Trick to get FSD working with the tailgate down

[CyberGus]

Seems like in this world of super technology it should be easy to install a rear view camera to replace the tailgate camera when towing.

Adding a camera is simple. Integrating the video into FSD is another matter.

Even the current cameras, with known positions and capabilities, must calibrate for some number of miles.

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[cadamo001]

I've used both hacks. The tailgate down one is great when I'm carrying my ATV in the bed and the trailer one I used just to see if it would work when I was trailering my jetski. I would be nervous to use the trailer one for a larger trailer load but with the jetski it worked perfectly.
Just be careful latching the tailgate with your fingers. Not very forgiving if you get your finger in the latching mechanism. Ask me how I know.

 

[kdn]

yikes

 

[RonGonRetired]

Now if you can get FSD to work while pulling a trailer!

Or even a bike rack!

 

[rovert43]

All I can say is you are playing with fire when you do this if you wanted to use FSD.

I assume FSD uses all camera's as input for working correctly and now you just made it a bit less safe as you stopped using the back camera. So any input on what is going on behind you that may pose a issue at some point is now no longer available for the FSD system to adjust.

I believe the rear camera is only used to merge and let faster traffic in the rear go by. Side camera's are used for merging, that being said if he was towing you'd have an argument regarding safety.

 

[PungoteagueDave]

There is. I don’t recommend it In urban/suburban areas or other places with lots of cars. If you connect your trailer, it defaults to tow mode. Turn off tow mode. The trailer brakes still work. FSD works as well. Now, if you hit a bump and the truck realizes how heavy your load is in the back, it will prompt you to immediately takeover. My experience is with smaller trailers (think small U-Haul or Boy Scout), it’s fine. For my airstream, it’s not great.

What I love about FSD is that it allows you to focus more on what’s happening around without staying hyper focused on the lane. The trailer hack eliminates all of those benefits because you’re hyper focused not knowing if it will disengage. All said, there’s a hack. I just wouldn’t recommend it and I don’t do it anymore.

Yeah, the fact that the truck has no idea the rig’s overall length is an issue for lane changes and tight corners. I’ve been tempted to do this on interstates but have resisted.

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