Back-up camera
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Back-up camera
So I put a backup camera on Bubba, and it's pretty cool. However, the issue is that while the camera outputs what it assumes is centered behind the van, it's actually mounted on the licence plate well in the door so the image is off center by a foot or so. It's something I will compensate for over time if no other simple mounting location is possible, but has anyone else installed one in the rear center? How did you do it? Mine's specifically a 97 E-350.
Side note, I wired it hot and put a simple on/off switch inline rather than splice into the reverse wire, so I can use it as a rear view mirror when the shades are down (which is most of the time). It was $15 from Amazon and other than coating it with silicone sealer prior to the install because I don't believe the claim of it being waterproof, it was a very simple plug and play. Coupled it with a rear view mirror monitor, for $30, so it's a $45 investment that's well worth it to me.
Side note, I wired it hot and put a simple on/off switch inline rather than splice into the reverse wire, so I can use it as a rear view mirror when the shades are down (which is most of the time). It was $15 from Amazon and other than coating it with silicone sealer prior to the install because I don't believe the claim of it being waterproof, it was a very simple plug and play. Coupled it with a rear view mirror monitor, for $30, so it's a $45 investment that's well worth it to me.
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Full rear of van showing camera offset.
Mirror when off. It clips to the existing mirror and there's overlap. Not noticed by me when driving. The viewing area is considerably larger than the stock mirror.
Mirror when on, viewing camera output. The image looks distorted in the pic but it isn't in real life. I had to hold the phone at a funny angle or it showed up in the image too much. Also the glare is definitely not as pronounced when looking at it in person. I will try to get a picture of it when the sun isn't as pronounced, to try to get a more proper representation of how it actually appears.
One more, extreme close up. You can obviously see the phone pretty clearly. It's a mirror, after all.
So I still need to dress the mirror cable which is why it's hanging down. It got dark and I ran out of time yesterday.
For $45 (free shipping too) it is very serviceable to me. Time will tell about its' longevity but the only complaints I saw online were fogging of the lens, thus why I bathed it in silicone. As always, pictures don't so it proper justice. It's a good clear picture, clearer than the factory camera on the old 09 Caravan.
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Indeed thanks for taking time to show us the driver's view of your BUC---very much appreciated. As already said its not bad at all especially considering the price. I've seen a few who've installed elaborate (to me) double DIN receiver/video components which accommodate a BUC and they're very nice---just a bit more refitting to suit me.
Centering wise there's the obtrusive larger style mounting on the roof which is just plain butt ugly IMHO. A neat trick was installing the camera in a step bumper's recess which solves a few issues. Its low and in the center, very unobtrusive or noticeable. Of course if you tow using just the step bumper that's not the best idea.
What brand of display monitor did you use---that might work for me mounted in another location other than on the windshield.
Centering wise there's the obtrusive larger style mounting on the roof which is just plain butt ugly IMHO. A neat trick was installing the camera in a step bumper's recess which solves a few issues. Its low and in the center, very unobtrusive or noticeable. Of course if you tow using just the step bumper that's not the best idea.
What brand of display monitor did you use---that might work for me mounted in another location other than on the windshield.
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#8
Amazon.com: 7 Inch 16:9 TFT LCD Widescreen Car Rearview Monitor Mirror with Touch Button, 480(W)x 234(H) Screen Resolution, Car /Automobile Rear View Mirror Display Monitor Support Two Ways Of Video Output, V1/V2 Selecting: Car Electronics
Camera:
Thanks for the props guys. Problem with mounting it high, at least this camera, is that it's highly likely that the grid is calibrated for the unit to be only a foot or so off the ground. Even at the height it is at now, it's not accurate. The grid shows me being a good foot closer to the obstruction that it actually is. Can't re-calibrate or delete the grid with it either. Still easy enough to get used to and compensate manually for.
You're right IMO though; high mounting it would look too obvious for me. I could mount it low but I don't have a bumper step to use so I'd have to fab something to mount down there so I will just leave it as is. I have no other need for a big double din head unit so I really didn't want to spend the time or money on it just for a camera.
#10
In the future (Spring) I may relocate the camera to the low center of the rear. The offset and inaccurate grid are kind of a pain in the butt and I can probably move the assembly pretty easily. For a fresh install I would advise planning not to use the in-door plate mounting location.
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This is the one I had in mind----found it interesting I did! https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...a-install.html