Reverse sensing system

[DaveS]

Ok - I have been meaning to post this for a while for the purposes of having it just posted here in case somebody else is thinking of getting a backup sensor

A while back I decided to get the Toyota Rear Obstacle Sensing system installed on the 4Runner - I dont have those clever little mirrors in the rear and was concerned about safety issues with both my kids (and their attendant bikes etc) being small enough to be invisible behind the 4Runner when reversing.

Suffice it to say that you should NOT believe what the Toyota website tells you about this add on. It is NOT cleverly hidden away behind the rear bumper - the 4runner rear bumper is built in such a way that the sensors actually have to be mounted below it - which looks pig ugly (the sensors are boxes half inch thick by 2inch wide and 4 inches deep roughly) and also did not inspire me with confidence over durability in the winter etc. It also plugs into the trailer hitch for power etc - not an elegant solution.

When I tested it out it also seemed to gleafully bleep at anything but an actual solid object behind the truck - it seemed more sensitive to leaves on the ground than a brick wall or another vehicle. Thankfully my dealership were as shocked as me by the end result and in fact removed it and refunded me the cost less a small amount we agreed upon to cover their trouble. Be warned if you are considering doing this - look at an aftermarket solution and check it really is designed to tuck away cleanly in the 4Runner bumper.

 

[Thai]

Thanks for the review!

 

[Expat]

Great feedback Dave.

Thankyou.

Mark

 

[owen4runner]

When I purchased my Runner the dealer offered to install a reverse sensor for $300. I declined, and glad I did. I went on the internet and found the same product and warranty for half the price. It was the Echomaster Reverse Sensing System. Installation was fairly simple although I had to drill a 3/4" hole on the bumper (plastic). When installed the sensors are barely protruding from the bumper, about 1/8" and can be painted to match your color. Effectiveness is fairly good although uneven ground surfaces like rocks or small objects get picked up. After a while I got used to it's sensitivity. Visit this link: http://www.audio-n-more.com/alarms/backup_navigator.shtml

Why did I pick Echomaster? Almost all the cars I saw with reverse sensors had an Echomaster and swear they never had any gripes about it (besides the price after I told them how much I paid). Just beware of the cheap stuff and MAKE sure they have a satisfaction guarranty/return policy.

 

[wkparker]

I installed an aftermarket system that uses 4 sensors mounted in the bumper and have been very happy with it. There are a couple of pics of the sensors & display in this thread.