Newbie says Wow! Nice Ride!

[wheeler]

Hey everyone, just a quick hello and thanks to the group for all your input! After reading a lot of the back pages on this site, I put together a list and just got my truck back from the dealer. And I'm so stoked.

Here's what's up: '03 Silverado D/A 2500HD crew/shortbox. Banks Exhaust brake, Retrax rolltopcover, J&J lighted Millenium boards, Kennedy headlight harness and bulb upgrade, Poron talking backup sensor, Linex. Next project: TransferFlow 45 g. midship replacement tank and fast fill neck, LT265/75R16 Load Range E Michelin LTX M/S replacement tires, PullRite SuperGlide fifth wheel hitch and Magellan 750M nav system--getting ready for cross country trip w/ fifth wheel. Plus I'm really enjoying the XM radio and OnStar "Virtual Advisor" feature. The wife's (husband's actually) truck is an Escalade... and I don't care to drive it much! Thanks, everyone! Cheers! --wheeler

[IndigoDually]

Tell me more about Your "talking backup sensor".

John

[wheeler]

Hey John, I've used aftermarket Poron brand backup sensors for years. Mount three small acoustic sensors to back bumper, power lead to backup lights, and speaker in passenger compartment; thereafter when you put truck into reverse and backup towards obstacles, unit talks to you, eg., "8 feet," "4 feet," "2 feet," "12 inches," "CRASH!," etc. I use it for parallel parking and for second line of defense against backing into objects I can't see like hydrants, bikes, dogs, etc. I purchased from www dot autotoys dot com for about $140 and shipping. For my own purposes I mounted an on-off switch in series for disabling system when I have my fifth wheel connected. (Will try not to forget to turn unit back on when I disconnect the trailer. I'll get back to you on that! "--Doh!!!")

My next fly project would be to mount auxiliary sensors and a wire harness on the fifth wheel for backup monitoring with the trailer, as well. You kind of get used to the "assistance." --wheeler

[MaxDiesel]

Can you describe how the sensor system was installed? Where is the speaker placed? Where did you put the controller box? etc.

Thanks Jim

[wheeler]

Hey Jim, good question. Three small acoustic sensors are mounted under the rear bumper so as to be flush with the back of the bumper-- they face kind of straight backwards. They are unobtrusive. The audio speaker is mounted to the back wall of the passenger compartment, in my case behind the crewcab's rear seat.

The tricky issue with this system's installation in a pickup truck is where to mount the controller box or brain. You only have about a six foot cable length on the acoustic sensors. In an automobile or SUV install, this length would easily get the brain out of the wet weather and into the trunk. But on the truck it's not quite long enough to get you inside the passenger compartment.

The dealer I bought the backup sensor from was unable to provide an extension cord for the sensors' modular connectors, so I was faced with either splicing in a longer cable length or mounting the brain rearward of the px compartment closer to rear bumper. Ended up mounting brain inside waterproof box under the bed and inside the frame. We'll see how it lasts but right now I'm very glad to have the backup sensor feature. --wheeler

[MaxDiesel]

Wheeler,

Waterproof box? What kind? Where did you purchase? Did you have to splice the speaker wire to get it inside the cab?

Thanks
Jim

[wheeler]

Hey Jim, I have not seen "the waterproof box." Dealer procured the part and installed for me while I was away. From what they said they used an underground electrical splice box or something really waterproof. We'll see. No need to splice speaker wire, though, that one's long enough.

I heard a new "warning" today. The "warning gal," aka Mildred, said something like "Blind Spot Obstacle" I had to have her repeat herself a couple times. Was their a toddler back there?! I was backing into a parking spot with a really oversized curb. It was no hazard really but I stopped about three inches away from monster curb on the urgent advice of "Mildred."

Speaking of accessories, my 16K Pullrite hitch went in yesterday, today the Transfer Flow replacement tank. Getting the DataStorm (mobile two way satellite internet) installed on my trailer before I go.

I head out on my trip in two weeks! <<GRIN.>>

--wheeler

[MaxDiesel]

Hey wheeler, Thanks for the input. The 45 gal tank is the way to go! Don't forget to get the bigger filler neck while your there.

Best

Jim