I've just ordered a ford focus estate with the intention of pulling a small caravan. I need to get a tow bar fitted but have been reading about possible problems with cars with parking sensors.
I read there may be problems, a swan neck one may be better, I may need a detachable one.
How do I know if an ordinary one would be ok? I'd rather not pay for a detachable one if I don't need to.
When I had a tow bar fitted to my Galaxy it wasn't the tow bar that was an issue - it was the plug socket. All the tow bar fitters did was to push the socket further back under the car. If you are towing I think the parking sensors shut off anyway.
Its been a very long time ago and my parking sensors no longer work.
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
we have to engage reverse 5 times with clutch depressed and it acknowledges everything in it's surroundings at that time, tow bar or bikes on rack etc. it;s a older car too.
------------- April-Norfolk 7nts, Oxford 2nts, Defford 2nts
May-Symm Yat 3nts
June-Defford 2 nts,Pembridge 2nts
July-Tabacconist 2nts, France 19nts
Aug -Bosworth 2nts, Winchcombe 3nts
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If you go for a pukka cambus dedicated wiring system, then rear sensors will be de-activated when you are hitched, most systems these days use the Single 13pin connector instead of the old Twin Electric sockets.
Even if your van is Twin plug, it is an easy DIY job to convert to single 13pin, or you can buy an adapter, which will do the same job although in a more clumsy way.
The 13pin Single connection is more secure than the old Twin Plugs as the connection is a Bayonet twist fit.
On some cars the reverse sensor display is replaced with an image that you are towing, also the pukka wiring systems incorporate the car's alarm, another security feature should theft of van be attempted whilst you are not around.
And lastly warranty problems especially on new cars, if a lash up relay system is fitted instead of a pukka cambus system.
As for tow bar type, some of the Flange type give a close fit to the bumper, not a problem for towing, but most towball mounted bike carriers need the extra clearance that a Swan Neck offers, my choice was to go for a fixed Swan Neck, so all bases covered.
I have a swan neck on my xtype, when it was first fitted the sensors worked normally but for some reason a few months later they started to operate continuously every time reverse was engaged, now some times they work normally, others they don't, I've just learnt to live with it.
unfortunately unlike some cars , the sensors aren't dis-abled when towing so warning bleeper sounds continuously when reversing with the tin tent hooked up anyway ...
I have come to the conclusion my car is definitely female and as such is prone to mood swings
------------- no tin tent outings booked as yet ,just another cruise in Sept' booked so far
realbusdriver, with the ignition switched on and reverse engaged, go to rear of the car and hold the palm of your hand close to but not touching, each sensor in turn. You should be able to feel a slight vibration over each sensor. If not, one of the sensors is disconnected - somewhere. Hope this helps. (I've got the tee shirt!)
------------- Some days you are the dog,
some days you are the tree.
Quote: Originally posted by Bridgelayer on 28/1/2014realbusdriver, with the ignition switched on and reverse engaged, go to rear of the car and hold the palm of your hand close to but not touching, each sensor in turn. You should be able to feel a slight vibration over each sensor. If not, one of the sensors is disconnected - somewhere. Hope this helps. (I've got the tee shirt!)
thanks for that Bridgelayer, already done that test ( I'm also a member of a jaguar forum ), all four sensors are working normally, can't work out why sometimes they work as they should but other times they appear to be picking up on the swan neck, can't be the sockets as they are mounted one either side and both are below the level of the sensors
Post last edited on 28/01/2014 15:22:35
------------- no tin tent outings booked as yet ,just another cruise in Sept' booked so far
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Tow bar and rear parking sensor
