Wheel carrier and reversing sensors / camera question.

[Fred Nerk]

I am proposing a wheel carrier (Frontrunner) for my D4. I would be removing it for my daily driving, but for trips and offroad driving reckon I should have an extra spare. I have a camper trailer too.

Does the camera view of the tow hitch get obscured? Does the spare wheel upset the sensors? If so, does that mean the tow hitch assist and auto camera zoom is affected? I really like being able to accurately back up to the trailer without relying on help from others or having to get out and look to fine tune the coupling. I would be disappointed to lose this function.

Finally, if Frontrunner is affected, is there a wheel carrier model that does not have a problem?

[Redback]

Where is the camera located and are you getting dual carriers or just one and retaining the spare under the car:confused:

Baz.

[Fred Nerk]

I am planing on a single carrier on the driver's side. I will keep one spare under the car as usual.

The camera is the standard (OEM) device. It is located on the upper tail gate under the little shelf that sits over the number plate. It sits close to the driver's side end of the shelf/number plate. I hope I'm making sense.

According to my estimation I should be Ok to see the hitch on camera, but I'm concerned about the reversing sensors working with the hitch assist.

[gghaggis]

There's quite a few posts here on the subject of rear wheel carriers and their interference with the parking sensors. There are various attempts at solutions ranging from re-orienting them to blanking them off to removing them from circuit. Success seems to be a little sporadic. Try a search.

Cheers,

Gordon

[Fred Nerk]

I had tried a search using the Aulro search function to little result. I have now tried a "Bing" (Microsoft version of Google) and up came several posts/threads here at Aulro. The suggestion seems to be to rotate the sensors or create a blanking mask with a rubber furniture leg protector. I prefer to try the latter first as I can remove the mask when I remove the carrier.

It seems my system is more sophisticated than the previous descriptions. My reverse camera view displays yellow graphics indicating distance to impact with coloured boxes that become red when close to objects etc. Each sensor is individually identified.

If any one has a D4 MY12 with surround cameras and a wheel carrier I am interested in your experience. Don't be shy. ;)

[oldsalt]

I used the little clear plastic furniture disc, just cut one in half and stuck it over the sensor nearest the carrier (frontrunner) and it works a treat. They have a self adhesive back and can be repositioned quite a few times if you don't quite get it right on the first go ... a very easy (and quick) solution.
cheers