Has anyone been sucessful in ADDING a FORD OEM RSS to a vehicle that did not originally have it installed? I know there are at least 50 or more aftermarket systems that will do the job, but I am curious as to how big a can-o-worms I would being opening if I tried to install the OEM removed from another vehicle.

 

Why not just go with a back up monitor system that allows you to see instead of having the sensors that beep. Sometimes when the sensors get dirty the system does not work properly. Just my 2 cents.

 

The reverse sensing is better than a camera. I have used both and like the Backstopper Model CA 5012 the best

 

If you buy oem you have to drill holes in your bumber. Find a lead on the trany so when you put it in reverse they turn on and the you have to find a place for the speaker. it can be done but allot of work
Nick

 

It took me about 1.5 hours to install the aftermarket reverse sensing system. The hardest part was pulling the wires. I had disconnected the camera unit and used the same connection to my back up light. The F150 already has two holes behind the plastic near the license plate. Check out an F150 with the system and measure the location of the sensors for your template. You do have to drill two more holes in the bumper. I suggest using some touch up paint in the hole to prevent rust. My Backstopper CA 5012 works like a charm. Gives you distance, audible and right/left indicators. Was about $60 plus shipping. Look around, you might find it on the WEB even cheaper.

 

Have you done it you I have ored all the part and have been told that ist is not that hard? The part come in on monday We will see how hard it is. I will let you know.

David

 

Hi Doolson - Yes, the install was pretty easy. Just lay out everything, think though what you want before you drill.

Like I said, if you have a 2004 or newer F-150, go to a dealer and check out a truck with the OEM system already installed. Carefully measure height from ground (make sure you are on a level surface) and the distance between hole spacings before for you start your install.

On your truck, find the two existing holes behind the plastic near the license plate. Center and drill those first and then measure from there to drill the next two in the metal bumper. The unit comes with the drill bit and it works pretty good, but make sure to drill straight into the metal. You might want to tap the bumper for a started spot. Once drilled out, prime those holes with touch-up paint before you install the last two sensors. Use the plastic spacers for the two sensors in the metal bumper- that makes them level and won't give you false readings. The two in the plastic come out pretty level.

Just make sure each of the 4 sensor wires connects to the control unit as numbered (l, l1, r, r1). The light covers for the F-150 come off easily - I used the passenger side, but either is OK. I "skinned" the back up light wire, spliced the control unit into it and wrapped some electrical tape to secure the splice.

There are plenty of holes and channels you can use on the F-150 to run and hide all the wires. I fed them into the light space, banded any excess, plugged them into the control unit and used velco to hold the unit in place. There is pleanty of room in that rear light cavity to hold all the wires and the unit.

The display is pretty cool. You can easily splice that into any 12 volt sourse (fuse box, cigaratte lighter, 12v outlet). There are no wires between the control and display - cool. I mounted the display on the center console (Lariat) and hid the wire - it really works well. Gives me distance to the opject. tells me if it is on the right or left and then beeps as you get within 6 feet of something. The beeps increase as you get closer and then become a steady sound when you are about 2 " to the object. No compliants to date. Have had one close call that would have resulted in an accident if it weren't for the Backstopper. For $60 a pretty good investment.

I live in Vermont, so we'll see how it works this winter with snow, salt, etc.

Good luck! I hope your install goes well. Let me know.

JP