parking sensors

[kellyjelly]

Hi,

Did anyone get parking sensors installed after purchasing their VW?

I was thinking of getting the towbar and parking sensors done together as they would need to get into all that wiring at the back of the car.........is that the way it works?

Has anyone had this done post purchase with non VW parts?

Kelly

[gregozedobe]

Have you checked out some of the threads on this forum discussing the cost of fitting tow bars to later model VWs ?

edit: eg http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...ad.php?t=35043

After getting a few quotes I decided I didn't really need a tow bar after all

IIRC the electrics was the expensive bit, and even then some people had problems with compatibility with their trailer electrics. So it is worth doing your homework on this installation.

[kellyjelly]

thanks for the link gregozedobe.
we've got a quote for a hayman reese towbar fitted to the caddy for $700 and i think we're going to go with that.
it's just the other parking sensor stuff that i'm a bit unsure about......gotta research it a bit more.

[Tornado T5]

thanks for the link gregozedobe.
we've got a quote for a hayman reese towbar fitted to the caddy for $700 and i think we're going to go with that.
it's just the other parking sensor stuff that i'm a bit unsure about......gotta research it a bit more.

If you don't want to get ripped off buying the VW electrics maybe you can just install your own switch which kills the reverse sensors, means you have to turn them off/on when towing. This is what my dealer did to my T5 after the earlier dramas I had with the dealership for not providing the system as I initially ordered.

[kellyjelly]

thanks for your replies.
i'm definately not going to go with authentic parts as it's gonna be mega $$$$.
Tornado, thanks for the idea on the kill switch.
So, here's the plan
We're going to get the towbar fitted first as it's definately needed in our household, then i'll ring a few carsound/auto electrical places for quotes. There is one at Enoggera in Brisbane that we've used a few times for the suby and they provide great service.
If i was skilled in car electrics and sound i'd put it in myself along with some better speakers in the back of the caddy. (The front speakers are ok but i really like my music with a bit of beat, bounce and bass IYKWIM)
Kel

[Tombi]

Kellyjelly,
what about a reverse camera instead of the sensors? I am told they are fantastic for hitching trailers .

[swingn]

You'd be supprised how many cars with parking sensors are actually supplied locally. So I wouldn't be too concerned from the cosmetic point of view.

However, my experience has been that any locally supplied / after market parking sensors are not as good as the factory fitted option.

I've had dramas with my Caddy... I know others who have had dramas with the W8's... Even people with Jap & Aussie cars have experienced something similar.

[swingn]

Kellyjelly,
what about a reverse camera instead of the sensors? I am told they are fantastic for hitching trailers .

I'd be going this option personally... Plus it give you an excuse to upgrade the stereo

[Lams]

I've got parking sensors on the caddy
Then I lowered it 70mm at the back
now they're always telling me how far I am from the ground... about 30cm

I'd also like a towbar fitted, kellyjelly if you don't mind sharing your contact if you're happy with their service that'd be great

[kellyjelly]

I'd be going this option personally... Plus it give you an excuse to upgrade the stereo

i'm thinking i will go with the camera, i had a look on the net and i think my hubby could install it for us.....along with some speakers in the boot door maybe. Overall it will be cheaper and i agree it will be easier to see when hitching the trailer.

As for the trailer, we haven't had it fitted yet but here is the contact details, it was $711 for a hayman reese towbar - well that was the quote we were given for the caddy.
Matthew Horeman Arrow Towbars
45 Robinson Rd East Virginia 4014
Ph:3630 8181 Fax: 3265 2344
sales@arrowtowbars.com.au

Oh and Lams, i think that's funny with the sensors acting up but it makes sense.....maybe they need re-calibrating?
Why did you lower the caddy?


thanks for all your replies and hints
xx
kel