Retrofit parking sensors to use with tow bar bike carrier?

Jezzabell

We are going to retrofit parking sensors on our x-trail. Am looking at the dolphin ones, audio only. Can they be turned off if we have a bike rack on our tow bar (Also to be fitted)? If not any recommendatons for sensors that can be turned off or that recognise something attached to tow bar and therefore don't bleep all the time? Thanks.

custardy

Jezzabell wrote: »

We are going to retrofit parking sensors on our x-trail. Am looking at the dolphin ones, audio only. Can they be turned off if we have a bike rack on our tow bar (Also to be fitted)? If not any recommendatons for sensors that can be turned off or that recognise something attached to tow bar and therefore don't bleep all the time? Thanks.

Get a manual switch fitted to cut power when using something that covers the sensors.
Would a reversing camera not be a better solution?
With bikes etc on the rear,surely theres more chance of hitting something?

forgotmyname

If you buy a dedicated loom for the towbar then it will auto detect being connected to a lighting board/trailer. Go for the cheaper options and it wont.

marlot

Jezzabell wrote: »

We are going to retrofit parking sensors on our x-trail. Am looking at the dolphin ones, audio only. Can they be turned off if we have a bike rack on our tow bar (Also to be fitted)? If not any recommendatons for sensors that can be turned off or that recognise something attached to tow bar and therefore don't bleep all the time? Thanks.

If you go to a decent fitter, they can fit a switch. Expect it to cost a little extra.

We've used these guys on three cars now, and they've done a great job each time. https://www.chameleondirect.co.uk/


Or, if you go to a good towbar fitter, they could fit a socket with a microswitch so that the reversing sensors are turned off whenever anything is plugged in. https://www.pfjones.co.uk/13-pin-socket-plastic-c-w-microswitch-and-fog-cut-off.html

Jezzabell

Thanks. The Dolphin DPS455 says it has an on/off switch for the buzzer so perhaps that's a good option https://www.dolphin-direct.co.uk/product/dolphin-parking-system-rear-visual-display-and-audible-alerts. Husband is planning to fit with experienced friend so I'll pass on tips.

custardy

Jezzabell wrote: »

Thanks. The Dolphin DPS455 says it has an on/off switch for the buzzer so perhaps that's a good option https://www.dolphin-direct.co.uk/product/dolphin-parking-system-rear-visual-display-and-audible-alerts. Husband is planning to fit with experienced friend so I'll pass on tips.

how much? :eek:

You can get that kit from under £10 on Ebay
They are simple to fit for anyone with a little tech knowledge

knightstyle

Reversing sensors are a very easy item to fit so good idea to DIY it.
Someone mentioned a reversing camera, if you have a Gar§min sat nav there is a kit tu turn it into a reversing camera when reversing.

Jezzabell

Are the cheap ones any good though? Want them to last and I think the dolphin ones have a lifetime warranty.

custardy

Jezzabell wrote: »

Are the cheap ones any good though? Want them to last and I think the dolphin ones have a lifetime warranty.

I would bet money the 'Dolphin' ones are the same kit with a sticker.
I bought my sensors for £5 over 2 years ago.
You can buy 5 kits on ebay for the cost of the Dolphin ones. plenty for a lifetime

Richard53

Would a reversing sensor (the cheap, simple kind) provoke an error message on some cars? I fitted an LED bulb to the reversing light on my 2006 Golf in an attempt to get something brighter and it threw up a bulb failure message on the dash. Had to refit the original bulb. I assume it put the current out of the acceptable range and the software reported an error. Would adding the reversing sensors to the circuit do the same?

custardy

Richard53 wrote: »

Would a reversing sensor (the cheap, simple kind) provoke an error message on some cars? I fitted an LED bulb to the reversing light on my 2006 Golf in an attempt to get something brighter and it threw up a bulb failure message on the dash. Had to refit the original bulb. I assume it put the current out of the acceptable range and the software reported an error. Would adding the reversing sensors to the circuit do the same?

you needed a load resistor fitted into the circuit.
Mine (reversing sensors) are fitted fine in a canbus system car