Dolphin/Echomaster Backup Sensor Long Term Updates?

[zmanH2]

I have been looking into this wireless sensor backup device. I have seen 3 brands but i think are essentially the same item:
Echomaster Hitchscan
Dolphin Sonarstep
Audiovox ASH300
I know a few members purchased one of these sytems and am now wondering if the device still works as advertized.

[BradO]

I used a Guardian Alert Doppler system from Sense Technologies on my 06 H3 and use the Ash300 on my 06 H2. The ASH300 is flawlessly accurate from corner to corner after adding a hitch extender to get it past the spare tire. Before, I got too many false readings. The Doppler system was ok, sometimes picking up elevation changes (driveway for example) instead of obstacles. I did not have to extend it though. Traded my 06 H3 for an 07 H3 and bought another Ash300 for it, same deal, extended the hitch past the spare tire. I highly recommend the Ash300 as long as you extended it from the original hitch. Otherwise it will pick up too many false readings.....

[zmanH2]

That's what i thought. So you do need to buy an extender. It probably looks a little weird from an angle or side view due to the length. How far from the spare tire does it have to protrude? Flush, 1", 2"? Can I trouble you for some pics?

[lennyrebel]

Originally Posted by zmanH2

That's what i thought. So you do need to buy an extender. It probably looks a little weird from an angle or side view due to the length. How far from the spare tire does it have to protrude? Flush, 1", 2"? Can I trouble you for some pics?

I used a video cam with 130 degree lense and I found about 6 " out was good which was about 6" inside tire thats on the trailer receiver of course,.The Rebel

[BradO]

Here are a couple of pics of the H2 w/ ash300. I got a 14in hitch extender for the H2 and 7in for the H3....Doesn't stick out too bad, but i will say even if the thing won't beep, you'll know when to stop before doing any damage....

[zmanH2]

Wowzers! Nice ride BradO. It looks like it extends 2 to 3 inches after the spare tire. Do you think it will work OK if I used a 10" extension (to make it as flush as possible with the spare tire)?

Also, how long have you had these units for your 2 & 3?

[mountainbiker]

Originally Posted by BradO

I used a Guardian Alert Doppler system from Sense Technologies ... The Doppler system was ok, sometimes picking up elevation changes (driveway for example) instead of obstacles. I did not have to extend it though.

I have recently ordered the Sense Tech one as well from Sears. However, I went with the bumper mount model as my hitch is occupied with a HitchCAM. The bumper mount one needs to be installed behind a foam or plastic bumper or in front of a metal bumper. I was going to install it the tire cover. I am hoping at that height it is still going to get some adequate ground coverage, but I guess it will solve the "elevation changes" detected by the hitch model. It might be an an expensive test. We shall see...