The color Super White & back up cam (sensors)?

Hi gang, new to the group but not to 4runners. Traded in an old but rare 2008 Urban Runner and got a 2018 SR5 Premium. I was/am intrigued by the invisible bras to stop road rash.. researched that a bit and the owner of the local place that does this stated the film will yellow and is noticeable on white vehicles. He also stated that the bumpers of the Lexus and 4runners will yellow over time as well (which I did find surprising). Thoughts on that? Also, I have a back up cam but no audio alert which surprised me.. typical for the SR5 Premiums?

 

OP, interesting that your Premium doesn't have the sensors. My '10 SR5 Premium had sensors but by '19 non-Premium does not. I thought it was a Premium thing but maybe no longer. I do like the fact they added the grid pattern to the camera though. I find it much more useful than expected.

I know someone who ran over and killed their own toddler son in a non-camera equipped car (he suddenly ran behind the vehicle without warning). It can be useful technology for unexpected circumstances.

 

I totally agree about distracted driving being a huge problem, but I'm not sure I understand how a backup camera that only works when you're backing up could contribute to an increase in traffic accidents?

 

Interesting. I can see how a driver might be over-reliant on the backup camera.

 

I guess they're like most good tools then; useful when used responsibly, but can f*** you up if you're not paying attention!

 

IMO it's just an assistant to your mirrors. But that also is based on drivers young and old. Don't blame the camera, blame the drivers.

Now my only complaint about the camera is when it rains, seems to collect and keep water drops on the lens distorting the view. Anyone else have this issue? Does anyone have a solution for that? I thought about creating a little hood for the camera but yet to attempt it.

BTW my 16' Tacoma had a killer backup cam and alarm.

 

You can always replace the clear film down the road.

 

First - my '18 Premium doesn't have any sound...

Second - Yes, when wet I do get the big "drops" on the camera also.

 

my 2016 Tacoma Off Road would collect rain on the camera and didn't beep and my 2015 Trail 4runner is the exact same. I've used wax on the camera and that seemed to help repel a little bit. Truly though, don't rely on the camera and it won't be a problem

 

If you think back up cameras are useless you've never hooked up any amount of trailers.

 

So agree with you, great tool for those who trailer which I do.

 

There's also some situations where it doesn't matter how careful you are, you're never going to be able to see out the back window. The driveway to my place has a narrow gap between two walls and drops steeply down from the sidewalk. When I'm backing up to leave, the only way I'll even see the top of your head is if you're taller than 6 feet. Lots of kids walking to and from school, folks walking their dogs, etc. Plenty of times where the only way I can even see them is with the camera.

 

There's a reason why they are almost standard now in every Toyota vehicle, someone obviously sees the benefit in having them.

 

I am a big fan of the backup camera but I think you'll find the reason that Toyota is putting them in every vehicle is the same for every other manufacturer. They're required by federal law now