Has anyone fitted reversing sensors to their van? The sort that sell on eBay for around £10? Was wondering if the rear engine location would cause problems with them.
I fitted a cheapo set to my Kia Sedona and they are great. cant see that it would cause a problem. Just make sure you get the ones designed for metal bumpers.
I fitted parking sensors to my camper about 10 years ago, they look very similar to the cheap ones on ebay now. I paid about £30 at time for 2 sensors and a buzzer with lights. I remember when I brought it and opened the package it said not for rear engine cars. But I fitted them anyway and they work fine. It also helps to let you know when you have found reverse gear as it gives a single bleep to let you know they are working.
I used to fit them for a living - I don't understand what the issue is with rear engined cars? A couple of things you need to be mindful of are: Height - relative to the road - too low and they pick the road up and alarm, too high and they miss things like curbs. Angle - they need to be on as horizontal surface as possible - again, pointing down and the pick up the road, pointing up they miss curbs etc. Spacing - too far apart and they miss sign poles for example, so space them so they give good coverage. Orientation - most sensors have to be fitted a certain way up, check the instructions (e.g. round ones have a flat spot on the back case, or a small dimple on the front face). Activation - if you run them off the reverse light, on some vehicles this is in the tailgate - find the cable run and test for reverse light (assuming it isnt CanBus). Buzzer/display placement - don't put the buzzer so far away you cant hear it - extend the cabling to the front of the van. On a late bay I think the first two above are dictated by the bumper - so check the instructions for heights. Spacing needs some maths and an idea of coverage. Activation is the challenge - if you don't have a reverse light - what are you going to trigger it with?
Stay away from cheap parking sensors, you will regret it! Go for these. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/COBRA-4-EYE-REVERSING-AID-PARKING-SENSOR-PARKMASTER-/390341735215?pt=UK_Photography_DigitalCamAccess_RL&hash=item5ae22e332f#ht_612wt_1139 Why are they so expensive you may ask, the answer is obvious, you get what you pay for. I have fitted dozens of these inc. to a bay steel bumper with zero hassle & faults.
I've got a great big steel bumper on mine. Seems to do the trick, you just stop reversing when the van stops moving backwards.
Or you could always do it the old fashioned way, and turn around and look behind you and stop when you get close to something....
Its not easy when theres a westy wardrobe right behind the drivers seat. Vision through the rear window stops about 6 foot from any object too.
It's not just about how big your bus is. Some cars have bits of junk hanging of the front that you can't see or allow for. Keep meaning to fit one of these: http://www2.westfalia.net/shops/car_accessoires/car_equipment_and_accessories/prevention_and_care/parking_aids/51931-wide_angle_lens_for_parking.htm?
Simply because I don't need it. You can buy electric tin openers but that doesn't mean I'm going to buy one.
I will, for once , agree with baysearcher. Surely you should know the size of your vehicle and not try and park it in a space too tight for it, it's all about spacial awareness. I'm no techno-fobe but it is making people too lazy and reliant. I can 3 point turn a 7 1/2 ton lorry on an A road without hitting the curb using only the side mirrors. If you have something blocking your view in a bus, remove it.
