Another Back Up Cam Thread
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Another Back Up Cam Thread
Anyone already done this? Looking for a stand-alone system for my '00 E250 with emphasis on semi-high quality, thinking somewhere in the $300 price range. Would like the camera to be hidden or at least not too visible to the casual eye. Preference would be a monitor maybe 7" in size that could be mounted overhead and lowered when needed, out of view while driving normally.
Killer RC posted about his own install: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...a-install.html but his incorporated into an in-dash head unit. I did like the camera installation--I'd like to have something similar.
Have checked out the Pyle PLCM7700 and PLCM34/35 models which so far is nothing more than getting familiar with these products and systems. Would love to hear or see any info or opinions from actual installations and usage----nothing like hands-on real-world users IMHO.
Thanks in advance---looking forward to what cha got!
J W
Killer RC posted about his own install: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...a-install.html but his incorporated into an in-dash head unit. I did like the camera installation--I'd like to have something similar.
Have checked out the Pyle PLCM7700 and PLCM34/35 models which so far is nothing more than getting familiar with these products and systems. Would love to hear or see any info or opinions from actual installations and usage----nothing like hands-on real-world users IMHO.
Thanks in advance---looking forward to what cha got!
J W
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 114
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From: Charelston,AR
the biggest problem with the older vans is camera placement on a low top there just isn't really a good place to mount the camera. I put mine above the license plate but it's not very useful in that position. That could be partly the cheap camera tho.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 299
Likes: 6
From: South NJ
oops - back-up camera
We just had a sytem installed in the E250...
It is a "Boyo" camera mounted on the license plate. It is very hard to spot it, I'm thinking that is a good thing.
The display is about 3.5" ( I think) - I liked the idea of it being in the rear-view mirror (a "Mito" unit).
It gives a nice sharp image... mostly a safety thing. A lot of non-truck folk will be driving this Van over time.
However, today the whole rear door license plate fell out... it looks like it was only held in by small tabs?? We are supposed to leave on our maiden trip with this rig on Weds...
Is this a common problem?- or even if not, how do I fix it fast?
(Update - thanks JWA, the screws were missing. I was at the Mobility shop addressing my trailer brake wiring problem, and they showed me the inside screws for the License plate frame - I guess the other guy forgot to re-install them when he put the camera in... That part is now correctly installed!)
Thanks,
It is a "Boyo" camera mounted on the license plate. It is very hard to spot it, I'm thinking that is a good thing.
The display is about 3.5" ( I think) - I liked the idea of it being in the rear-view mirror (a "Mito" unit).
It gives a nice sharp image... mostly a safety thing. A lot of non-truck folk will be driving this Van over time.
However, today the whole rear door license plate fell out... it looks like it was only held in by small tabs?? We are supposed to leave on our maiden trip with this rig on Weds...
Is this a common problem?- or even if not, how do I fix it fast?
(Update - thanks JWA, the screws were missing. I was at the Mobility shop addressing my trailer brake wiring problem, and they showed me the inside screws for the License plate frame - I guess the other guy forgot to re-install them when he put the camera in... That part is now correctly installed!)
Thanks,
Last edited by Mark T-TB; Jun 4, 2012 at 12:53 PM. Reason: corrected License Plate problem
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2012
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I know this doesn't meet your price requirements, but I went with a "commercial quality" camera from rearviewsystems.com. See in the dark infrared lighting, heated front glass element, etc.
BACKUP CAMERAS BACK UP CAMERAS REARVIEW CAMERAS REAR VIEW CAMERAS
I went for usefulness over invisibility. I wanted to be able to attach a trailer by myself.
Hooked it to the Kenwood DNX6990HD in-dash nav I installed at the same time:
It is *awesome*.
BACKUP CAMERAS BACK UP CAMERAS REARVIEW CAMERAS REAR VIEW CAMERAS
I went for usefulness over invisibility. I wanted to be able to attach a trailer by myself.
Hooked it to the Kenwood DNX6990HD in-dash nav I installed at the same time:
It is *awesome*.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
IIRC you have a converted van which should have a trim panel installed hiding the screws. I don't remember your exact year but some vans won't have that inside plate but will still have the four screws. Either those weren't reinstalled or over tightened and stripped the plastic holder housing. You might call the installer and have them address this issue---typically those never just fall out on their own!
Kris that is an awesome set up---like rear-view HD TV!
I don't do a lot of towing or find a big need for GPS but I do like the clear image your system provides. I'll check that site more in depth, maybe they've got something middle ground.Thanks guys----nice to see these sorts of things in actual use!
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 8
Set aside the "price requirements".
Your back up camera may be "*awesome*" but is hardly "hidden or at least not too visible".
Your back up camera may be "*awesome*" but is hardly "hidden or at least not too visible".
Thread Starter
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
And what exactly is the point there? Seems to be just more arguing for that purpose alone.
Seems culling a few initial stated preferences in order to disagree is a bit on the unnecessary side. 
Personally when I'm presented a workable alternative that doesn't meet the initial desires I'm open to it being suitable for the purpose even if its not 100% exactly as I first envision.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
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I've checked out that option too, just go to Crutchfield.com they have sunvisor monitors and anything else you need for a good setup. I'm going for a indash DVD so I can output to my vans Analog TV/VHS setup without tearing up everthing already there....
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I do notice the component prices on Klinquist's link are quite a bit higher than I've seen elsewhere---not really an issue since his needs are a bit more involved than my own at the moment. I'll looking into possibly carving out a spot in the step portion of my rear bumper since I'll never tow anything anyway.
Gotta admit though the camera is very high tech with a ton of features making it fine for such extreme conditions. Double pane protective heated front glass? Too cool!
I also like Rearview Systems selection of monitors and mounts too---seems to cover more than a few installation possibilities.
Gotta admit though the camera is very high tech with a ton of features making it fine for such extreme conditions. Double pane protective heated front glass? Too cool!
I also like Rearview Systems selection of monitors and mounts too---seems to cover more than a few installation possibilities.
Senior User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 366
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From: the old home place
I can't provide pics at the moment but I went with a Boyo license plate camera and mounted it on L brackets just above the rain gutter above the rear doors. By all the reviews I read it is much better quality than the Pyle and not much more expensive at all. I'll have to chase down the info but I bought it on Amazon. It is a tiny camera and you could actually remove the side pieces which make it a license plate mount, then you would have a tiny camera you could mount just about anywhere. It comes with the 20ish ft cable and the clarity is impressive.
The thin LCD (visor mount) style of monitors is are out there but I also went with a Pioneer head unit (DVD, backup cam, iPod plug, etc) and I wired mine where the camera is always active. I prefer it that way to always monitor whatever I've got back there while I'm driving. . $250 at Crutchfield but I do realize your not really looking for that. Check EBay or Amazon for the visor style.
The thin LCD (visor mount) style of monitors is are out there but I also went with a Pioneer head unit (DVD, backup cam, iPod plug, etc) and I wired mine where the camera is always active. I prefer it that way to always monitor whatever I've got back there while I'm driving. . $250 at Crutchfield but I do realize your not really looking for that. Check EBay or Amazon for the visor style.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I was thinking of something similar too BB but I'll be adding a raised roof and extended doors to this van sometime soon so the HMSL will be relocated. My only concern with the cam that close to a bright light would be washing out of its view.
Scotty I'd very much appreciate any model numbers etc you might find. The visor mount monitors is something I could easily incorporate into the headliner perhaps.
Thanks guys!
I'll have to chase down the info but I bought it on Amazon. It is a tiny camera and you could actually remove the side pieces which make it a license plate mount, then you would have a tiny camera you could mount just about anywhere. It comes with the 20ish ft cable and the clarity is impressive.
Thanks guys!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 592
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I had a funny one rigged up on my RV after reading this article: 9/7 - Save A Marriage and Hook up that RV
However I added a Ninja pan and tilt unit to mine so I could look to make sure I had cleared vehicles on the left and right, look at my hitch, and to look and make sure my dish was still attached to the ladder. The remote had presets so it would move, not so quickly, to whatever of those 4 positions I wanted it to go to. Then I just had a 4" tube type TV on the cup holder next to the driver.
There were 2 downsides: The ninja pan system was not waterproof, but I found another article about tearing it apart and using a case from one of those DVD 50 packs to protect it from rain. The 2nd was that the remote did not have quite the range I needed, so if I was sitting in the driver's seat, I had to put it in my right hand and hold it back behind me as far as I could to get the cam pan/tilt to respond.
However I added a Ninja pan and tilt unit to mine so I could look to make sure I had cleared vehicles on the left and right, look at my hitch, and to look and make sure my dish was still attached to the ladder. The remote had presets so it would move, not so quickly, to whatever of those 4 positions I wanted it to go to. Then I just had a 4" tube type TV on the cup holder next to the driver.
There were 2 downsides: The ninja pan system was not waterproof, but I found another article about tearing it apart and using a case from one of those DVD 50 packs to protect it from rain. The 2nd was that the remote did not have quite the range I needed, so if I was sitting in the driver's seat, I had to put it in my right hand and hold it back behind me as far as I could to get the cam pan/tilt to respond.
Senior User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 366
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From: the old home place
JWA, here's the one I bought on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o04_s00_i00
It could be made much smaller by removing the side pieces (cutting them off, they aren't removeable), and then you could mount it anywhere. Soon I'll update my setup with pictures.
If this link doesn't work, just type in Boyo VTL422C
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o04_s00_i00
It could be made much smaller by removing the side pieces (cutting them off, they aren't removeable), and then you could mount it anywhere. Soon I'll update my setup with pictures.
If this link doesn't work, just type in Boyo VTL422C
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Scotty that's a top notch link----thanks for hunting that down! I'll look forward to any photos you can post----would it be too much asking to see the monitor from the driver's view as well? I'm willing to pay for info, ya know?!?!
As I look around the web a bit more for these systems questions arise: 1) does price alone (monitor or camera) dictate strictly dictate the image quality? 2) do high lux cams wash out with stock back up or brake lights? & 3) do the license frame mounted cams illegally obscure any part of the plate, potentially being an issue with the authorities?
I still have the option of mounting a cam in the rear bumper step well too.
2KFord I don't tow and never plan on it but sounds like you're working in the right direction for your needs. Had a friend who pulls a six-horse trailer with his crew cab pick up so rear views are necessary for him too. Much like your re-positioning things by hand to get reception he faced the same thing. He found it all terrifically funny since not much gets him down---no idea if he's ever improved on it or still relies on someone to guide him while backing. Thanks for that link BTW!
As I look around the web a bit more for these systems questions arise: 1) does price alone (monitor or camera) dictate strictly dictate the image quality? 2) do high lux cams wash out with stock back up or brake lights? & 3) do the license frame mounted cams illegally obscure any part of the plate, potentially being an issue with the authorities?
I still have the option of mounting a cam in the rear bumper step well too.
2KFord I don't tow and never plan on it but sounds like you're working in the right direction for your needs. Had a friend who pulls a six-horse trailer with his crew cab pick up so rear views are necessary for him too. Much like your re-positioning things by hand to get reception he faced the same thing. He found it all terrifically funny since not much gets him down---no idea if he's ever improved on it or still relies on someone to guide him while backing. Thanks for that link BTW!