Back up alarms

[Bigsaint]

I've decided that the time has come to add a back up alarm to Baby Huey, not sure what to go with. I don't want the sensor type to alert me of impending collisions, just a alert tone while in reverse. I did a quick check of the net and found many options, with prices that range from $15. 00 to $100. 00 and db values from 87 to 112.



I thought about just putting the MIL in the rear with the gear, God knows nobody would stand near the back of the truck with her yapping, but the cost of having to feed her, not to mention the additional weight in the bed, makes that choice prohibitive .



Has anyone added one and if so, what's a good choice/db level to go with ???



Thanks in advance



Scott W.

 

[Dkevdog]

I have an ECCO, I believe it is the 800 series. I use my truck for moving equipment for my company (school photography) and we are constantly driving on campuses and through schools. It is pretty much a requirement on all of our company vehicles. I think it is rated at about 110 db, pleanty loud enough to attract attention. Most people think its a bus ! I have mine controlled by a switch/relay combo that only allows it to come on in reverse. The switch allows me to turn it off when it is gonna drive me crazy, such as backing my fifth wheel into a long parking area or when I want to make a silent getaway. I think I paid about $45 give or take. Well worth it IMO.



Kev

 

[Bigsaint]

Thanks Kevin, the Ecco was one of the alarms I was looking at. Same price also, around $58. 00.



Scott W.

 

[GRudy]

I also have the Ecco mounted on the rear of my dually the same way Kev did his. I use it mainly with my snow plowing and when the camper is on the truck. I had tried one of those cheepies from JC Whitney. It lasted less than a year. Picked up the ecco on Ebay for $14. 00!Oo.

 

[BigDaddy]

Scott,



Check Doc Owens post on Backup alarms for useful information on the right one to buy and why.



Joe

 

[Bigsaint]

Good info Joe, thanks !!! Looks like Ecco gets the nod, I'm going to order one tonight. I guess I'll use a relay to trigger them as I already have my tractor utility lights tapped into the wiring harness for the hitch receiver. I'm not sure how much these alarms draw, but I remember that reverse wire being fairly thin, probably good insurance. Thanks again .



Scott W.

 

[Whitmore]

I thought about just putting the MIL in the rear with the gear, God knows nobody would stand near the back of the truck with her yapping, but the cost of having to feed her, not to mention the additional weight in the bed, makes that choice prohibitive .

Happiness is seeing your MIL picture on a milk carton



Mixed emotions is watching your MIL drive over a cliff in your new truck

 

[Bigsaint]

Originally posted by Whitmore





Happiness is seeing your MIL picture on a milk carton



Mixed emotions is watching your MIL drive over a cliff in your new truck

LOL, I had a spackle bucket in mind for her, along with a seat belt made of dental floss . I'd never be able to recover from the loss if my truck went over a cliff with the MIL, I have way too much time/money invested in the truck .



Scott W.

 

[Bigsaint]

Beep Beep Beep

Finally finished the install on the Ecco 850 today, works as advertised. Since I was going through the trouble of running another relay for the alarm, I decided to make good use of a set of 55 watt aux. lights and wired them in at the same time, to assist the tractor utility lights in reverse. Had my 5 YOA daughter handing me tools as I wrenched on the truck ( still hope for her as she loves doing anything that requires tools and thinking, the 8 YOA had no interest, prefering to ride her bike and be with Mommy). The wife walked up just as we were completing the install, she had now idea I put the alarm on the truck, thought I was just wiring up another set of back up lights (my youngest was 'in the know' but kept it secret).



Wife... " are you finished yet ?"

Me... "yep, just getting ready to test the lights"

Wife... "okay, lets see em"

Me... " Okay, let me put it in reverse, let me know if they are both on"

The wifes face looked just like this while Sarah and I had this expression as all four back up lights came on, along with the Ecco...



Thanks again for all the info on the Ecco !!!



Scott W.

 

[Dkevdog]

Glad to hear it went well Scott I can clear a path in any parking lot just between the rumble of the Cummins and the beep... ... . It's amazing how that commands respect!



Kev