The BAT-2W is a useful backup sensor that has several advantages over many other backup sensors. It uses two sensors for a better pickup pattern, and the system can give the driver an indication as to which side of the vehicle the obstruction is located.

The wireless part of the BAT-2W is a little misleading--as we'll explain. The system uses an attractive LED that attaches up front, near the rear-view mirror. This gives a visual indication as well as increasing beeps to let you know the distance to the obstruction. This needs to be wired into the fuse box in your vehicle to receive power. The two ultrasonic sensors need to be mounted on the rear bumper, within about three feet of each other, with wires that connect them to a control unit. The control unit then needs to be wired into the reverse light power supply--this is how the system knows you are backing up, as well as receiving power. The control unit transmits the information to the display mounted near the mirror--this is the wireless part.

The system starts indicating at approximately five feet, and operates all the way until zero feet--although you should stop well before that--like many systems, there is a blind spot just under the sensors. Trilogix manufactures and sells many systems, but the two-sensor setup of the BAT-2W might offer just a slight edge over the competition. When safety is an issue, any advantage should be used.