What Is Trailer Reverse Steering Control On a RAM 1500?
Sometimes there can be too much technology on a vehicle and the joy of driving plus enhancing one’s driving skills are lost. Trailer reverse steering control may be one of these technological items that are one step too far.
Trailer reverse steering control is a technological addition to some vehicles. This device is designed to help you back your trailer up and put it in the desired location. It is easy to use and there does not seem to be any complicated instructions to follow.
To learn more about trailer reverse steering control, just continue to read our article. It provides the information you want to know about so you can see if this is a piece of technology you need or can do without. Sometimes it is just easier to do things manually.
Do Ram Trucks Have Trailer Backup Assist?
This feature has been installed in many RAM truck models since 2021. We know that because this addition was reported in a 2020 article. Then confirmed with a 2023 article.
It seems that it is the RAM 1500 that has this device included in its different features packages. At least it was the original truck model that had it. Now it seems that Chrysler has expanded that application to the RAM 2500 truck.
This is an option feature so be prepared to boost your purchase price to add this device to your overall feature lineup. There are other truck makers that also offer this feature. How expensive or how well it works on those brands’ vehicles remains to be seen.
What is a Trailer Reverse Steering Control on a RAM 1500?
This is an automated feature that will back your trailer up for you. Once engaged, you just have to set the controls and then take your hands off the wheel. The device does the backing up for you.
This system is exactly what the name says. It is a steering control feature that takes control of your vehicle and moves your trailer in reverse. Whether you may like it or not is another thing.
The reviews have stated that this is a good device for novice trailer users and those people who do not have the confidence to back up a trailer. There is some concern about the fact the system loses sight of the trailer in low light and bright sunlight conditions.
If you use it, you need to be prepared to encounter those times when the system is not going to work mid-reverse driving. Most experienced drivers who have backed up trailers for years do not have a use for this device.
One, they do not need it as they know how to back a trailer up. Two, they feel that the device robs people of this important driving skill. You would have to take the RAM 1500 or 2500 with this feature for a test drive to see which side of the discussion you are on.
There are some people who like it as they are relieved of the stress that comes with backing up a trailer. They feel that the negative reaction to the new technology is normal and the attitude will change as people get used to it.
Ram Trailer Reverse Guidance
This subheading title is referring to the cameras that are installed to help you see what is going on behind you. They are supposed to be bolted in place and not move independently from the mirrors.
However and for whatever reason, some of these cameras are not aligned and you get a very distorted image on your reverse screen on your dash. This may not happen with all reverse guidance cameras but it does take place with some owners.
The camera or this system is supposed to give you a 360-degree view of your truck and its surroundings. You may see a split screen view on the dash monitor and that is what is leading to the problem mentioned above.
That split screen may not be aligned correctly and you do not see what you are supposed to see. The screen is supposed to be adjustable so you may be able to tweak your view and get the right picture with lots of clarity.
Part Of The Trailer Tow Group (AHC) Package
This started in 2021 and RAM placed the trailer reverse steering control option inside this package. The package includes the following items:
- Trailer Light Check (JJ1)
- Trailer Brake Control (XHC)
- Trailer Reverse Steering Control (XA1)
- Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring (XG9)
The original price for this package seems to have been $395. That was for 2021. One owner reported that the package price went down in 2022 to $195. But that was the level 1 price without the trailer brake controller.
To get the 2023 tow package cost, you would have to talk to your local RAM dealer and see what they say. There does not seem to be much talk about the actual cost on the different RAM discussion forums.
Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) Recall
It seems that earlier this year, RAM issued a recall for this system. Just over 68,000 vehicles are affected by this recall and it has something to do with the display screen.
You can read the recall notice at this link and it involves trucks built for the 2021 to 2023 model years. You should have gotten your recall notice if your truck is part of this total. The notices went out on March 31, 2023.
Some Additional Words
Not all new technology is going to be helpful for everyone. This device seems to be one of those inventions that do not contribute much except to novice trailer towers and those lacking confidence in backing a trailer up.
The jury is still out on the potential of this new device and it may not be as great as some people claim it to be. But you do not have to use it if you do not want to. It is optional equipment and it does come with an on-and-off switch.
