How hard would it be to install the OEM reverse sensors or is there a better option aftermarket? Don't say camera as I don't have an aftermarket HU nor the money for one. Also, How well do you like it if you have it?

 

I know its not quite the same, but I am helping a buddy install some reverse sensors on his mom's Pathfinder this weekend. He picked them up from www.reversebackingsystems.com

Kits are around $100, but they are good quality. I read that alot of people go with the $40 kit from ebay, but he said he wanted a little more quality. So I can let you know how the install goes if you would like.

 

Please do.... Maybe some pictures too

 

Sure thing, I just got a new camera, so it will give me a good reason to take some pics

 

I used (http://www.crimestopper.com/) Works great, English units, Got the longer cables made for a truck. PITA to drill thru the steel bumper. Available @ Amazon.com.

Other sources:
http://www.obstaclesensor.com/?OVRAW...OVMTC=standard

http://www.awellmarket.com/

 

I paid $50 for aftermarket sensors from E-Bay but never installed them. Instead, I installed a wireless camera fro WalMart and liked it very much. Well worth the $100 to me and if I decide to remove it, there will be no evidence it was ever there (no holes or damage to anything).

 

thanks for that site, im gonna look into the ones for the front as soon as I lift....

 

I've done this install twice now - highly recommended.


Reverse Sensor Install

 

Can you post pics of your install?

 

For some reason, the administrator has set me up to not allow me to post attachments so I will explain as best I can.

The camera simply attaches to the tag bolts on the rear bumper and the wires attach to the back up light wires. The monitor simply plugs into the lighter or can be hot wired to a switched circuit. I have manual 4X4 so I popped out the "coin holder" where the electronic switch goes and ran the wire through it to the fuse block and and simply found a circuit that works off the ignition switch and put the wire under the fuse prongs. I then took the provided velcro tape and put the monitor under the AC vent and to the left of blower switch. It looks good there and covers almost all of the hole where the wire goes in. You have options because you can flip and reverse the image.

I can send you photos if you want if you send me your e-mail therough PM.

 

Here is the set that I installed.. The sensors are mounted just like they would be from the factory..

 

My truck came with them...and I gotta say, it's probably the best option I got.

I almost gave an old guy a heart attack the other day...he was sitting in his car waiting for his wife to come out of some store (I was stopping at UPS)...and I was backing in next to where he was parked. There was a car in the spot behind me and I was backing in...the guy put up his hands to tell me to stop, but my sensor didn't even start beeping yet, so I just kept backing up like another 3 feet...

beep...............beep...............beep........ ....beep.......beep....beep...beep...
beep...beep..beep..beep..beep.beep.beeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeep

then I stopped lol. When I got out, he was like (franticaly) "I was trying to tell you to stop, I didn't want you to hit that car, I thought you were getting pretty close" -- I was like "oh thank you, I have those sensors that tell me when to stop" haha...it was classic.

Tell you what though, if those sensors ever stop working, I'm definitely hitting something.

 

So no one has tried to install a OEM reverse sensor?

 

ok here is to answer texaspyro21. No noone in there right mind would install factory sensors. The sensors are 123 dollars a piece! with everything it was over 700 dollars just for the factory parts!

I just got rear ended and thought about doing while I was replacing the bumper but not for 700+.

 

Got the camera/TV unit from Costco in December. Tried it about 4 months. Install was fairly easy. Worked OK to start, but snow, dirt, etc. clouds the view. Received an aftermarket reverse sensing system for my Birthday, the Backstopper CA5012a. Installed it about three weeks ago and took the camera/TV unit back to Costco for a refund. The reverse sensing system is great - works like a charm! The install took about 1.5 hours as you have to drill 4 holes in the bumper. Go to a dealer and check out the OEM unit on an F150 on the lot to use as a template. Two of the holes already exist under the plastic next to your license plate. The other two had to be drilled into the metal. No big deal, but make sure to paint the hole (touch up paint) before putting in the sensor, it will prevent rust. The hardest part was pulling the wires. The unit is wireless from the box to the display. Wired the display into the 12 V and off we went. It is accurate to within 2". Gives you audible, distance and right/left indications. I would never order/purchase another vehicle, F150 or otherwise, without reverse sensing. Love it. Oh - the CA5012a was only $60 plus shipping. Good deal!