This Ram 1500 driver recently found a mysterious control in his truck. Now he wants to know if anyone can explain what it does.
In a TikTok that’s generated over 11,300 views as of this writing, Ram truck driver @tofu_drifter highlights a button that's located below the center of the infotainment system.
"I see this setting, Trailer Steering," he says, adding, "Does anybody know what that does?"
The knob has labeling above, with two directional arrows pointing left and right, and a trailer graphic.
"It’s really strange to me," he says.
What Does the Button Do?
Some people who commented on his post were less than helpful.
"I feel like it's kinda self explanatory," one wrote condescendingly.
Many seem to share his view.
"It steers your trailer," a second said.
"For uncoordinated people that can't back a trailer up," said another slightly more helpful commenter.
Others weighed in on whether the button is useful.
"It’s for people that don’t understand left to go right and right to go left," one said.
"I have the same truck I’ve never been able to get it to work," another wrote.
At least one person actually answered the question.
"When backing up a trailer the truck does the work with just using the knob," they wrote.
"Woah that’s awesome I wonder how that works. I guess there are motors by the tow hitch?" @tofu_drifter replied.
"Turns steering wheel that you are literally grabbing for you. Because backing up a trailer requires opposite steering input," a second explained.
"The backup camera calibrates to the trailer movements, the knobs for people who don’t know how to backup trailers," elaborated a third.
What Does "Trailer Steering" Do?
Noah Thanos from Ram's communications team told Motor1, "Trailer Reverse Steering Control (TRSC) is a feature that assists the driver when backing up a trailer. By turning the knob located on the center stack, the driver can more accurately control the direction an attached trailer will go."
"The driver controls the accelerator and the brake while steering with the use of the Trailer Reverse Steering Control knob," Thanos continued. "The trailer is steered according to the direction the knob is turned and defaults to straight back when in its resting center position.
"When hooking up a trailer to the Ram 1500, the trailering tech suite automatically calibrates to the trailer to allow this technology and other features [to] work."
For a full breakdown, Thanos suggested using this YouTube video that shows how to use TRSC.
How to Back Up a Trailer
Driving with a trailer can be intimidating, especially backing up. Many drivers make maneuvers to avoid doing this. However, it’s not impossible, and a little practice can go a long way.
One reason it isn’t easy to learn to drive with a tow is the steering direction.
According to Curt Manufacturing, here are five tips for backing up a trailer:
- Grab and hold the steering wheel with a 6 o'clock hand position: This makes visualizing the turns of the trailer much easier to do. Movement is done by moving your hand to the left, which will make the trailer go left and vice versa.
- Use side mirrors and look over your shoulder if possible: Keep an eye on the trailer's movement when backing up with the side mirrors. Rolling down windows and doing the old head swivel works well here, too, if the trailer is obstructing the back view.
- Think of the vehicle pushing the trailer: Try not to think of your truck and trailer moving together as a single unit. Think of the back end of your truck moving the trailer coupler like a person pushing the handles of a wheelbarrow. When using a wheelbarrow, when you want to go left, you turn the handles to the right, and the same goes for the other side. The same concept applies to trailer towing.
- Go slow and take wide turns: Patience is the name of the game when turning. It’s best to use wide turns to avoid jackknifing.
- Avoid jackknifing the trailer: This happens when turns happen excessively and can cause damage to both the trailer and towing vehicle. To avoid this, back up slowly and straighten out correctly by steering the tow vehicle the same way the trailer is moving. If jackknifing takes place, you can always straighten out and repeat the process.
Via TikTok direct message, @tofu_drifter declined to provide a comment to Motor1.
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motor1.com?
Take our 3 minute survey.- The Motor1.com Team