Reversing Sensors...

[TheWolfCub]

...I'm not bad at reversing, that is in my other car!! However, in the Surf I seem to have a problem judging the distance (ok you guys who drive articulated lorries have my deepest admiration). Haven't hit too many things yet, and up to press not a scratch on the Surf (spare wheel seems ideally designed for this purpose).

So, me thinks to myself why not fit reversing sensors! Job was really quite simple. No problems there.

Wasn't until the day that I came to fit them that I suddenly thought: Hang on a mo, isn't the rear mounted spare gonna get in the way?!?! So I looked at the installation instructions (which must have been written by someone with only a rudimentary knowledge of the English language - much like myself - and had had a few pints to boot). Seemed as though the spare wheel shouldn't have been a problem since the sonic beem from the sensors was quite tight that close to the back of the truck. So I fitted it!

Job done. Starts engine. Bangs her in reverse. Bear in mind there's nothing behind me. High pitched continous beeeeeeeep!!! Fantastic, as if the damned reversing beep, beep, beep wasn't enough!

So took the spare off, and it worked fine. (Obviously that isn't a permanent solution.)


Anyone else been here? If so how did you resolve it?

Or am I the only one stupid enough? Answers on a postcard only!

[AndyLala]

Errr yes, thought about it, went for a rear view camera instead... no I can see out of the back (or at least the three feet immediately behind) with the rear loaded to the roof....

[Robb.]

camera or sensors - sounds like something I need

where from, how much?

[Maverick]

I also have fitted parking sensors (cheapys from Ebay), but I have the underslung rear wheel so this doesn't cause havock. However ever now and again it picks up the towball and has a fit. When it does that I resort to opening the drivers door, placing the right hand on the side step and leaning right out. If you get it right you can actually see under the car as well, you just have to put up with BBBBBBBBBBEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPP PPPPPP until your finished.

[TheWolfCub]

Best VFM

camera or sensors - sounds like something I need

where from, how much?

A variety are available on eBay (some quick research would suggest that eBay is good bit cheaper than other suppliers - no suprises there). Ranging from 2 sensor type for rear only right through to an eight sensor type for both front and back complete with a 'wizard' computer screen (dash mounted) that shows you how close (front back left right) the obstacles are! Also camaras and fancy stuff that works with the rear view mirror. Obviously the fancier you want to get the more you have to spend.

I got a four sensor set for rear only (no computer screen) for about £25 + P&P.

Rob

[da SLUG man]

(ok you guys who drive articulated lorries have my deepest admiration)

the secret's in the rubber bumpers!

p.s. i've reversed into my mates next door neighbours car, a little van, ripped a bollard out the ground... the list goes on!

[AndyLala]

Its why they call them bumpers...

[Chillitt]

a variation on the problem.. i can now back into spaces i cant get out of... i convinced a traffic warden i couldnt get out cos 2 cars had boxed me in....and the towbar makes touch parking much more fun!

[shelly]

a variation on the problem.. i can now back into spaces i cant get out of... i convinced a traffic warden i couldnt get out cos 2 cars had boxed me in....and the towbar makes touch parking much more fun!

i don't hav a prob reversing, actually i'm quite good at it

[bub]

ok now the sensors seem a good idea being as when i reverse i am either 3ft away or like on thursday 28th april i killed a punto and dinted my tail gate and now i cant open the back window cos the glass would smash.my mate has a suberu and has them on his but i may just fit large mirrors like the ones that you have when pulling a caravan

[DaveD]

I have a rear Sensor on mine its Labbelled "Witter" and gives a loud "thump" when I 've gone far enuff

[Robb.]

Isn't it best to remove the reversing beep beep before fitting parking sensors - if yes, how?

[Maverick]

To be honest I didn't bother, I've never found it intrusive, and the reversing buzzer really out does it on volume.

The witter reversing sensor didn't go down well with my mother. Even worse she was sitting in my passenger seat at the time.

[exmee46]

Basically, you just keep going back until you are certain you have parked halfway up the bonnet of the car behind and then stop. You'll still be 18 inches away.

Kev

[madcampbell]

Basically, you just keep going back until you are certain you have parked halfway up the bonnet of the car behind and then stop. You'll still be 18 inches away.

Kev

LOL So So true