Front Park Assist

Potts · September 30, 2015

Hey folks - so about the only thing my truck doesn't have that I wish it did was the front park assist sensors (not sure of the proper name). I tried searching but didn't see any related posts.

My truck "just" fits in my garage about 6" short of my workbench and it's really difficult to park - the front park assist sensors would make it so much easier. Right now I have to get out and check a couple of times to get it close enough for fear of hitting my workbench which is attached to an interior wall...you can see the dilemma.

Anybody have this feature added by the dealership? Or find an after market solution that's not too difficult to install?

I know the sensors are typically in the front bumper, so I'm hoping it doesn't involve an entirely new bumper which will probably be cost prohibitive.

Thanks for any advice or recommendations. If I can install a "feature" I might have to go with the tennis ball hanging from the rafters trick, or something similar. So I'm open to suggestions along those lines too if folks have good solutions that work for them.

With winter coming, I'd like to be able easily put her in he garage so I don't have to deal with cleaning off this massive beast while trying to get my soon to be two kids in the truck.

Thanks!

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Chevyguy85 · September 30, 2015

Ball and rope has worked as a cheap solution for decades.

Potts · September 30, 2015

Yeah, I just feel like I still won't trust it. Its tough pulling into my garage, I have to come in at an angle and then back up and pull back in. I feel like I'll never put it in the same spot twice and won't trust it. Might end up dong that though.

Plus, the park assist would come in handy for other scenarios.

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Victor Ferreira · September 30, 2015

You can add parking sensors, but I don't think you can (cost effectively) add OEM sensors that show up in your DIC screen.

Quite honestly, even with the camera, it's a feature I miss. My older BMW had sound only sensors, and they were pretty useful.

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j-ten-ner · September 30, 2015

Back up into your garage.

so long

j-ten-ner

Potts · September 30, 2015

I thought about backing in and might start trying that too. If you saw my driveway though you understand, it's kind of tough. It's big but it curves as it approaches my house. That might have to be the solution though. Even with the backup camera though I feel like it would still be tough - maybe I just need to get better with it, but I find it a little hard to judge. I don't need a camera, just want the beeps that increase in intensity as you get closer. They work great.

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chuckl1218 · September 30, 2015

The OEM sensors are mounted in the bumper and indicator shows up in the DIC. If you don't have them already, it would involve new bumper, sensors, wiring harness and the "add on killer", programming. So many of the dealer add on packages from previous years are now limited by the locked programming we now have (I.e. Dealer cannot add features). So, you'd have to go aftermarket as far as I know.

I understand the other uses because I've had audible park assistant in my recent two trucks. Comes in real handy, especially with the shape of these new trucks.

Having said all of that. As an added protection against damaging my bumper or grill, I added a tire stop. There is a tire bump in my garage several feet from the wall (and in front of my work bench). I added a 2X4X10 laying against it that stops me nicely just before the park assistant shows red. I have the same approach issue where I have to swing left, back up and straighten before entering. With this tire bump extension in place, there is no issue with not lining up exactly in the same place each time.

j-ten-ner · September 30, 2015

lol...that reminds me of my ex-boss back in Berlin.

He didn't feel comfortable to drive his BMW in reverse.

So he installed a turn table inside the garage. Powered by an electric motor and remote controlled.

No joke!

so long

j-ten-ner

Potts · September 30, 2015

Thanks, Chuck. It sounds like you've got pretty much the same situation as me. A tire bump is a good idea. I might be able to add something to my work bench that I can softly "bump" like you're talking about. I'll take a look at that.

Based on what you explained for the OEM route, it sounds like it's definitely a no go. I'm shocked it sounds like the dealer might not even be able to program the feature. That's pretty crazy; and stupid.

I appreciate the help all.

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