Technology truly seems to have no boundaries. Just when we are coming to grips with the concept of OnStar providing RV concierge service 24 hours each day, along comes VORAD to lend a hand with the driving.
Not to be confused with NORAD, a joint partnership between the U.S. and Canada to monitor North American airspace, VORAD (Vehicle Onboard RADar) teams up sensors and high frequency radar to monitor RV ground space. Developed using technology that determines changes in distance and speed, this Collision Warning System operates as an on board electronic co-pilot to alert the RV operator when it is necessary to take evasive action.
Originally designed for military use, and now standard equipment in many vehicles currently serving over in the Middle East, the VORAD Collision Warning System can detect obstacles within a designated line of sight, and responds by alerting the vehicle operator of that impediment through flashing lights and audible warnings. Additionally, the VORAD system will automatically adjust vehicle cruise control to adapt to current traffic conditions. As if monitoring driving conditions and readjusting vehicle speed wasn’t enough, VORAD also provides a feature to record vehicle driving activity.
The combination of all these advanced driving tools in one central component did not escape the notice of commercial trucking industries. Once the top secret classification was lifted off this system proven to reduce vehicle mishap, increase efficient use of fuel, and provide detailed history of driver performance, the VORAD CWS eventually became a familiar addition to large truck fleets.
Since Monaco Coach Corporation is always on the lookout for new ideas to improve drivability, streamline fuel usage and enhance the overall RV experience, they naturally became the first motorhome manufacturer to add the VORAD Collision Warning System to select models of their product line.
“Monaco Coach naturally became the first motorhome manufacturer to add the VORAD Collision Warning System to select models of their product line.”
At an FMCA rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I was invited to accompany the VORAD representative on a test drive to get a firsthand look at this futuristic tool in RV travel. It turns out that while the Collision Warning System may seem better suited for the big leagues of high technology rather than the casual atmosphere of RV living, the individual features of this system are as simple to operate as asking OnStar for a nearby RV-friendly lunch destination.
The VORAD AlwaysAlert feature relies on an antenna transmitter and receiver installed in the front cap of the RV to monitor the roadway ahead for potential obstacles and to sound an audible alarm warning the RV operator of potential collision. Side sensors on the inside A-frame pillars of the front cap comprise a feature called BlindSpotter to scan surrounding exterior areas of the RV. When an object enters this monitored ground space, one of the three warning lights will illuminate based on current distance between that potential hazard and the RV. If a potential impact is detected, the audible alarm will sound.
This means the RV operator has an additional set of electronic eyes to assist in backing up or negotiating tight turns at campgrounds and fuel stops. However, the VORAD CWS does not detect potential collision with objects above the roof, such as tree limbs or building overhangs. Furthermore, the system does not apply the vehicle service brakes, just as a security system doesn’t bag the burglar.
Along with ground space detection, the VORAD Collision Warning System offers SmartCruise, a feature that automatically adjusts the vehicle cruise control to adapt to immediate traffic. During this New Mexico test drive, the RV comfortably traveled down the highway with the cruise control set at 65 mph. SmartCruise automatically reduced our speed when the coach approached slower traffic and when passing vehicles cut in front of us. Once other vehicles left VORAD’s immediate area of monitored ground space by exiting the highway or speeding up, SmartCruise automatically resumed the previously selected cruise control speed.
“Operating primarily as a driving aid, the VORAD Collision Warning System is not a substitute for driver awareness.”
For the RV operator, this means SmartCruise will eliminate the stress of having to continually accelerate or decelerate in heavy traffic conditions, saving wear and tear on the RV brakes. And it doesn’t take a team of crackerjack government scientists to know that the ability to travel longer with the RV transmission in cruise control is going to mean saving money on fuel. Still, SmartCruise does not recognize merging traffic for what it is, and this requires the RV operator to determine when it is necessary to slow down and allow vehicles to merge. Applying the service brakes is always the driver’s responsibility.
Operating primarily as a driving aid, the VORAD Collision Warning System is not a substitute for driver awareness. Obstacles that enter the RV’s monitored space with little or no warning may provide inadequate warning time for the driver to take action. Designed to operate when the vehicle ignition is on and the engine is running, the CWS is programmed to enter a sleep mode after five consecutive minutes of engine idling. Until going dormant, the system may react to movement around the outside of the RV.
Based on the principle of relative motion discovered by Austrian physicist Christian Doppler in the mid 1800s, VORAD uses Doppler radar to see through blinding road conditions such as snow, fog, dust, smoke, and driving rain. Objects must be within the antenna surface field of view in order to be detected. Build-up over the antenna transmitter and receiver can reduce effectiveness just as heavy grime over a headlight can dim illumination. Available as an after market addition on select model vehicles, the VORAD CWS can be obtained through limited certified centers. For more information contact your local Monaco sales dealer.
The VORAD Collision Warning System is not just another gadget, but a valuable tool to help drivers navigate during RV journeys. Now that VORAD has shown us there are no limits to where technology can take RV travel, maybe someone can figure out a way to have dinner sitting on the table when you return from a day of exploration. |
