DIY parking sensor kits

Stooby2

I'm looking to fit parking sensors to a 2005 Discovery 3. I'd prefer to go down the wireless route, simply to avoid having to run wires the length of the vehicle.

Anyone got any experience of these? There's quite a few different systems out there, so I'm looking for one that's reliable and gives value for money - but that doesn't necessarily mean cheap. I'd rather spend more money on decent kit that will last.

If a wired system is a better option then I won't rule it out. I'm not after a camera system.

Thanks.

TadleyBaggie

The kits I've installed have just had simple sounder located in the rear of the car, so no need to run wires any further than the boot.

londonTiger

TadleyBaggie wrote: »

The kits I've installed have just had simple sounder located in the rear of the car, so no need to run wires any further than the boot.

If it doesn't communicate with the cars computer how does it know when reverse in engaged, therefore need to give you notification beeps?

Presumably an integrated system will give you slow long interval beeps and then reduces to fast and loud beeps when the object is closer.

The long slow bleeps would notify you that the system is powered and engaged correctly.

With the add on kits you run the risk of relying on the reverse sensors and then when one day it fails and you have no idea and then you end up driving straight into the car behind.

SailorSam

I've never fitted one but thought you must have wired them to the reverse lights system.

Stooby2

londonTiger wrote: »

If it doesn't communicate with the cars computer how does it know when reverse in engaged, therefore need to give you notification beeps?

Presumably an integrated system will give you slow long interval beeps and then reduces to fast and loud beeps when the object is closer.

The long slow bleeps would notify you that the system is powered and engaged correctly.

With the add on kits you run the risk of relying on the reverse sensors and then when one day it fails and you have no idea and then you end up driving straight into the car behind.

The kits I've seen have a unit at the rear connected to the reversing lights, so it knows when the car is reversing. Not sure if it is powered that way or if a seperate 12v supply is required - which is easy enough as there are 12v aux supplies in the rear of the car. The unit is then linked wirelesly to a display at the front of the car that shows distance and gives an audio warning as well.

As for the unit failing, well any unit can fail, whether it's an add-on or factory fitted.

Hence the thread - there's dozens out there with mixed reviews - I was wondering if anyone had experience of any and could recommend them.

forgotmyname

The power to the reversing lights is what powers the sensor control unit. Lights are on then you usually want the sensors on.

If you tow and dont want the sensors on then fit an inline switch to disable them. Simple rocker/toggle switch hidden away.

TadleyBaggie

londonTiger wrote: »

If it doesn't communicate with the cars computer how does it know when reverse in engaged, therefore need to give you notification beeps?.

As others have said, the control unit is powered from the feed to the reversing lights.

londonTiger wrote: »

Presumably an integrated system will give you slow long interval beeps and then reduces to fast and loud beeps when the object is closer.

And so do the cheap kits. A decent system (integrated or not) stays silent until a object detection is made at the maximum sensor distance.

londonTiger wrote: »

The long slow bleeps would notify you that the system is powered and engaged correctly.

All the kits I've used give you long beep when they are first powered up. So you know if the system is working or not.

londonTiger wrote: »

With the add on kits you run the risk of relying on the reverse sensors and then when one day it fails and you have no idea and then you end up driving straight into the car behind.

No different as explained above. However don't do what my FiL did, reversing down a driveway on a slight slope and then dropping into neutral and using gravity.

scotsbob

Thre are numerous videos on Youtube showing a variety of models being fitted to different makes of cars.

Stooby2

scotsbob wrote: »

Thre are numerous videos on Youtube showing a variety of models being fitted to different makes of cars.

Thanks but fitting isn't the issue, I have no problem with working on cars. What I'm after is recommendations from anyone that's either had one fitted or done it themselves.

londonTiger

Some cars suit the sensors, the who bumper was designed with the placement of sensors in mind.

I've see a few mk4 golf retro fit them and they look utterly !!!!. It just sticks out like a sore thumb.

Arfa__

I fitted the Dolphin kit to my Zafira a couple of years ago. Mainly because my wife had just passed her test and I figured they'd be a handy gadget to aid her reversing up our drive, which is often pretty tight due to cars parked close to. These days, neither of us really need it, but now and again it's useful when visibility is crap and you're trying to get in/out of a tight space.

Did a little write up on my blog, have a gander here:
http://www.fubaby.com/2011/05/gadget-review-dolphin-parking-sensors/

The kit I went for has a little display, which I stuck on top of the steering column. This does require a lead running from boot to front. Wasn't that bad, just shoving it under carpet along the length of the car.
Sure you can get away with just a unit in boot, which you should be able to hear in front. However the up front display is handy, as it show which side of the car is close to something, how far away you are in metres and there's an easily accessible switch on top to disable it (e.g. when towing). The distance measurement is good, as I can reverse exactly 0.9m away and know I can open the boot! There was only a tenner difference in price between kit with and without the dash display, so thought why not?!

Power, as mentioned, is by splicing into the reverse light, which in turn only activates the unit when reverse is engaged. Pair of Scotch Clamps sort this out fine.

The only tricky part of installation was removing the bumper, drilling the holes and then drilling holes in the crash bar behind, in line to accommodate the sensors. All in all, about an afternoons work in total.

One of the Dolphin sensors did die on me quite early on, but they sent out a replacement quickly and without fuss.