hey Van drivers,
perhaps a strange question: do you have problems (visibility) at backward parking? how have you solved that problem?
I have "assembled" a park sensor on the rear bumper. it is no beautiful view but it is a good aid. :o
Dodgevanman
03-10-2008, 08:42 AM
No..not really. I'm just extra careful and use my mirrors. I would imagine a van without any windows (cargo van) would be a bit of a chore to back up.
BaldEagle
03-10-2008, 09:12 AM
jop,
I also use my mirrors but sometimes I have the idea that I'm too close because I can't see the other 'small' cars
alloro
03-10-2008, 09:55 AM
I have a camera back there and a 7" monitor screen up by me. It's really great for making sure nothing (or no one) is directly behind me when I'm backing up.
Dodgevanman
03-10-2008, 12:07 PM
Yeah...I have to be extra careful because of the spare tire carrier on the back of my '94.
BaldEagle
03-10-2008, 12:57 PM
I have a camera back there and a 7" monitor screen up by me. It's really great for making sure nothing (or no one) is directly behind me when I'm backing up.
I have had one but it was to "big" it was no TFT or LCD screen but a black and white TV I mounted on the dash and a camera on the front and the rear.
now the sensor (4) detects people, pets, trees and cars :thatfunny.
I'll hope to post some pictures, one of these days
leeann
03-10-2008, 01:58 PM
I use the mirrors - but I've added adjustable blind spot mirrors to them to see the little cars.
I've got a backup camera/7" widescreen LCD in my '73 motorhome (yep, it's Mopar-powered!) that is awesome. I can see behind me & my trailer, but I can also see the lanes to either side of the trailer (night or day) - makes passing & changing lanes that much safer, too.
BaldEagle
03-10-2008, 03:50 PM
I use the mirrors - but I've added adjustable blind spot mirrors to them to see the little cars.
I have those blind spot mirrors too but I feel more comfortable with the sensors
I've got a backup camera/7" widescreen LCD in my '73 motorhome (yep, it's Mopar-powered!) that is awesome. I can see behind me & my trailer, but I can also see the lanes to either side of the trailer (night or day) - makes passing & changing lanes that much safer, too.
where did you attach the camera? rear top of your motorhome?
leeann
03-10-2008, 03:55 PM
Yep, rear top. The bf went dumpster-diving and found the waterproof housing from an old security camera at a fast-food place, I think.
Our camera was 'water-resistant' but we didn't want to worry about it. Put it up just behind the rear vent and played with the aiming while I got shouted directions from the front ;)
It is a wide-angle camera, btw.
BaldEagle
03-10-2008, 04:04 PM
nice!!!
allways "handy" if you can "invent" something what fits your needs!
bobo35
03-10-2008, 07:27 PM
Have you ever tried one of these? Goes on with water and works really well. Just make sure to only glance and not get carried away while driving. SW
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/products/index.cfm?prodID=4600&src=SRQB
stev
03-10-2008, 09:55 PM
www.backupsensor.com
http://www.backup-sensor.com/parking_sensor.html
Also, what about warning people that your big van is backing up. I want a good beep-beep-beep at 90+ dB sounding off back there.
BaldEagle
03-11-2008, 03:03 AM
http://www.backup-sensor.com/parking_sensor.html .
yep, that's the one I have !!!!
Also, what about warning people that your big van is backing up. I want a good beep-beep-beep at 90+ dB sounding off back there.
I know what you mean. I think it's a special rear signal light
stev
03-11-2008, 11:08 PM
yep, that's the one I have !!!!
I know what you mean. I think it's a special rear signal light
Yep, JC Whitney had one that was very loud, but I haven't found it in some time. It was a little pricey too.
Mad Joe
03-12-2008, 12:41 AM
Guess I'm just use to things. Been driving Dodge Maxies for the last 31 years. On occasion, I will open the passenger door and lean out to look behind. Maybe not the safest thing, but it's worked for me all these years. After a few years of driving these things, you feel like you know them pretty well, but the thing that really bothers me is trying to merge into traffic in the big cities. The lack of power makes things a little tense.
DannyDT
07-01-2008, 10:55 PM
i installed a camera and 7" color monitor on my chevey conversion van. i'm looking forward to doing the same with the b2500 i have. I have the panel van so it's not bad. I also use
the parking space lines and other cars in the spots next to me as guides as where to stop,
as well as looking through the windows for tall things like trees or signs
DannyDT
07-02-2008, 01:07 PM
somewhere i have a bulb with a built in beep maker.. i took it out because i didn't always want the noise when reversing. maybe i'll find it, put tape aound itto quiet it up some and put back in.
Ralphy42
07-11-2008, 02:13 AM
Hey Guys. I added Two Relays And A #10 Batt Power Wire To The Top Rear Left Corner Inside. A 20 Amp Electronic Truck Flasher . The Stop/Turn Wires Go To Through The NC Contacts (dpdt Relay) The Hd Flasher Gets Power From The #10 Battwire Coming From A Fuse. Load Term To The NO Contacts Of The Relay. Coil Is From the Bu Lite Wire. 2nd Relay Coil One End To Bu Other To Tail Light Wire. NC In BU Light NO To Flasher. Light Switch Off, Stop Lights R L & Center And Bu Lights All Flash In Reverse. ,Plus BU Alarm Beeper. Nite Time Head Or Parking Light On Bu Lts Steady & All Stops Flash. Comments ? Ralphy 42
van-nut
07-11-2008, 09:05 AM
I pretty much get the jist of it, but could you post a schematic of it?
My main stratigy for backing up is to "survey" the area which I will be backing into as I am pulling up to it. I mean just give the area a good look as I'm driving up to it. I try to take note of everything around that could be a problem - cars, curbs, trees, whatever. That way before I even begin to back up I already know what the potential problems are.
Then use the mirrors, and go slow. Man, I see so many vans on ebay for sale with big dents in the rear corners. Don't want that to happen to mine!
