blazenpm wrote:
First: I am curious if a back up alarm is necessary. I do not intend to use in place of a person backing me up. Although, there may be instances that a backup person is not available and a backup alarm might be useful. If so, what would one recommend to be the best buy and quality to be installed. And how would one install it. I understand that there is one out there that can be plugged in where your backup light fits. Also, is a on/off switch necessary in the drivers area? I appreciate any and all comments.
Respectfully,
Ken
blazenpm,
There's nothing wrong with wanting a back up alarm. If you feel the need to warn others while you're backing, is entirely up to you. However, as has been stated, they can be a bit annoying at certain times. In crowded, noisy parking lots, in roadway conditions where a turn-a-round might be necessary and there's people around that are not concentrating or, even see you backing, it can be useful.
But, like stated, in quite campgrounds/RV parks, most of the time, it's not necessary. Now, as to where you can purchase one, NAPA has a pretty good selection of them. Some are louder than others, some are "tunable" in that, you can change the pitch/volume, some are subtle and some will wake up the dead.
Yep, it's a good thought to have a shut off switch on or near the dash so you can eliminate it when it's not necessary. As for where and how to hook one up, I've done it right to the wires that go to the back up lights. Some, may require a tad more power so, a relay is installed back there and, is wired with larger gauge wire and, is triggered by the back up light wire. So, you've got some choices out there. Again, it's not a bad idea, just be discrete when using it, to keep your fellow/nearby campers happy.
Scott
