What Brandmotion Radar Blind Spot Monitoring System Will Work with My Metal Bumper?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hello Dan,

I’m really sorry, but the Brandmotion Radar Blind Spot Monitoring System for Passenger Vehicles # BM78YR won’t work properly on your 2019 GMC 2500 if it has metal bumpers. This system is designed specifically for vehicles with plastic rear fascia because the radar sensors need to “see” through non-metal materials. Metal bumpers block or distort the radar signals, which prevents the sensors from accurately detecting vehicles in your blind spots or cross-traffic when backing up.

Instead, you could go with the Brandmotion Radar Blind Spot Monitoring System for Commercial Vehicles # BM88YR, since your 2019 GMC 2500 has metal bumpers. This system is specifically designed for larger vehicles and commercial-style trucks with metal bumpers, unlike standard systems that require plastic fascias. It uses radar sensors mounted on the rear corners of the truck to detect vehicles in your blind spots or approaching from behind, and it provides both visual and audible alerts when another vehicle is detected within about 27 feet. As long as the sensors are installed with a clear view (not blocked by hitch accessories or other metal components) and wired correctly into your truck’s power and turn-signal circuits, the system will function properly and give you reliable blind-spot and cross-traffic detection.

Were you looking for a little extra “visibility” after something that happened recently, or just trying to prevent any future issues?

expert reply by: Kate F

0

David

11/21/2025

/Kate. '...]\Kate I have a model RDBS 1600 in my 2204 Maverick For some reason it detects moving objects when none are there (when turn signals is on). This leads to more confusion and is a quite a danger on the highway. Thanks for your help. David

Kate F.

11/24/2025

@David I’m sorry to hear that, David. Let’s see if we can get this fixed for you. It sounds like your Brandmotion RDBS 1600 # BM78YR blind spot system is detecting objects that aren’t really there when you use your turn signal in your Ford Maverick. This system uses radar sensors behind the rear bumper to detect vehicles in your blind spots. When it’s working properly, it should only alert you to moving vehicles, but several issues can cause false alerts like the ones you’re seeing. One common cause is incorrect sensor alignment or mounting. The sensors must be positioned at precise angles, about 45 degrees horizontally and just a few degrees vertically. If they’re tilted too much or too little, the radar beams can bounce off the ground or nearby objects, tricking the system into thinking there’s movement. The shape of your bumper or the presence of a hitch or cargo rack can also create false readings. Wiring problems can also cause this issue. The system connects to your turn signals so it knows when you’re changing lanes. If those trigger wires are connected to the wrong circuits or picking up interference from other wiring, such as trailer connections, the system may alert whenever your turn signal is on. You can test this by temporarily disconnecting one side’s trigger wire and checking if the false alerts stop. Metal parts or accessories near the sensors can also interfere. The RDBS 1600 is designed for use behind plastic bumpers only. If there’s a metal bumper, hitch, or other reflective surface nearby, the radar signal can bounce around and cause false detections. It’s also a good idea to check the power, ground, and speed signal connections. Poor grounding or bad wiring can make the system behave unpredictably. If your manual mentions a diagnostic or calibration mode, use it to see what the sensors are detecting when no vehicles are present. If none of these steps fix the issue, you might try adjusting the sensor position slightly or relocating them. Even small changes can make a big difference. If the system keeps giving false alerts, it’s best to turn it off while driving until it can be recalibrated.