Those who have installed the rear sensors, can you please advise if that is useful ?

 

Hey man, I know we talked about this briefly...and while I don't have an RDX (yet) I can say that it is my favourite feature of the Ford Freestyle (which is way bigger than the RDX) that was handed down to me a couple of months ago.

With the sensors I can simultaneously check my mirrors at the same time. It's saved me a couple of times when backing into some tight parking spots. The beeps get progressively faster until they "flatline" when you're dangerously close. I usually stop the car just before the flatline.

 

I installed them (See my thread about the actual install)

I think they are great. The RDX version gives you two tones, one for the two outside sensors, and a different tone from the inside sensors. This really helps when backing into a corner, like in a garage. The backup camera is nice, but the beeps help a lot more, especially on the sides.

 

Nice DIY job you have done on your RDX. But I am too scared to take my RDX apart as I am no handy man at all

Has anyone tried this product ? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-A...40456836QQrdZ1

It is cheap but not sure how good it is. Can't believe dealer is charging over $1,000 + taxes for parts and installation...............blood sucker........

I am looking for one which requires minimal wiring installion

 

Man that install would scare me to death, check out the manual online for how to do it,
http://handaccessories.com/rdx/08V67.pdf, I definitely need this installed as you really have a huge blind spot behind the car, I think it is a combination of how low you sit and how high the rear window is in relation to your vantage point. I will probably have the dealer do it as it requires drilling holes in your existing bumper.

JD

 

Hey thats a handy site, they have all the installation instructions for all the rdx accessories.... here's a link to them...

http://handaccessories.com/rdx.html

 

When I was out on the test drive of the RDX (tech), my friends dad who was driving went into reverse and backed up using the rear-camera. When comparing the camera with really looking back, the camera came up a bit short. There was much less space then it looked on the screen. Guess you can't beat looking back.

 

I actually find that you have a very good view with the camera. If you look closely you can see where your bumper is, just watch that this doesnt touch anything else and I can park withing 2-3inches of something no problem.

 

Maybe this camera was just not installed correctly?

 

not sure maybe the angle was off, but I definitely love mine. It does take a little getting used to like anyting else, so probably a combination of factors. I have noticed that when reversing it looks like you have a lot more room on the camera until you get right up on something, then the camera is very useful

 

Ah, ok. Now it makes sence to me.

 

Well the objects in the camera are closer than they appear. However, you could still clearly see whats behind you, and as long as you don't allow it to touch your bumper, your fine. When it comes down to reverse sensors vs. camera, I'll take the camera.

Mike

 

That camera has a reeeaaallly wide angle of view and, as any photographer will tell you, a wide-angle lens exagerates depth. Try shooting a portrait with a wide-angle. What you'l see is that eyes, being farther from the lens than the nose, look really far away, which makes the nose look huge.

You really just need to get used to the RDX's camera. The advantage of the wide-angle lens becomes apparent when you back out of a parking space in a parking lot or garage -- it's easy to check up and down the aisle fior oncoming traffic.

 

It's not that bad. The bumper is marked on the inside EXACTLY where to drill. Of course, if you screw up, you are, well, screwed. I used a bi-metal hole saw, and it went well. I actually drilled the holes a tad smaller than they wanted, then scraped them out with a blade to get them to the proper size. The bumper is only plastic, and this worked well. I was SO worried that I would drill the hole too big! You know how hole saws wabble and walk a bit!

Also, taking the car apart and removing the bumper is not as difficult as it looks/sounds.

I find myself using the rear sensors far more than the camera, as you really cannot look at the screen and back up without knowing if something is coming at you from the sides!

When the camera excels is when you are backing into a space, you can see just how close the bumper is to whatever is behind you. The camera/sensor combo is really a great combination.