Radar Detectors

Ketcham · 12-28-2011, 03:46 PM

What units do you use and find effective given the mass of our van with obstructed side and rear views?

Any insight would be helpful.

Thanks.

Ford_6L_E350 · 12-28-2011, 05:37 PM

Driving at or under the speed limit is very effective.

In nearly 100K miles we've never been stopped.

Except at the Canadian border for 3 hours by some agents that don't seem to like campers. They were all over the trailer ahead of us. And looked everywhere in our van.

I guess we looked suspicious, like most 65 year olds.

Mike

saline · 12-28-2011, 06:41 PM

I hate to say it, maybe I'm just getting old. My van weighs over 10,000lbs, I almost NEVER go over the speed limit. No reason to for us to go fast, we got this thing to see the sights, listen to music and cruise!

So I guess I don't have anything constructive to offer on the detector.

Ketcham · 12-28-2011, 06:46 PM

It is effective in rural roads, small towns and speed traps that sole purpose is to generate income. If I wanted a sporty car I would have bought one. I respect the law, especially those of physics. That said. Cops suck.

**BroncoHauler** · 12-28-2011, 07:00 PM

I see value in radar detectors, and while I still have one of the first generation Passport radar detectors (well made), I notionally keep my maximum speed to 70mph in the van. Last May while driving through Utah, the speed limit was 80 mph. While I did creep over 70, I wouldn't dream of doing 80 or 80+ in the SMB.

Not to say I won't do 62mph in a 55mph zone though. I never use my radar detector in the SMB or any other vehicle I own anymore. I'm much more responsible driver for at least the last 15 years or so, and I don't doubt my radar detector will soon be considered an antique.

Herb

saline · 12-28-2011, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ketcham

It is effective in rural roads, small towns and speed traps that sole purpose is to generate income. If I wanted a sporty car I would have bought one. I respect the law, especially those of physics. That said. Cops suck.

^Until you need one to help you, your family or someone you love. Granted, there are some bad seeds out there but throwing that around is a bit out of line.

In my profession, cops watch our backs and we do the same for them. They do much more than staff speed traps.

NRL · 12-28-2011, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

I see value in radar detectors, and while I still have one of the first generation Passport radar detectors (well made), I notionally keep my maximum speed to 70mph in the van. Last May while driving through Utah, the speed limit was 80 mph. While I did creep over 70, I wouldn't dream of doing 80 or 80+ in the SMB.

Not to say I won't do 62mph in a 55mph zone though. I never use my radar detector in the SMB or any other vehicle I own anymore. I'm much more responsible driver for at least the last 15 years or so, and I don't doubt my radar detector will soon be considered an antique.

Herb

I noticed that driving back from Utah, they were popping people exactly over 80 with 80 as the posted speed limit, even going down hill.

I have the Escort 9500ix. Its paid off many times over from its early warnings. Mostly on the Ka band.
Don't recall ever getting a laser detection.
They now have a social network alert system that uses your phone to let others know, Escort Live.

It mainly in the AMG but on long trips I move it over to the van. Getting the 9500ci with diffusers next..

Ketcham · 12-28-2011, 09:30 PM

Let me clarify. Too many innocent unarmed typically ethnic minorities were down right murdered in this town. 5 a year, is a rough estimate. I will take my opinion off the forum. They do not protect. They file reports, if you are lucky.

**daveb** · 12-28-2011, 11:16 PM

I'm one who always has a detector on in my van. I usually stay W/I 5-10 MPH of the limit but with a trailer, you're stuck to 55mph in CA. As small as my trailer is, I think it's a stupid law and because I have a commercial drivers license, I can't afford being hassled by an over zealous rookie or hard ass. It's easy to get caught in some areas for several types of minor violations, so the detector stays on. I have several friends that are LE and some cops can be jerks just like most any work force, but will admit there is a lot to say about the vehicle laws that cities, counties, and the states pass to be enforced as well.

No to hi-jack but for you folks with kids coming to Ca. another new law:
http://www.chp.ca.gov/community/child_s ... _faqs.html

When the detector goes off tell the kids to duck.

**BroncoHauler** · 12-29-2011, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveb

No to hi-jack but for you folks with kids coming to Ca. another new law:
http://www.chp.ca.gov/community/child_s ... _faqs.html

When the detector goes off tell the kids to duck.

Legislating what should be common sense, but at the same time, I can't tell you how many times I see kids (belted or not) in front seats.

I do have my son ride in the front seat of my Bronco though. My Bronco does not have a rear seat installed, and he rides in a custom child-sized, metal framed, offroad suspension seat that is bolted to a full interior rollcage. He is restrained by a five point junior-sized race harness. If I had any doubts about him riding safely in my Bronco, I would never do it, and it wouldn't take California legislators to tell me that.

Herb