Reverse sensor install

I purchased the following reverse sensor on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...0157576177&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWNX:IT
This one requires no drilling, which is good because I didn't want to drill into my chrome bumper. At first I thought about a camera, but I rather turn around to see where I'm backing up than looking at a camera. The sensor at least let me know how far I am away from an object which can be hard to see some times with the tailgate up and a camper shell on top of the bed.

Anyway here is my installation:

Behind the rear passenger bench seat there is a rubber grommet (you have to pull up the carpeting to see), this is where I ran the wires and where I installed the control box.

I started from the bumper and worked my way forward.

since this didn't require any drilling, i run the sensor wires along the grove between the bumper. This is alittle tricky, but you can use a flathead to pry the top plastic bumper to snake the wire through.


Next, i got under the truck and found the easy way to run the sensor wires from the bumper to the grommet. Also for the right sensor wire make sure you isolate the wire from the muffler and tailpipe. the heat may damage it.

I then ran the tailight wire from the left signal, through the grommet, and connected it to the control box. I had to splice additional wire because it was too short for the left taillight. I removed the taillight and tap the wires to the reverse bulb. red is power, and white is ground.

I used a razor to make a small slit on the grommet and pushed all the wires through and then reinstalled the grommet back.

Next I installed the control box behind the rear passenger seat and ran the buzzer behind rear driver seat and along the foot panel to the front driver seat.


because the buzzer wire was short to reach the front I had to install it directly underneath the driver seat. this worked out because the buzzer is really loud.

It took me about 1hr to get everything hooked up. pretty simple.

 

Just curious....

So, how far away is an object when it goes off?

How BIG (up or down) of an area does it look at?

 

Its starts beeping when i'm about 5ft or so away and as i get closer the beep gets faster and then about 1ft it becomes steady. I installed it primarily for my wife. It picked up her standing and walking at the back when I tried it out (wish it didn't work that time ) and it picked up my fence.

 

Nice write up. Thanks for the info!

 

Where you have it mounted - will it sense something low to the ground and sense something 6' off the ground? And does it cover the entire length of the bumper?

Sorry for the questions.... I guess I'm curious if it'll sense something only 2' off the ground on the opposite side of the bumper (small babies/childs crawling come to mind).

Not a bad idea at all (if it has a very WIDE area of view).

 

It also picked up my dog which is 3 ft tall. I think i threw away the spec sheet that came with it. but remember seeing an all around 30degree angle for the sensors. everything on mine is stock so Im not that high of the ground. as far as the entire length of the bumper, no. I didn't see a need for 4 of them like some vehicles. Also I've looked and the ones that comes with 4 sensors all require drilling. I guess if you wanted 4 sensors you can always buy two of the units i bought. It also depends on where you choose to mount your sensors. I choose my at the corner because it was the best place for me. you can put it near the center as well, but i couldn't find a good place to run the wires. if i can find the spec sheet then i'll post the info...

 

Thanks! No need to find the specs....I was just trying to get an idea of how it worked.

They're neat and I'd love to have them (or a camera) - cuz I suck at backing up.

Just one of the many mods I wish I had time to work on....

 

Have you tried putting your tailgate down and putting it in reverse? Mine will go off solid if the tailgate is down (solid tone meaning within 3 feet).

I have the Echomaster Dolphin sensor that mounts in the trailor hitch and gets it's power from the trailor hitch power jack. I picked it up at Pep Boys on clearance for $50. Very easy install. Stick it in the hitch, plug it in and plug the receiving unit into a cigarette lighter jack.

As for height, mine will sense curbs.

 

I think sensors are better than cameras because you're still looking in the direction the truck is moving. With a camera, you head needs to be pointed forward to see it, unless you mount it in the back somewhere. If you head is turned back, you might catch something coming that you wouldn't see in the limited view of the camera.

 

I haven't tried with the tailgate down, but i figure it will set off the buzzer anyway.