2021 Ford F-150 Will Add Onboard Scales for Hauling

[Wakeboarder6687]

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a36276154/2021-ford-f-150-onboard-scales-announced/

I love the thought of having these features available and I believe Rivian has all the components needed to make this work at launch or through OTA updates. I think it would really help to keep drivers safe and informed.

Has anyone received more specifics on the towing/hauling features? Other than the generic "assistance" mentioned in the driver+ section.

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[azbill]

I love the thought of having these features available and I believe Rivian has all the components needed to make this work at launch or through OTA updates. I think it would really help to keep drivers safe and informed.

Not necessarily. This requires a force sensor at each wheel/axle, and also one in the trailer hitch for tongue weight. Aircraft have these sensor in the landing gear so that they can compute weight and balance for the pilot.

I did hear they will not have the "invisible trailer" feature that GM has, but that may be patented.

 

[LoneStar]

Funny, I also follow a 2021 F-150 forum much like this one and this news article arose this morning. After a few moments contemplating it, I thought, "I wonder if Rivian has the tools/tech to do this?"

Not for certain that it requires a load or force sensor. Could be calibrated to a displacement/position sensor and the inflation pressure of the air suspension. Meaning for a fixed PSI in the bag, unladened truck will rise to a certain point/height. Then with payload added in the bed or weight on the hitch will compress the strut for a measurable amount. Not as accurate as a load sensor but maybe good enough for looking at limits of payload.

I really dig that Ford integrated the load level indicator bars in the LED taillights.

 

[skyote]

Not for certain that it requires a load or force sensor. Could be calibrated to a displacement/position sensor and the inflation pressure of the air suspension. Meaning for a fixed PSI in the bag, unladened truck will rise to a certain point/height. Then with payload added in the bed or weight on the hitch will compress the strut for a measurable amount. Not as accurate as a load sensor but maybe good enough for looking at limits of payload.

Bingo. Air suspension does have ride height sensors & Rivian has said that the suspension will adjust for load (probably back to "level"). It's really just a math exercise between PSI & ride height.

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