09:50 02-12-2025

Measure your car and trailer with your phone: Ford's patent for smarter towing

Ford Motor has filed a patent application for technology that measures the parameters of a vehicle and its trailer, a tool the company could apply in future models.

The idea is to let drivers determine the total length of their rig with a single motion of a smartphone. Point the phone’s camera so the entire vehicle and trailer are in frame, and a dedicated app reads the visual data and sends precise measurements straight to the car’s onboard electronics.

Once the dimensions are received, the vehicle automatically configures its towing-assistance features. Chief among them is Pro Trailer Assist, an intelligent aid for backing up with trailers of any type. It helps the driver maneuver in tight parking spots and confined areas, easing the task regardless of experience.

In practice, relying on a phone instead of manual measuring feels like a sensible step: it could take some guesswork out and make setup feel less fussy. By addressing the perennial challenge of accounting for a car-and-trailer footprint, Ford’s concept aims to make everyday towing more convenient and comfortable.