Camera Or Sensors?

[RavmanDave]

I have a 4.3 xt5 with spare wheel on the back. I'm delighted with the car but am never really happy when reversing because rearward vision is so limited. I am therefore considering some form of parking aid. Since I have a Sat/Nav unit my first impulse is to get a camera fitted. I understand that the wiring from Sat/Nav head unit to rear door is in place as standard. However, since some on this forum have suggested that a camera view is sometimes deceptive and not always helpful, I now wonder if the reversing sensors are a more satisfactory option. Is anyone able to give me some advice? Also can anyone give me some idea of what a main agent might charge for either option.

[Hoovie]

I have the camera fitted - still trying to get used to it, I cannot deny, but I expect to get there eventually

I fitted reversing sensors to my last car and I did find them VERY good and instantly usable even though it was like a £25 eBay kit.

In some respects they are quite complimentary and you could even have both.

IMO, either option are pretty easy to fit with even a basic level of skill and would be a LOT cheaper then a main dealer fit - not least as a Toyota Dealer would probably insist on fitting the Toyota kits.

[thescotsgod]

I have the camera fitted - still trying to get used to it, I cannot deny, but I expect to get there eventually

I fitted reversing sensors to my last car and I did find them VERY good and instantly usable even though it was like a £25 eBay kit.

In some respects they are quite complimentary and you could even have both.

IMO, either option are pretty easy to fit with even a basic level of skill and would be a LOT cheaper then a main dealer fit - not least as a Toyota Dealer would probably insist on fitting the Toyota kits.

Hi there B) , the camera option on the rav is ok but what i have found on the whole is that at night the visabilty is reduced quite a bit as the ones i have tried the light is quite bad at the back, as for the parking sensors to get them from a main dealership would cost around £280 incl vat and fitting , just make sure they are the colour coded ones ;) :P

[paulmel]

I have the camera fitted - still trying to get used to it, I cannot deny, but I expect to get there eventually

I fitted reversing sensors to my last car and I did find them VERY good and instantly usable even though it was like a £25 eBay kit.

In some respects they are quite complimentary and you could even have both.

IMO, either option are pretty easy to fit with even a basic level of skill and would be a LOT cheaper then a main dealer fit - not least as a Toyota Dealer would probably insist on fitting the Toyota kits.

Hi, I have fitted both to my XT5, the model without the rear wheel and feel the sensors are very effective and accurate. I bought Toyota sensors from Kingo for about £230-ish and saved at least £100 fitting them myself.

I bought a camera off eBay two weeks ago for £16, as the Toyota one is, I believe, the best part of £500 ! Fitted it myself easily enough in the plastic trim directly below the Toyota symbol. It works well enough, although if I were to do it again then I feel a lower position would give a better view, say bumper level

[Pat2u]

mmm never thought of the night light being a problem, i may now re-think getting a cam for my motor, maybe a better stronger rear light could be fitted to illuminate the rear area. IE a fog light but with a white frosted glass fitted.

[thescotsgod]

mmm never thought of the night light being a problem, i may now re-think getting a cam for my motor, maybe a better stronger rear light could be fitted to illuminate the rear area. IE a fog light but with a white frosted glass fitted.

The thing is its never gonna be 100% even the prius's rear camera on the T-spirit for the I.P.A is quite poor , rear sensors or even front ones are really easy to fit and not too expensive ;) whatever you decide hope it works for you...........either that or try this cheap option --------------------------->> lol

[Hoovie]

I have not had any lighting problems in the dark compared to what I see in the day- the reversing light comes on, after all :) - and the camera I have adjusts for light levels as well.

But when there is surface water on the lenses, then it really is useless!

[RavmanDave]

Thanks you guys for your advice. So far it would seem that fewer 'problems' have been experienced with sensors, so I may well try that route.

[Darkside]

I have both, sensors fitted from new - I fitted the camera.

They do work well together. At night the camera seems to show very little but in reality when you get closer to the obstacle behind the rev. light shows enough to see ok if the camera has the red "night" lights, but admittedly the sensors are an extra safeguard.

Either are useful and both (if fitting yourself) are not that expensive.

[gunner1]

I phoned a localish ? dealer today for a cost on fitting the 4 sensors and he came back with £408 !!!!! :censor:

[Phoenix999]

I phoned a localish ? dealer today for a cost on fitting the 4 sensors and he came back with £408 !!!!! :censor:

It would be wise to shop around as I bought sensors for both the front and rear and it cost me £310 supplied and fitted.... lots of ICE dealers supply them :)

[Hoovie]

I phoned a localish ? dealer today for a cost on fitting the 4 sensors and he came back with £408 !!!!! :censor:

DIY job .... Well under £40 including parts and just as effective