SonarStep Backup Sensor

[jjensen]

Recently purchased a 2007 base H3.

Found this backup sensor ...

http://www.amazon.com/SonarStep%C2%A.../dp/B000M6CVG8

Bought on ebay for $184 delivered, installed in about five minutes, works perfectly.

[Wisha Haddan H3]

That's pretty cool. What does the tone sound like?

[jjensen]

Originally Posted by Wisha Haddan H3

That's pretty cool. What does the tone sound like?

a very distinct "beep" with a rudimentary method of adjusting the sound level -- a cover which slides over the speaker, either fully or partially. Does exactly what I need, didn't want a camera system, wanted very simple installation which this provides.

another bonus -- can be easily moved from vehicle to vehicle, as long as you have a trailer hitch.

Interesting, kinda like a hitchcam without the camera. Very cost effective solution.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Originally Posted by jjensen

Recently purchased a 2007 base H3.

Found this backup sensor ...

http://www.amazon.com/SonarStep%C2%A.../dp/B000M6CVG8

Bought on ebay for $184 delivered, installed in about five minutes, works perfectly.

You can buy 2 BackUp Camera Systems for $184

Originally Posted by RubHer Yellow Ducky

You can buy 2 BackUp Camera Systems for $184

Yea, but do they work?

I'm glad to hear that his SonarStep Backup Sensor thing actually worked. I'm using a Hitchcam and it works great, and it also uses the hitch wiring to detect when you put it into reverse.

[jjensen]

Originally Posted by RubHer Yellow Ducky

You can buy 2 BackUp Camera Systems for $184

I realize that there are more sophisticated systems which are even less expensive. I was looking for something extremely simple and functional which could be easily transfered to another vehicle. The SonarStep works as advertised and has given me much more confidence when backing up with such poor visibility.

[bobopotato]

I have the sonarstep as well, and so far, it seems to be only ok at best.

- Backing up: The sensors seem to be very accurate only if you're backing up directly towards a large object (eg wall). Its not very accurate when backing up towards a curb etc.

- Wireless receiver: The receiver can be plugged into any 12V cig outlet. The problem is, all the 12V cig outlets in the H3 are full-time "hot". Being the paranoid person I am, afraid that the thing will run the battery down if I had the truck parked for days on end , I had to splice another 12V outlet into the reverse light circuit (splicing into the RAP circuit would work as well).

Originally Posted by bobopotato

I have the sonarstep as well, and so far, it seems to be only ok at best.

- Backing up: The sensors seem to be very accurate only if you're backing up directly towards a large object (eg wall). Its not very accurate when backing up towards a curb etc.

- Wireless receiver: The receiver can be plugged into any 12V cig outlet. The problem is, all the 12V cig outlets in the H3 are full-time "hot". Being the paranoid person I am, afraid that the thing will run the battery down if I had the truck parked for days on end , I had to splice another 12V outlet into the reverse light circuit (splicing into the RAP circuit would work as well).

Good feedback. Typical of these cheapy solutions, most have issues.

[zmanH2]

I have this on my H2 for 4 months now. I highly recommend it. As one guy mentioned, it is idiot proof. At 7 feet - slow beeps - green light, at 5 feet - faster beeps - yellow light, at 3 feet - constant beep - red light. It's funny how one mentioned "curb". IMHO, the curb is the last of your worries. I have tested this with small kids (with engine off ofcourse). It was always on the money distance-wise whether directly behind or to the side. Oh and on those dark, foggy and/or rainy nights, this thing works just the same. It uses sonar waves like the military uses. And you can transfer to any vehicle (provided it has a hitch) in no time. I don't know about the H3, but I only use my H2 on weekends and this thing is plugged in full time and does not drain my battery.

Here's the thread on the H2 side:
http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/s...=sensor+backup

Product website:
http://www.sonarstep.com/

I forgot to mention it won awards from Popular Mechanics - Editor's Choice Award and SEMA Int'l Product Award.

[stagger_lee]

Originally Posted by bobopotato

Its not very accurate when backing up towards a curb etc.

Thanks for the feedback, always, but we can just run over curbs, I would just be worried about backing into my garage or a brickwall. Would you say it is otherwise accurate besides reading curbs?

[Viet Nam Vette]

Picked this up cheap and dirty unit.. wire the camera into the reverse lamps ..or wire it into your trailer plug. Monitor sits on left hand side of dash and plugs into cig lighter.

Picture is good for $99.00 and free shipping ...and it's wireless..

http://cgi.ebay.com/VR3-WIRELESS-COLOR-BACK-UP-SECURITY-CAMERA-DIGITAL-2-4_W0QQitemZ220107741021QQihZ012QQcategoryZ48605QQr dZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[bobopotato]

Originally Posted by stagger_lee

Thanks for the feedback, always, but we can just run over curbs, I would just be worried about backing into my garage or a brickwall. Would you say it is otherwise accurate besides reading curbs?

Its fit-for-purpose if you're just worried about your garage or wall... I'd say go for it... simple enough solution, or go for one of the cameras the other guys are suggesting!

[wordstew]

I have had the sonar step for over a year now without a problem. It has been plugged in the entire time without any problems.

I prefer it over a camera hitch.

Best thing is that you can totally take it off or put it on in about 4 minutes. That's great when I want to free up the hitch to tow something.

Highly reccomended.

[quote=wordstew]Best thing is that you can totally take it off or put it on in about 4 minutes. That's great when I want to free up the hitch to tow something.

quote]

Hitchcam (w/lock) takes about same amount of time to remove, handy for those that tow.

My wife's 05 Jag has the optional backup sensors and they work very well.

[HitchScan]

Hey Guys (from EchoMaster), just a reminder that this product is back up under the name HitchScan over @ www.hitchscan.com/

Thanks & Be Safe!

[Viet Nam Vette]

Originally Posted by HitchScan

Hey Guys (from EchoMaster), just a reminder that this product is back up under the name HitchScan over @ www.hitchscan.com/

Thanks & Be Safe!

It would be nice if they showed a list price ...so you could get an idea of how much it's worth.... I'm guessing over $200.00