Reverse Alert safety for caravans

Rear camera systems designed to take the stress out of reversing large caravans have been available for a few years now.

But a new invention that automatically applies the vehicle’s brakes if it detects a pedestrian or object behind could soon be available in Australia for trailers including caravans.

Whereas traditional reversing sensors fitted to the back of cars provide a series of audible ‘beeps’ if an object is detected, sensors on the Reverse Alert system are designed to automatically apply the brakes.

Costing around $1000, the rear pedestrian detection system is currently available as an aftermarket item for cars, but the Queensland-based company is trialling versions for trucks and other industrial equipment such as forklifts as well as caravans.

It works by the rear-mounted sonar sensors detecting a person or object and sending a signal to a solenoid at the front of the vehicle, which then applies the brakes via a cable.

While working independently of a reversing camera, Reverse Alert only operates below 5km/h and won’t detect objects outside the range of the sensors.

And as can be seen in the video below, when fitted to a tow vehicle the driver must press a manual ‘override’ button to disable  the system during the final stages of hitching a trailer.

While it’s not the first rear detection system designed to automatically apply the brakes – Japan’s Infiniti offers a similar, sonar-based system on some of its upmarket car models – it’s believed Reverse Alert is the only aftermarket system that can be fitted to older vehicles.

According to the Reverse Alert Australia website, the technology will be available “soon” for towable trailers including caravans.

“When the trailer is connected to the vehicle this turns off the sensors on the vehicle and the sensors on the rear of the trailer are activated," it explains. "When the sensors on the trailer detect an object this results in the brakes of the vehicle being applied automatically.”