Backup sensors

[axel888]

Do you think the backup sensors are worth installing? I'm thinking about getting a backup sensor system for my wife's van. I think she needs it because she always comes close to bumping into cars when she parallel parks. Does anyone have a system in their van?
what I'm talking about is the device that has sensors in the rear bumper and an alarm "beeps" insdie the van when you backup. It tells you if there's something behind.

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by axel888

Do you think the backup sensors are worth installing? I'm thinking about getting a backup sensor system for my wife's van. I think she needs it because she always comes close to bumping into cars when she parallel parks. Does anyone have a system in their van?
what I'm talking about is the device that has sensors in the rear bumper and an alarm "beeps" insdie the van when you backup. It tells you if there's something behind.

Some think it is a gimmic while others love it???? I am personally thinking of putting it on my truck because my wife has already tweaked the bumper a bit. Labor might be the expensive part of the deal. I haven't ever installed them but I have them.

[axel888]

In what way do people see them as a gimmick? The concept makes sense. Since it's hard to see what's behind when the car is in reverse, the sensors alert you if something is back there. That seems like it makes sense to me.

[Bronco2]

With the cost of injury lawsuits and bodywork it seems like a worthwhile investment.

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by axel888

In what way do people see them as a gimmick? The concept makes sense. Since it's hard to see what's behind when the car is in reverse, the sensors alert you if something is back there. That seems like it makes sense to me.

Some people rather get use to using mirrors and backing up the way they have for years. Some around here actually still USE their bumpers the way bumpers were orginally intended. I remember seeing this guy wham into a car 3x while he parked. The owner was obviously mad. The guy defended himself by saying that's how he was taught as a kid over 50 years ago

[axel888]

That is so funny, but the guy who's car got banged up wouldn't think so. The backup sensors look like a worthy investment since the cost of bumper repair can really get into the high $$ range. I found a site at www.eautodevices.com that lists repair costs. Some are up in the $2k range. Man, that is a big chunk of change.

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by axel888

That is so funny, but the guy who's car got banged up wouldn't think so. The backup sensors look like a worthy investment since the cost of bumper repair can really get into the high $$ range. I found a site at www.eautodevices.com that lists repair costs. Some are up in the $2k range. Man, that is a big chunk of change.

Yeah, the other guy was hot. Luckily, there really wasn't any damage (I can do paint repair) that could be seen. This old guy really whacked that car too. I am surprised he didn't move the car back as hard as he hit it

You know, I also am surprised that I haven't gotten any questions about these sensors. I have 2 real nice kits and have only been asked once about it. I told the person that I'd need about $250 to install them and they said they'd pass What else do they expect. This isn't a 15min job. Heck, I have to pull off the bumper cover to do it right.

[dodemoyoka]

You just got a have it if you can afford it.
Nowdays, there are system with 2, or 4 sensors(eyes)
and I would definitely recommend the 4.
The 2 sensors go from $199~ installed.
You do not want to rely solely on it when backing up as they
do have some blind spots, but it will be of a good assistance.
They are not very hard to install, and you can also find one that is
a one unit that bolts on to the top of your rear license plate
using the existing bolts, which is a lot easier, but has a little more limited rear sensing capability. Otherwise, you can go with the rear view camera that is option to the in-dash 7" monitor from Alpine or Pioneer, that will show you the actual view behind you. But again, use them as
a back-up to your usual, turn-your-face-back method....

[axel888]

Originally Posted by dodemoyoka

You just got a have it if you can afford it.
Nowdays, there are system with 2, or 4 sensors(eyes)
and I would definitely recommend the 4.
The 2 sensors go from $199~ installed.
You do not want to rely solely on it when backing up as they
do have some blind spots, but it will be of a good assistance.
They are not very hard to install, and you can also find one that is
a one unit that bolts on to the top of your rear license plate
using the existing bolts, which is a lot easier, but has a little more limited rear sensing capability. Otherwise, you can go with the rear view camera that is option to the in-dash 7" monitor from Alpine or Pioneer, that will show you the actual view behind you. But again, use them as
a back-up to your usual, turn-your-face-back method....

thanks for the great tips!

[CaTasHtRoPhE 67]

Originally Posted by ponchonutty

Some people rather get use to using mirrors and backing up the way they have for years. Some around here actually still USE their bumpers the way bumpers were orginally intended. I remember seeing this guy wham into a car 3x while he parked. The owner was obviously mad. The guy defended himself by saying that's how he was taught as a kid over 50 years ago

Hahaha thats must of been when cars where as big as boats and the bumber was the size of a crx