All,

I'm in the market for a reverse sensing system for my SD. Now, I'm not saying that I've backed into two things, I'm just saying it would've been useful to have the reverse sensing system on two occasions so far Thankfully, no harm no foul.... yet.

Anyway, I searched and found a few older threads on the subject but I figured products and technology evolve so maybe there's some new ideas about these by now. From the other threads, the Backstopper CA 5012 was fairly highly recommended. Maybe this is still the case...?

So, has anybody installed a system like this on their truck? If so, what brand and how reliable has it been? Also, I would like to buy a good system whose sensors use a 22mm diameter hole. I recently tried a Bully Dog P1410 system and it was junk. Long story and I ended up returning it but I couldn't return the four 22mm holes I now have in my bumper

Thanks in advance!

 

We used echomaster and it was a decent system. The system was available with 2 or 4 sensors and a visual add on module. The sensors looked fairly stock, the brain box can be hidden and then you mount the buzzer where you can get to it because it has the mute switch built in.

I have the stock system and I let my self down on one occasion just because I became accustomed to it. I knew the car was behind me, I knew I was close, but I needed to back up a few inches to get out. It didn't harm my truck, but it made me aware that they aren't more than a warning system and it's up to me still to know the difference between a 4" blade of grass and everything else.

 

Thanks ReAX. I'll check out the echomaster. That's one that I haven't found with google yet.

Anybody else recommend any other aftermarket systems like this?

 

TTT, anybody?

 

What kind of problems did you have with the Bully Dog p1410? I put that system in my wifes 07 Tahoe and it has worked flawlessly for almost 3 years and it is accurate also. I guess I have been lucky.

 

False readings that something was within 1 foot of my bumper. The display would read -P- and beep constantly. I tried all sorts of tests to rule out different things such as backing my truck up on a set of ramps, to point the rear end up in the air (to rule out that it was seeing the ground). Running it with the problematic sensor(s) unplugged. Along with several other tests recommended by the seller.

The seller sent me a replacement control box (at my cost of $50 deposit) to try and it had no effect. Each of the four sensors gave false readings at different times. The seller also sent two replacement sensors which seemed to fix the problem, for about 4 days until one of the other two originals started reporting false readings again. Then after that, one of the two replacement sensors started reporting false readings. I must say though, when it was working, it did work well. Too bad this was only about 10% of the time.

I have a feeling that I was sold a refurbished unit or something. For sure, all the replacement parts he sent me were used already by somebody (dirty sensor connectors, short wires to splice to, control box had obvious wear on it, etc)

I had some trouble getting the seller to communicate with me on this and after two months of trying parts, doing tests, and waiting for email replies, I just got disgusted with the whole thing and filed a paypal claim to get my $$ back.

Now, I'm looking for a new system.....

 

I installed the Crimestopper model CX 5012, wireless, reverse sensing sytem on my F150. It took about 1.5 hours to complete the install, but it has been worth it. The longest part of the install is pulling the wires to the transmitter and then wiring it into your back up light. Excellent system - gives you 3 warnings, audio, actual distance and bars that increase in number as you get closer to the object in back of you. Mine is accurate to within 3". You do have to drill four holes in your bumper, but my suggestion is to find an oem system on another similar truck, measure the distance between the sensors and from the ground and try to match your holes to the same template on your truck. You can find this online between $60 - $70. Cheap investment. The kit comes with the drill bit. Another suggestion is to use some touch up paint on the holes to avoid future rust. I wired the monitor into my 12.5v jack in the console and hid the wire. Pull the fuse first as you are likely to blow one or two before you get it connected. Believe me, this modest investment has saved my butt on more than one occasion. Highly recommend the system. Good luck.

JP

 

Good deal jfpaul! Sounds like you're in business.

And, thanks for bumping this back to the top. I apparently didn't come back and update it.....

I ended up installing a four sensor system from parkingsensors.net. This system was my second choice anyway, and the best part was, their sensors happened to be use the same hole size that I drilled for the other system, that didn't work. Its been a flawless system so far.

The installation, including my backup camera, is here:

2004 F250 Reverse Backing Alert System

By the way that ebay seller, topdawgelectronics still owes me $50 that I know I'll never see. If it wasn't for paypal, I wouldn't have seen the original $$.

 

I would put back up sensors in one box with rotary phones, cassette players and analog technology.
Now for less than 100 bucks you can have back up camera with double view angles and 10" LCD mirror monitor with remote that allows you hook up your own videos to it as well.



LCD comes with frames in 3 colors.

 

What system is that? I am in the market ofr a back up camera.

 

That kit looks real nice!

 

Listing expired, but look for relisting. It is on my TB list with next big paycheck. Since LCD can hook up 2 cameras I am thinking about monitoring the load.
C0201M EONON New 10.2"Car Reverse Mirror Monitor Camera - eBay (item 290420888079 end time May-02-10 13:48:36 PDT)

 

Just a few notes here:

Replace the screw on the outside sensor with a stainless steel one from your local hardware store --- it rusts fast.

The camera there is a wired camera --- which means effort to wire it but it may be worth it depending on your application.

There are wireless ones available for the same price --- glitches and all.

IMHO,

sensors that do not give image will never be accurate past 1ft.

optical (you see) is still the best.

 

Tried the optical/camera unit - terrible in winter and at night.

 

B&W is usually a better choice for night time, a lot of the b&w cameras capture IR light. A small IR light can light up an area pretty well, plus since you can't see it, it's not going to kill your night vision in reflections.