Has anybody here installed an aftermarket backup camera? I received a flyer from NAPA that offered a complete system for $79 and that had me intrigued. I'd like to add a camera on the back of my slide-in camper.

I did some preliminary research and found systems from $39 up to around $400. I realize I should stay away from the cheapest models, but as an honorary Scotsman, I don't want to spend more than needed.

I've seen three main types of displays. One is a dedicated screen that mounts on the dash. I'm not crazy about that, as I don't want the extra clutter. I'm not ruling out this version. Its just not my first choice.

The second version has a mirrored lens that clips over the entire face of the existing rear view mirror. When off, it acts as an ordinary mirror. When on, this mirror turns into a display. Kind of a cool idea, but it might be a little clunky.

The third version uses your smartphone as the monitor. I already have a charging cradle on the dash for my iPhone, so this option might be perfect for me. I already have my phone there for maps and music (the 32gb version has just enough capacity for the complete works of Wayne Newton). This would probably be my preferred version.

Then I get to decide if I want a hard-wired or wireless version. There are pros and cons to each.

Decisions, decisions... Any words of wisdom or voices of experience?

 

I just ordered the $39 one for my dad's 02 2500. We went that route because it had the license plate camera, was 'wireless' (doesn't everything claim that now??), and well, it was $39. Haven't installed it yet so can't personally speak to it's performance as of now.

I definitely wouldn't go with the top dash mounting as I also don't like clutter but it also seems like heat would get the best of it.
I would be tempted to mount it down somewhere like where the brake controllers go, especially a version like the one we just ordered that has a popup (or pop down) screen.

The phone version would be the last option for me - would have to take the time to launch the app and connect, might not have my phone with me, kid might be watching Daniel Tiger and getting it from her can be less than fun, and various other reasons why the phone wouldn't be handy at the time.

I agree that the rear view mirror is a really good idea but I'd have to see one in person to gauge how seamless or not it is.

Just my thoughts on it...

 

Just remembered a low-tech option.
With your camper, it won't work for you at all but if someone reading this thread is looking for a quicker way to line up a hitch they make what looks like two tennis ***** on magnetic telescoping poles where one sticks to the truck and one to the hitch. I am sure these have been around for ages but I just recently learned of them.

 

The thing that takes no money at all G.O.A.L!


Get Out And Look..........
Dave ----

 

Whoa! That's crazy talk! A simple non-technical solution? What's next? Helping around the house? Sharing feelings?

I ordered a $69 wifi/iPhone camera. Decent reviews on Amazon. Should be here Tuesday. Will do a temp installation in case I have to return it. Will let you know how it works.

 

Subscribed.

 

As promised, here are more details about the backup camera I ordered. This is the type that transmits the image via wifi, to be displayed on your smartphone. Ordered through Amazon Prime, this camera and transmitter combo set me back $69 and was at my door in two days:



Other vendors carry what appears to be the same camera, so you might be able to find one a little cheaper. Some of the vendors are located overseas, so there may quite a lag time or extra expense for shipping. Note how the box does not have a brand name on it. I think this is deliberate so other vendors can put their sticker on it and pass it off as their own:








Here's an overview of the camera and wifi transmitter. There is approximately 3 feet of cable between the camera and transmitter, with a slim disconnect in the middle for easy routing. Although the camera is advertised as waterproof, I doubt the transmitter is, so plan to install it out of the weather. The disconnect plug will pass through a 7/32" diameter hole:





This closeup shows the transmitter. Note the green LED indicating the unit is powered and ready to transmit. It's not really a big deal, but the transmitter does not have any mounting provisions. I used adhesive-backed Velcro on mine. The only wiring you need to do (other than connecting the plug to the camera) is tapping into 12V power and a ground. The instructions recommend using your backup light circuit, but I chose an ignition-switched power source instead so I wouldn't have to wait for the unit to power up when preparing to back up:





Here's a close-up of the camera. At first I was disappointed with the adjustment method (you bend the metal base) but it is actually very sturdy:





I installed the camera on the back of my pickup camper, underneath the portion that hangs over the aft edge of the bed. I kept it slightly recessed to help avoid damage. Once the unit is powered up, it's ready to transmit in about 10 seconds. I found the wifi signal plenty strong, and easily reached 50 feet, which was more than adequate to reach my smartphone on its cradle on my truck's dash.

You will need to download a free app from the manufacturer to interface with the camera and transmitter. If anything, the app was the only disappointing part of the whole set-up. You can play around and flip the image side-to-side or up-and-down, depending how the camera is installed. Unfortunately, the app has no way to remember your preferences, so you'd have to set it up again each time you power it up. I didn't have to mess with this, but in some cases you might, so keep that in mind. It's not really a deal killer, but that would be annoying.

Here's a screenshot of the camera view's of my carport, as displayed on my iPhone. The camera was mounted 32" above the ground, and is angled down slightly. For reference, the yellow antifreeze jug in the middle of the picture is approximately 6 feet away. The green, yellow, and red hash marks (including flashing STOP legend) are fixed and cannot be turned off:





Overall, I'm pleased with this camera, but wish the app was better. Other camera options come with a dedicated display screen, but I didn't want the extra clutter on the dash, since I already have my iPhone there on a charging cradle. If you go with this version, make sure you have room to install the camera out of harm's way. Other versions (hardwired, non wifi) have a slimmer camera built into a license plate frame, which might be less likely to be damaged.

Here's a video (longish) of the same (or nearly identical) camera, as explained by a man with very hairy arms.

 

Good review. Thanks.

 

I would definitely say that you made a good decision. I have seen the "in rear view mirror" versions in action and I am not a fan. The screen is so small that it is almost useless. I am lucky enough to have one in dash with My Ford Touch but if I didn't I would definitely go with the cell phone or dash mounted monitor. Thank you for sharing!

 

I have the Garmin nuvicam. It is considerably more than what you paid, but I really like it.

It is a normal gps with a built in forward facing dash cam that records. It will stop and tag video before, during, and after in the event of a collision. It also uses satellite to let you know where traffic is and how long it will take to get through. The Bluetooth will link to your phone to give hands free communication if you like.
I added the wireless backup camera option to it and mounted it into my tailgate handle. It works very well.

Best of all is it is all in the one windshield mounted gps so I do not have a lot of clunky items all over the truck.

The other feature that I think all Garmin have is a trip meter. Very handy while traveling.

All in it is just under 600 bucks.

 

I played with the camera a bit more last night. I can safely report the advertised "night vision" feature is a bust. In the dark, the night vision tells you it's dark out. That's it. Even with the backup lights on, the display was pretty much black and of little use.

Eventually I'd like to keep an eye on my Jeep under tow, so I also tried turning on the camera while driving after dark. With some ambient light from streetlights, etc., the display was useable. However, any headlights within a few car lengths would wash out much of the display.

Typically, my camper is off the road by dark, so the poor night vision is not really an issue for me. The camera is still pretty slick in my opinion, especially for what I paid, as long as you are aware of these limitations.