Laser Docking System

Seen this and seems like a good idea. Has anyone have or had any experience using one?

Laser Docking System

Seen this and seems like a good idea.

Until the lasers become misaligned...docks are hostile environments.

OMG $600 for each one? Compare that to the cost of painting a stripe. Geesh!

Now what would really make that cool is if the trailer itself gave off its own beam so you could compare the two beams for proper alignment.

Then, when you bump the dock and you're properly aligned, the system automatically triggers a call to the waitress so she can take your order while you wait!

I've used them and don't much care for them. They get misaligned as someone else mentioned and the one I've used, unless everything was perfect, it was a complete pita. Rookies and experienced drivers alike were having to do numerous pull-ups and repositions to get docked just right. The one I used had arrows on each side that would flicker from red to green and the dock wouldn't lock in properly if they both weren't flickering green.

The ones I thought it were okay would shoot a green Lazer stripe that was easier to see at night better than painted dock lines that fade, get dirty or worn etc. Painted lines work better during daylight.

They're expensive and many companies aren't going to bother spending the money to buy them and have them installed.

When I was in the Air Force, They were fazing out the F-4 Phantom and bringing in the F-16. We went for a demonstration of the troubleshooting technique they had incorporated for it. After the technician demonstrated it I asked him what he had learned? He said What did I mean? I said you didn't troubleshoot anything your computer monitor did it for you and you didn't learn anything on what causes the problem. That is why we were given brains to figure things out. I enjoyed it when a pilot would tell me this was happening and I would fix the problem so he could fly again.

Now before all of you get your panties in a twist, I'm not against technology. Just I don't want some computer thinking for me. Was it faster fixing the plane to the computer say replace this part, yes it was. But what happens when the technician doesn't have the tool with him, is he going to say to the pilot, I don't know what's wrong. So I have to wait for the computer to be shipped to this remote area where the plane broke down?

Anyway sorry for going off topic. Backing is a hard skill to learn, and with practice and it can be achieved. The laser thing would only work if they were consistent, didn't get out of alignment and maybe lined up someway with the trailer and the dock.

I reread this and just have to comment on it, albeit a bit “tongue-in-cheek...

The funny thing about this sort of thing is; for those who believe them a helpful aid in backing, for the most part, have yet to enter school. Unless you have actually backed a truck & semi-trailer, then bumping a dock, how would you really know?

Please do not take this the wrong way because I do not consider myself a super-trucker one bit, I’d find something like this nothing more than an annoyance, especially once it’s knocked out of alignment. Reason? Because it’s so incredibly unconventional and unexpected, and quite probably a distraction. I’d probably cover the beam with duct tape before making the final backing approach and remove it once my business was completed. IMO once you develop reasonably good backing skills, this sort of device is entirely unnecessary.

If I need to back into a dimly lit or unlit (and there are a few like this) Walmart dock in the dark of night, a flashlight placed on the ground illuminating your target area (drivers side of dock door in most cases) will suffice. KISS principal applies and will usually send Murphy packing with nary a peep.

I'd prefer lines, other trailers, or nothing at all. Last thing I want is some green laser blasting my eye or hitting my mirror when I'm trying to back into a spot. I pull a skate board though so what do I know about backing haha

Guess what works great at night? a $30 flashlight you put on the ground. same concept, and the laser isnt shooting in your mirrors.

the best dock i ever wemt to had reflector paint on the lines and a digital light illuminating the dock number. So much easier at night.

Guess what works great at night? a $30 flashlight you put on the ground. same concept, and the laser isnt shooting in your mirrors.

the best dock i ever wemt to had reflector paint on the lines and a digital light illuminating the dock number. So much easier at night.

Same thing I suggested several replies in the past...