Aftermarket backup camera
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Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Omaha/Elkhorn, NE
Aftermarket backup camera
I'm considering getting an aftermarket backup camera for my -250, to help me to back up to my boat trailer. Any thoughts or suggestions from guys who might have one?
thanks!
thanks!
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
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From: Central Florida
How do you want to cover it? There are kits to integrate them into the license plate frame, tailgate handle, third brake light or universal fit. The other side is how do you want to display it? In the radio, in the rear view mirror, in a stand alone monitor?
Mounting it in the CHMBL will probably suck for your purpose because the tailgate will block a lot of the ball. The license plate mount would probably line up pretty well, but you may not get much angle out of it if you need a lot of drop on the ball. The tailgate handle will probably work the best for you, although it could need some shimming too to view all of the ball.
Mounting it in the CHMBL will probably suck for your purpose because the tailgate will block a lot of the ball. The license plate mount would probably line up pretty well, but you may not get much angle out of it if you need a lot of drop on the ball. The tailgate handle will probably work the best for you, although it could need some shimming too to view all of the ball.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Omaha/Elkhorn, NE
Well, I'd want to be able to see the drop hitch. maybe something on the license plate. Don't have the nav/radio, so I'd have to go with the seperate monitor. I just looked a few. The license plate frame one might work. Just wondering if anybody has a set up similar to that, and if it works fairly well.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Wyandotte, Michigan
I just ordered one the other day, from a tool supply house I deal with. It's under the name of Peak, as in Peak chemicals. It's running me $93.75 and is wireless. I plan on putting it on my 05 250 for winter plowing. It comes with everything needed including 3.5" color lcd monitor. A 7" is available for $130. The camera attaches to the license plate bracket.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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Back up camera
I just ordered one the other day, from a tool supply house I deal with. It's under the name of Peak, as in Peak chemicals. It's running me $93.75 and is wireless. I plan on putting it on my 05 250 for winter plowing. It comes with everything needed including 3.5" color lcd monitor. A 7" is available for $130. The camera attaches to the license plate bracket.
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Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
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From: Whittier, CA
I just ordered one the other day, from a tool supply house I deal with. It's under the name of Peak, as in Peak chemicals. It's running me $93.75 and is wireless. I plan on putting it on my 05 250 for winter plowing. It comes with everything needed including 3.5" color lcd monitor. A 7" is available for $130. The camera attaches to the license plate bracket.
I have heard a lot of mixed results with the wireless. Please come back and give us a review when you've used it a bit. They sure are an easy install.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Minnesota
I'm on my third and I definitely do not recommend any VR3 license plate cameras.
My first VR3 was wired and had an adequate image for backing up to a trailer. Though it was plagued with moisture intrusion into the lense area.
When I got my 08 F350 I fell into the VR3 trap again and bought a wireless VR3.
Maybe it's my magnetic personnality, but as time went by interference rendered its operation random at best. Less than 1 year (<20k miles) it started leaking and the camera went from fogged to not working at all.
I just got a Peak 2.5" from flea-bay for $50 (new) and am installing it tonight. It's also wire less, but the camera actually has a remotely mounted transmitter which I will be mounting in my bed. I'm hoping the closer distance between the transmitter and monitor along with the actual antenna on the transmitter will improve reception.
Not to change topics but "97nukeford" are you ex-navy or commercial??
My first VR3 was wired and had an adequate image for backing up to a trailer. Though it was plagued with moisture intrusion into the lense area.
When I got my 08 F350 I fell into the VR3 trap again and bought a wireless VR3.
Maybe it's my magnetic personnality, but as time went by interference rendered its operation random at best. Less than 1 year (<20k miles) it started leaking and the camera went from fogged to not working at all.
I just got a Peak 2.5" from flea-bay for $50 (new) and am installing it tonight. It's also wire less, but the camera actually has a remotely mounted transmitter which I will be mounting in my bed. I'm hoping the closer distance between the transmitter and monitor along with the actual antenna on the transmitter will improve reception.
Not to change topics but "97nukeford" are you ex-navy or commercial??
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach, Ms.
I just ordered one the other day, from a tool supply house I deal with. It's under the name of Peak, as in Peak chemicals. It's running me $93.75 and is wireless. I plan on putting it on my 05 250 for winter plowing. It comes with everything needed including 3.5" color lcd monitor. A 7" is available for $130. The camera attaches to the license plate bracket.
The power wire is now run back behind the monitor and is not so noticeable.
There is occasional interference on the screen when I'm going down the road but that's not when I usually use it. It's fine when I'm backing up to a vehicle for loading it on the wheel lift. It has a set of range markings that can be turned on to help you judge just how close you are to an object. For your use on a F series pick-up you would install the camera on the license plate and run the cable to the cab and install the transmitter somewhere inside. On my tow truck the transmitter is mounted to the frame about 4 feet behind the cab as the truck has a 22' roll back bed on it so the distance from the rear is quite a bit longer than what most of you will encounter.
Elder User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 500
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From: Valley of the Su, Arizona
How do you want to cover it? There are kits to integrate them into the license plate frame, tailgate handle, third brake light or universal fit. The other side is how do you want to display it? In the radio, in the rear view mirror, in a stand alone monitor?
Mounting it in the CHMBL will probably suck for your purpose because the tailgate will block a lot of the ball. The license plate mount would probably line up pretty well, but you may not get much angle out of it if you need a lot of drop on the ball. The tailgate handle will probably work the best for you, although it could need some shimming too to view all of the ball.
Mounting it in the CHMBL will probably suck for your purpose because the tailgate will block a lot of the ball. The license plate mount would probably line up pretty well, but you may not get much angle out of it if you need a lot of drop on the ball. The tailgate handle will probably work the best for you, although it could need some shimming too to view all of the ball.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 1
From: NorCal
Thread Starter
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Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 208,487
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From: Omaha/Elkhorn, NE
I'm on my third and I definitely do not recommend any VR3 license plate cameras.
My first VR3 was wired and had an adequate image for backing up to a trailer. Though it was plagued with moisture intrusion into the lense area.
When I got my 08 F350 I fell into the VR3 trap again and bought a wireless VR3.
Maybe it's my magnetic personnality, but as time went by interference rendered its operation random at best. Less than 1 year (<20k miles) it started leaking and the camera went from fogged to not working at all.
I just got a Peak 2.5" from flea-bay for $50 (new) and am installing it tonight. It's also wire less, but the camera actually has a remotely mounted transmitter which I will be mounting in my bed. I'm hoping the closer distance between the transmitter and monitor along with the actual antenna on the transmitter will improve reception.
Not to change topics but "97nukeford" are you ex-navy or commercial??
My first VR3 was wired and had an adequate image for backing up to a trailer. Though it was plagued with moisture intrusion into the lense area.
When I got my 08 F350 I fell into the VR3 trap again and bought a wireless VR3.
Maybe it's my magnetic personnality, but as time went by interference rendered its operation random at best. Less than 1 year (<20k miles) it started leaking and the camera went from fogged to not working at all.
I just got a Peak 2.5" from flea-bay for $50 (new) and am installing it tonight. It's also wire less, but the camera actually has a remotely mounted transmitter which I will be mounting in my bed. I'm hoping the closer distance between the transmitter and monitor along with the actual antenna on the transmitter will improve reception.
Not to change topics but "97nukeford" are you ex-navy or commercial??
Good info on the VR3, Thanks! I'm commercial nuke, Ft. Calhoun Station outside of Omaha. I was an Airdale in the Navy, airframe/hydraulics tech on A-7 Corsairs.