Community Forums

Shardan1 · 02-18-2012, 10:52 AM

Or Mobile Eye as Entegra calls it!

My DW and I were wondering if it's worth the $2,000.00 upgrade to get this or not.

Is there an insurance deduction for having it? Good or bad, let us know what you think of it.

mythplaced · 02-18-2012, 11:02 AM

I call mine.....

"DW"

"LOOK OUT!" "SLOW DOWN!" "YOU'RE TOO CLOSE!"

kalynzoo · 02-18-2012, 11:07 AM

Mythplaced has it right! Besides, at 26k pounds at 55mph, how distant would an object have to be to initiate an avoidance warning?

gmadams · 02-18-2012, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mythplaced

I call mine.....

"DW"

"LOOK OUT!" "SLOW DOWN!" "YOU'RE TOO CLOSE!"

I have the same model! Wonder if they come with any extended warranty?

Hipshot · 02-18-2012, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mythplaced

I call mine.....

"DW"

"LOOK OUT!" "SLOW DOWN!" "YOU'RE TOO CLOSE!"

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmadams

I have the same model! Wonder if they come with any extended warranty?

Mine has been functioning perfectly for 25 years with little maintenance

. However I have noticed as the system matures she requires more expensive bling blings to ensure proper and continued operation. Which I am happy to provide.

WeatherTodd · 02-18-2012, 12:18 PM

if crash avoidance system means a police escort... I would most definitely opt for it!

ottffss · 02-18-2012, 12:56 PM

As far as saving money, maybe the real question to ask is "if" I got in an accident that these avoidance/detection systems "could" have helped me avoid, what is the "cost" (hassle, disruption, etc.) that I am willing to pay to avoid those hassles??? Insurance does not cover those costs.

I run the VORAD avoidance/detection system (formerly by Eaton and now Bendix) in my moho. Google VORAD. Naysayers will poo poo accident avoidance/detection systems for "personal" not "statistical" reasons. By the indisputable numbers these systems are beyond proven. For those drivers with "dominance" or "control" issues these systems are flat-out relegated by them as annoyances. Easy to understand that.

Without a doubt the VORAD gentle alerts - that I may be approaching too fast to an oncoming "situation" or not realizing how slow an upcoming "situation" is rolling (or not) or indicating a vehicle in my blind spots or even just slowly moving up and beginning to follow too closely - have been unquestionably well worth the cost. Has it "saved me?" That question can never be answered as I have no accidents. Has it contributed to my flawless record? Absolutely - just one of many "tools" we all use to drive. It is a personal choice each of us must make in deciding to opt for these systems. Contrary to some folk's beliefs, humans are NOT infallible drivers.

These systems may also come with "smart cruise" which automatically maintains a minimum distance while cruise control is engaged (through automatic engine brake application). Again, "control" freaks will despise this as it automatically ties your speed to the potentially slower vehicle in front of you - if you catch up to it. Another superb feature of some smart cruise systems is it's control of the engine brake on descents. I just set the descent speed I think is appropriate for that hill and let it do all the work - rarely having to touch the brakes, and it is activating the engine brake FAR smoother than any human could - even on 10mile 7% variable slopes (if I pick the right initial speed). For those more akin to "enjoy the drive" and not "lead the pack" these are the "priceless" features of smart cruise technology.

At the time, in 2007, VORAD was an $8k option in my moho and I would pay that again without question. Of course, this technology is far cheaper now.

Hipshot · 02-18-2012, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shardan1

Or Mobile Eye as Entegra calls it!

My DW and I were wondering if it's worth the $2,000.00 upgrade to get this or not.

Is there an insurance deduction for having it? Good or bad, let us know what you think of it.

On a serious note. My brother in law in Korea has a system like the Mobile Eye in his SUV. It detects vehicles within a specified distance 360 coverage and gives a visual indication of how far they are and if they get to close it gives an audible alarm. Most of the time he ignores it and wishes he could shut it off, no off switch. He also has built in speed alert that he wishes he could shut off, no off switch. I have enough to think about driving the motor home without proximity alarms going off. I do wish I had the back up alarm like my cars have and I think side cameras tied into the turn signals would be good. I had a camera system on a Silverado that was tied into the turn signals, realy liked that.

justaroamer · 02-18-2012, 03:27 PM

I also have the Vorad and agree with "ottffss" would buy it again. I have the cruise opt. and it will maintain a set distance without overtaking the vehicle in front of me until I move to the left lane. As for the naysayers, the largest truck fleet in North America (Walmart) is adding it in all new trucks. It does work, it gives a good heads up. Lots to monitor (toad, left/right sides, gauges,etc.) and the DW...doesn't control it, but loves it until it wakes her up..."what's wrong..."

George Schweikle · 02-19-2012, 07:00 AM

This is an interesting discussion about some relatively new technology. However, if I interpret the description correctly, there is one feature that seems dangerous:

Quote:

Originally Posted by ottffss

.... Another superb feature of some smart cruise systems is it's control of the engine brake on descents. I just set the descent speed I think is appropriate for that hill and let it do all the work - rarely having to touch the brakes, and it is activating the engine brake FAR smoother than any human could - even on 10mile 7% variable slopes (if I pick the right initial speed)....

Riding brakes down a 10 mile grade; either manually or through some sort of automatic control, is asking for big trouble. Downshifting, or periodic brake and release, will keep from overheating and/or fading brakes.

Mike Canter · 02-19-2012, 07:27 AM

George, I believe he is talking about automatically controlling the Jake Brake on the engine and not the service brakes. I have the VORAD on my MH and it is great. Not sure that it is the same thing as the Mobile Eye. I believe the Mobile Eye is an optical system and not a radar system and is limited in range and it uses the camera system for its input.

ottffss · 02-19-2012, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by George Schweikle

...Riding brakes down a 10 mile grade...

George - I guess you missed the two back-to-back lines I posted that read "...it's [vorad] control of the engine brake on descents..." and in the next line I posted that reads "and it [vorad] is activating the engine brake"?

Mike has you set straight.

bigdog · 02-19-2012, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hipshot

Mine has been functioning perfectly for 25 years with little maintenance

. However I have noticed as the system matures she requires more expensive bling blings to ensure proper and continued operation. Which I am happy to provide.

I agree,but am thinking that if you can't stay awake and pay attention to where you are and what you're doing,then mebbee you shouldn't be on the road..That may be a bit harsh,but true.

ottffss · 02-19-2012, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdog

I agree,but am thinking that if you can't stay awake and pay attention to where you are and what you're doing,then mebbee you shouldn't be on the road..That may be a bit harsh,but true.

Humans are NOT infallible. We can not be 100% in tune 100% of the time and 100% aware of everything around us contrary to one's personal beliefs. We make errors for whatever reason. A little help when we do err IS a good thing. That's what these systems do.