This line fits into a broader trend of add-on motor home conversions hitting the market today. If you’re passionate about the auto industry and considering a career within it, keeping tabs on the latest trends can give you an edge going forward.
Read on for a breakdown of Ford’s latest collaboration, and how it’s set to impact the auto industry at large.
Car Repair Experts Ask: What Are the Specs?
Ford’s first factory-authorized campers, built by Indiana-based mobile home manufacturing company Livin Lite, will hit lots in 2016 in six configurations for both short- and long-bed trucks. The line includes slide-in campers for their 6’and 8’ beds, camper trailers and toy haulers (camper trailers with built-in ATV garage) in 22’ and 24’ lengths—all featuring a nose and front window inspired by Ford’s F-Series style, and Livin Lite’s signature up-market, lightweight materials.
Car repair experts know that the more a vehicle weighs, the more susceptible it is to wind and handling problems that can lead to accidents and collisions. Livin Lite builds trailers and campers with strong, lightweight aluminum alloy—saving weight and even offering resistance to rust and rot.
“Their use of advanced materials and innovation mindset makes them an excellent fit with the Ford brand,” explains Ford Licensing manager, Mark Bentley. “We are confident customers will be impressed with the unique, bold designs and comfortable features offered in the Ford RV line.”
A Legacy of Ford Adventure Vehicles
It’s not surprising Ford is the first original equipment manufacturer to offer an extended line of licensed travel trailers, toy haulers and truck campers, because the great outdoors was a passion of Henry Ford himself.
It’s strange but true: when Henry Ford worked as a chief engineer at Thomas Edison’s Illuminating Company, the two icons of their time would embark on lengthy camping trips together every year between 1914 and 1924. These trips were literally trail-blazing for the American public, inspiring the first generation of road trippers and auto-campers to hit the road themselves. The first Ford Camper Special was introduced in 1961 to be used on F-150 and larger pickups, and the rest is history.
Camper/Trailer Risks for Car Repair Experts to Look Out For
Ford’s latest addition to the trailer scene joins the Toyota Chinook and Volkswagen’s popular Wesfalia model on a thriving commercial camper market.
Students enrolled in auto repair programs will need to be prepared to address the particular risks and damages that come more campers on the streets. Towing trailers and bed-mounting campers can drastically change and reduce a driver’s view of their surroundings, and require drivers to change their acceleration and handling habits.
For example, drivers will need to get used to their vehicle having more mass—meaning drivers need to allow for slightly more time to come to a stop or make a turn than they would do without the trailer. This small change becomes vitally important when drivers need to merge onto highways or safely pass other vehicles, and is likely to create auto-body damage needing attention from skilled auto repair technicians and mechanics.
Are you interested in pursuing one of the many exciting careers in auto service or repair?
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