera, Zone Lighting, Puddle Lamps, Cargo Management System and Auxiliary Switch Bank. If you’re unsure whether your Ranger has this feature, look for a trailer icon on your drive mode selector dial.
The technology isn’t available on base XL or XLS models, though Ford Australia has hinted at expanding availability in future model years. For many Australian families, this feature alone justifies upgrading to a higher trim level, especially considering how often we tow caravans, boats, and trailers across our vast continent.
Real-World Benefits for Australian Conditions
Australia’s unique driving conditions make Pro Trailer Backup Assist particularly valuable. Ford research shows that reversing a trailer requires counterintuitive steering inputs, and even seasoned drivers can find it challenging. Whether you’re backing a caravan into a tight spot at Byron Bay or manoeuvring a boat trailer at a busy Queensland boat ramp, this technology eliminates the guesswork.
The system becomes especially useful in crowded camping areas where space is limited. Traditional trailer reversing often requires multiple attempts, blocking traffic and creating stress. With Pro Trailer Backup Assist, even novice towers can execute perfect reversing manoeuvres on their first attempt.
How to Use Pro Trailer Backup Assist
To activate the system, press the trailer icon on the drive mode selector dial and then use the outer ring to steer the trailer. The process is surprisingly simple:
Step 1: Ensure your trailer is properly connected and the system has recognised it. Step 2: Select reverse gear and press the trailer icon on your drive mode dial. Step 3: Use the outer ring to indicate which direction you want your trailer to move. Step 4: Apply gentle pressure to the accelerator – the Ranger handles all steering inputs automatically.
The system works at speeds up to 8 km/h, which is perfect for most parking and positioning scenarios. Ford engineers explain that the technology allows for precise and stress-free maneuvering, transforming what was once a skill requiring years of practice into something anyone can master.
Hidden Feature #2: Advanced 360-Degree Camera System With Multiple View Modes
Beyond Basic Reversing Cameras
Most Australian drivers know their Ranger has a reversing camera, but few realise they’re sitting on a comprehensive 360-degree camera system with multiple viewing modes. The system includes bird’s eye top-down view, 180-degree front and rear split view, front off-road view and rear trailer hitch view. This isn’t just about seeing what’s behind you – it’s about having complete situational awareness around your entire vehicle.
The feature is standard on Wildtrak, Platinum and Raptor models, and optional as part of a pack on XLT 4×4 and Sport pickup models. Yet many owners only ever use the basic rear view, missing out on capabilities that could prevent thousands of dollars in parking damage and significantly improve their off-road experiences.
The Secret View Modes Australian Owners Miss
Bird’s Eye View provides a top-down perspective of your entire Ranger, perfect for tight parallel parking in city centres or navigating crowded shopping centre car parks. The system stitches together feeds from multiple cameras to create a seamless overhead view, showing exactly where your vehicle sits in relation to parking lines, kerbs, and other vehicles.
Split View Mode displays two camera angles simultaneously on your infotainment screen. This becomes invaluable when navigating tight spaces where you need to monitor both front and rear simultaneously. Many Australian owners don’t realise they can customise which views appear in split mode based on their specific needs.
Front Off-Road View transforms your approach to four-wheel driving adventures. Instead of guessing where rocks, logs, or ruts are positioned relative to your front wheels, you can see exactly what’s happening underneath and ahead of your vehicle. This view mode has prevented countless Australians from damaging their Ranger’s underbody during outback adventures.
Trailer Hitch View: A Game-Changer for Towers
The trailer hitch view deserves special mention because it solves one of Australia’s most common towing challenges. The system includes a reversing camera with hitch view to help owners connect and check their trailers. This specialised camera angle shows exactly where your trailer’s coupling sits relative to your tow ball, eliminating the need for a spotter during hitching.
Sarah Chen, a Brisbane mother of three, discovered this feature accidentally while trying to connect her family’s camper trailer. “I’d been getting my husband to guide me every time we wanted to go camping,” she explained. “Then I accidentally hit the wrong button on the screen and saw this perfect view of the tow ball. Now I can hitch up solo while he’s loading the kids.”
How This Technology Prevents Damage
Australian insurance companies report that low-speed parking incidents account for a significant percentage of vehicle damage claims. The comprehensive camera system dramatically reduces these risks by eliminating blind spots that plague even the most careful drivers.
The front-facing cameras prove particularly valuable in Australian conditions where wildlife, including kangaroos and wombats, can suddenly appear in front of vehicles. While the cameras won’t prevent high-speed collisions, they provide crucial awareness during slow-speed scenarios where reaction time allows for avoidance.
Accessing All Camera Views
From the large centre display, drivers can choose from multiple camera views to see more than ever before. The key to unlocking these features lies in understanding your infotainment system’s camera menu. Most owners only access cameras through the reverse gear trigger, but manual activation reveals the full range of available views.
Navigation Tip: Look for the camera icon on your main infotainment screen. Pressing this icon cycles through available views, including the bird’s eye perspective that many owners never discover. Some trim levels allow simultaneous viewing of multiple camera angles, creating an almost surveillance-like awareness of your vehicle’s surroundings.
Why These Features Matter for Australian Drivers
Addressing Australia’s Unique Challenges
Australia’s driving environment presents unique challenges that make these hidden features particularly valuable. Our vast distances mean many families tow caravans and trailers regularly, yet traditional driver training provides minimal instruction on trailer handling. Pro Trailer Backup Assist bridges this skills gap, making safe towing accessible to every family member.
Similarly, our diverse terrain – from crowded city car parks to remote bush tracks – demands superior visibility and spatial awareness. The advanced camera system provides this awareness without requiring expensive aftermarket modifications or years of experience.
The Cost of Not Knowing
Insurance industry data suggests that minor parking incidents cost Australian drivers millions annually. Many of these incidents occur in situations where the 360-degree camera system would provide perfect visibility. The irony is stark – owners possess technology that could prevent these incidents but don’t know it exists.
For those who regularly tow, the learning curve for traditional trailer reversing often results in damaged vehicles, scraped trailers, or worse. Professional towing instruction can cost hundreds of dollars and requires significant time investment. Pro Trailer Backup Assist provides equivalent skills instantly, making it invaluable for Australian families.
Getting the Most From Your Hidden Features
Training Yourself and Family Members
Both features require some practice to master, but the learning curve is remarkably gentle. Start in empty car parks or quiet areas where mistakes won’t matter. Ford’s research shows that most users become proficient with Pro Trailer Backup Assist within 30 minutes of first use.
For the camera system, spend time exploring each view mode in stationary situations before relying on them while driving. Understanding how each perspective relates to your vehicle’s actual position prevents confusion during critical moments.
Maintenance and Calibration
Both systems depend on clean, properly aligned cameras for optimal performance. Australian conditions – dust, mud, and harsh sunlight – can compromise camera effectiveness. Regular cleaning and professional calibration ensure these hidden features continue working when you need them most.
Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. These technologies enhance your capabilities but never eliminate the need for careful, attentive driving.
Future Developments
Ford continues advancing these technologies for future Ranger models. The upcoming Ranger PHEV, expected in mid-2025, will include enhanced camera systems and potentially upgraded trailer assist technology. Current owners benefit from regular software updates that improve system performance and occasionally add new functionality.
The automotive industry increasingly recognises that sophisticated features mean nothing if owners don’t understand them. Ford Australia has begun improving dealer training and owner education to ensure these valuable capabilities don’t remain hidden.
The Ford Ranger’s position as Australia’s best-selling vehicle reflects its genuine capability and value. However, many owners unknowingly leave thousands of dollars worth of technology unused in their driveways. Pro Trailer Backup Assist and the advanced 360-degree camera system represent significant technological achievements that can transform your driving experience.
These aren’t just convenience features – they’re safety systems that can prevent accidents, reduce stress, and open up new possibilities for Australian adventures. Whether you’re a tradesman navigating job sites, a family exploring the outback, or someone who simply wants parking peace of mind, these hidden features deliver real, measurable benefits.
Take time to explore your Ranger’s capabilities beyond the obvious. Read your owner’s manual, experiment with different systems, and don’t hesitate to ask your Ford dealer for a proper demonstration. The technology is there waiting – you just need to discover it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my Ford Ranger has Pro Trailer Backup Assist?
Look for a trailer icon on your drive mode selector dial near the gear shifter. If present, your Ranger includes this feature.
Q: Can the 360-degree camera system work while driving?
The system activates automatically in reverse and can be manually activated at speeds below 6 mph for parking situations.
Q: Are these features available on all Ford Ranger models?
Pro Trailer Backup Assist is standard on Wildtrak, Platinum, and Raptor models, while 360-degree cameras are available across more trim levels as standard or optional equipment.