So the women said she would buy me a back up camera for my birthday but I have to pick it out since I am "too damn picky about things for you precious for me to even try"

Criteria I am looking for:

Wireless Camera

Night Vision (good out to 8-10 feet)

7" wide (or wider) monitor that attaches to rear view mirror

License plate bracket camera (SS or AL would be nice but not necessary)

120 degree of view or wider camera

 

$50 $75 problem on ebay.

Wireless mean reliability of image is an issue.

You may want a wired camera --- some wireless can connect both and let you switch / choose.

I have had mine for years, generally trouble free, except for a bit of moisture inside (I used a heat gun to gently warm it and expunge the moisture).

 

I had many issues with the wireless.....park sensor on the rear bumper would destroy the signal, break lights coming on would cause it to get static picture. Went with the wired camera for my head unit, been on for 4 years and no issues at all, plus you get a bigger screen using the head unit as opposed to the wireless, found myself squinting and putting my face into the wireless screen when hooking up to a trailer. I also have a CC long bed and wireless did not like to travel that far through all the sound insulation I put in the cab. Maybe convince her for your next gift a new head unit with camera capability?

 

Looking at these options:



7" Mirror with Bluetooth and CCD License Plate Backup Camera Backup Monitor & Camera - Tadi Brothers




Rear View Safety | Product | Backup Camera System | RVS-770613

 

I have been looking at that one myself, but I do not know anyone who actually has one. It looks better than anything else I have seen, but it is more expensive than most of the others.

 

Which one the Tadi Bros or the RearViewSafety.com?

I just found the Rear View Safety one on Costco for 199.00 including shipping.

The Tadi Bro one is 270 plus shipping

 

There are several wireless backup camera systems out there. I personally like the Swift Hitch Portable system. I use it for all sorts of things...on my truck to hook up trailers; on the RV when backing into tight spots. I let my buddy use it this winter when he needed to hook and unhook his snow blade. Works great at night. Even used it once to find a plumbing leak in a wall that I couldn't get my head into.
I found this system at Wireless Backup Camera Reviews.
The one thing about wireless is that they operate on 2.4Ghz which a lot of other wireless devices use. You may get Walmarts security camera feeds when trying to back out of the parking lot. LOL
Don't know if this helps..just my 2 cents.

 

I would certainly stay away from the wireless versions. They are just a bit easier to install but will never be as thoroughly reliable as a direct wire from the camera to the monitor. You can get a pretty decent all weather color camera with night vision for less than $20 on eBay. A dual wire Video/Power 30' cable for about $30 and the rest is in whatever monitor you choose to use and installation. If you find your reverse sensor wire most backup monitors will automatically turn on and give you your backup view.

I ended up going with an in-dash double DIN DVD system to use as my monitor and have a new-in-box 10.2" color display that clips on your mirror if anyone is interested. PM me for details.

You can sure get the package deals but can save a lot of money and still get good quality by buying the pieces you need.

If you're looking for a general backup view the license plate position is "ok". You will get glare from the license plate lamps that make the view almost useless at night. Some use the tailgate handle as a camera location. My preference is a bracket between the 7-way socket and the hitch itself, under the bumper. This gives me a good backup view plus a direct look at the hitch for hooking and unhooking trailers, my primary reason for the camera in the first place.

 

Good idea...

Chris

 

Is a tailgate handle available with the camera hole for a 06 SD? I saw a post where someone I believe had a 150 and converted it over.

 

No, not just the handle anyway. They are retrofitting the m/y 2008 tailgate to the pre 2008 m/y.....alot of work and $ plus the taillights I believe have to be changed as well.