Backup Sensor System installed ('05 Tacoma)

[sbessel]

Here is a Backup Sensor kit installed on my '05 X-Runner. Sorry for the "less than detailed" installation instructions, this is not my usual form, but I am real short on sleep, and this unit is very simple to install, plus the installation will vary depending on where you want the display.

I have had this for about 2 months now and feel very confident recommending it.

I had a couple of issues with false alerts that only happened when the sensors got real hot in the sun, but these were quickly resolved by turning down the sensitivity (this is a hidden adjustment accessed by opening the brain module). This adjustment did not effect the range at all.

I am very happy with the system, although I would not put the performance as good as the ones that come stock in many cars. Our Nissan Quest has a stock system installed and it is much more responsive. But overall it works very good and gives more than ample warning to avoid running into anything. Well worth it for the price, and ease of installation.

For the price you can't go wrong with this system. It is a very easy to install, looks great, and in fact everyone that has seen it has thought it was stock, the paint match is about as close as you can get, and the inside display looks great. I don't use the display as much as the beeper, but it is nice to have the display. The system would be worthless without the beeper. (which comes built into the display). This system is very well built and designed and comes with everything you need, so *anyone* could install it in a few minutes. A very high quality kit, and I am a perfectionist.

For installation I purchased a 7/8" hole saw, measured and cut 4 holes in my bumper, I used a small round file to open up the holes just a little more. the hole size is critical to fitting the sensors, so start small and then file till they fit perfectly. Removed the drivers side tail lamp, ran all the wires there. I mounted the brain, and connected everything, wired the brain to the reverse lamps and ground in the harness. I also installed a beeper there as well. I then pulled the single wire to the cab, entering the cab through a grommet just under the drivers seat. then installed the display in the overhead console. Total time was probably 2 hours, and that was taking lots of extra time, the longest time was routing the wire to the cab and installing the display, my X-Runner does not have a lot of room underneath, and I don't have a jack low enough to raise it up. This is a *very* easy mod, and could even be easier if you didn't get the display model.


Here is the information on where you can get yours:

They have a website (which looks like it is down for the moment) http://www.carsensors.com

They also sell some on ebay for advertising they say...(ebay ID: CarSensors) they offer a few different options here.

You can also reach them through email at carsensors.com@gmail.com (probably your best bet as you will have questions)

They charged me $99 for the unit I received with display and color match. You may find them cheaper in ebay auctions, or you can work out your own price with them. This is up to you, but in my book $99 is fair, especially considering the color matching.

You may also consider one without a display, as in my book it would work just as well.

I purchased the color matched unit with the display without the number readout, as I felt the numbers are pretty much worthless and I wanted the larger LED's. I also ended up with an extra beeper as my display wasn't ready at the time I ordered, I installed this extra beeper with the control unit in the back of the truck, which also makes a great warning device for those outside the truck, like a backup beeper except it only beeps when someone is too close. You may want to ask them to throw one in as well.

They bent over backwards before and after the sale to make sure I was happy and had everything I needed, as far as vendors go they are one of the better ones that I have dealt with in a long time.

I have no affiliation with this company, I just purchased this unit and they worked very hard to get me the correct one color matched and with the display I wanted. I am very happy with the unit and can finally recommend it to my fellow Taco owners... I get no kickbacks or anything, so feel free to mention my name or not, the only advantage would be that you got the same system that I did, and you know it would work.

I would be more than happy to answer any and all questions now...

(Mods I know this conflicts with one of your advertisers, but I felt this could be a value add, and I am not selling anything, just offering information)




Mounting behind the drivers tail lamp.


The Display


Mounted:


5' from wall warning:


Last warning, almost touching:

[tooldud]

Looks like you did a great job on the install! How hard weas it o drill into the bumper? I would not thought of putting the module behind the taillight, but is perfect, I also like where you put the dash unit. Their web-site is down for maintance right now. I hope it is back up soon.
Thanks for the tips and the pictures.

[sbessel]

Originally Posted by tooldud

Looks like you did a great job on the install! How hard weas it o drill into the bumper? I would not thought of putting the module behind the taillight, but is perfect, I also like where you put the dash unit. Their web-site is down for maintance right now. I hope it is back up soon.
Thanks for the tips and the pictures.

The bumper was actually much thinner than I expected and was quite easy to drill through. I just took my time getting the right locations, and didn't want to run into anything behind it.

There is also a ton of room behind the tail light, and it is a perfect location.