Clearance monitor

I recently installed an infrared device on the back of our minivan called Auto Alert. Considering it only cost $40, it works pretty well. Although it will not see the corners of the car very well, you will not back directly into anything with this installed. It was tough to install on the license plate of the rear door because the power is supplied from the reverse lights 8) . The wires have to be run up the rear sidewall, through the ceiling, out to, and down the inside of the hatch (if you don't want to see them). It would be much easier on a car with a trunk. 8)

http://www.skymall.com/webapp/skystore?pro...&catId=94449905

 

It took me a couple hours to pull apart and put back together the panels and rear door of my minivan. There is a beeper that I put on the inside of the door. It is plenty loud, and beeps quickly everytime you shift into reverse. If you are not afraid to take apart a new car, then I think it is worth $40. My van is 10 years old, so it was not such a big deal. The sensor is only good for things directly behind you. It is not so good for backing and turning. When my Prius comes, I do not plan to install this sensor.

 

have to say the backup system that is standard on my buick rendezvous is one thing i will miss when i get my prius (someday, sigh)

 

I had a backup sensor on my first car, a 1969 Chysler Newport. It was called a 1/4 inch chrome bumper! I sensed cars on it a couple of times and it was barely scratched.

 

Here's another at $29.95. There's a good description that describes the multiple zones and their adjustment. has anyone tried this one?

http://www.brandsmall.com/travel-auto---tr...ccessories.html

Actually, I'd like to imobilize my Prius backup beeper but have been reluctant because I believe there should be at least some kind of backup warning system. It would be nice to have my car beep ONLY if there's an object, person, or pet behind the car.

 

Anybody remember curb feelers?

 

I mounted a fake cellular phone antenna to my front license plate holder. The top sticks up about an inch into my windshield view so at least I know where the front of the car is.
Novelty stores and science shops used to sell fresnel lenses made of flexible plastic; they may still be selling it. You'd see the lenses plastered on the back windows of VW vans; they stick by using water and squeegeing out the excess. You can cut the material to fit, and it would probably work on the lower back glass of the rear window on a Prius. It spreads your field of view outward, like a convex mirror, so that you can see the bumper via your rear view mirror. Haven't tried it yet, but if I find some of that lens material, I will.

 

Yeah, weren't they a punk group from the '80s out of LA? :lol:

 

i just bought http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...TRK%3AMEWN%3AIT
on eBay. i'll report on installation and performance, though i'm on vacation for a week and might not be TOO quick to do the install. i got the "drill holes in the bumper" version, along with an LCD interior display.

if you surf around some of the Japanese sites, you might run across the one i posted somewhere else here on PC.... it looked like a little monitor on the dash with arrows pointing in about 8 directions around the car for "impending contact"... maybe a Japan-only option or aftermarket.

more later....