Rear View-Backup cameras

[BillPa]

You guys who bought and installed an aftermarket what did you buy and why, wired, wireless, brand, screen size, price and etc.

There seems to be a lot of pros and cons regardless of the brand,type 9wired-wireless) and price. I'm looking for one primarily to make hooking up one of the trailers easier especially the 6x8 utility.

Thoughts, ideas, type, screen size, etc.?

Bill

[Hotolds442]

I use a go pro and an iPad when hooking up either the boat or utility trailer. Camera mounts to the bumper via magnetic mount and connects via wi-fi.

[Stockrex]

I like hotolds solution, works great for hooking up camper, launching boats etc.
but gopros are pricey

Old school wired cameras, you have to run a video wire from the back to the cab. So I like the wifi solution.
Wifi that connects to PDA phone is even better as you won't need an extra viewing device.

I need to find a good, inexpensive wifi camera or a wifi transmitter.

[EFBell]

my F-150 has a factory one. I love it! right under the hitch every time, first try. Makes me look like a real pro... LOL...

[LoneWolf]

my F-150 has a factory one. I love it! right under the hitch every time, first try. Makes me look like a real pro... LOL...
Love my F150 as well. It's like having a perfect zero on a rifle!

[Stockrex]

lol, they should make it a standard item for trucks for safety, I can't see jack &^%$ when I back out of my driveway, never mind trying to hook up hitch :-(.

So the camera is on the tailgate handle?

[LoneWolf]

Right underneath it and you can change the view and grid lines and all kinds of stuff.

[Stockrex]

I don't have any power cables going to my tailgate, I will probably go for the Lic plate
hitching up the camper is a bear!

http://i.imgur.com/Gi3a7gG.jpg

[LoneWolf]

Could mount a mirror on the camper and go red neck tech lol

[Dennis]

Get the camera, once your use to it, you won't own another truck or vehicle without it.

[BillPa]

Get the camera, once your use to it, you won't own another truck or vehicle without it.

That's what got me started on this. A buddy recently bought a '15 Chevy quad pick it up with do it all display. He was demonstrating the backup function and said "here you try it". I didn't care, it wasn't my truck (:p) so I gave it a go aiming at his utility trailer, made it the first shot. Right then and there I decided I needed one of them there thingys for this here thingy especially when hook'n up my 6x8 utility trailer.
http://i60.tinypic.com/6qbehu.jpg

It sets too low to see it over the tailgate and can only see it's sides with the outside mirrors if I'm off center. How close is a WAG!

The one I'm kinda sorta looking at is the Hopkins Smart Hitch. http://www.etrailer.com/Backup-Cameras-and-Alarms/Hopkins/HM50002.html

Bill

[EFBell]

Bill, you can always get the Mrs. to help line you up... But then that never worked too well for me...

[Edzzed]

I bought a cheap one off Amazon.com It is wired with a 4.3 in display. I had a wireless one prior to that and at times the pic was fuzzy or wouldn't work right. never had an issue with the wired one and it's been two years. It is mounted to the license plate screws.

[Stockrex]

x2 for wired camera, wireless are not that clear for my needs.

here what I found in my research:

Solution A, el cheapo and best video
1. Camera
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081GZDQQ
2. Viewing LCD screen,
I will use one from my little girls DVD player, it came with an extra screen with a composite video in put and runs off cig lighter, it is about
like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Philips-PD9012-37-9-Inch-Portable/dp/B003ES54BU
you can get these for pennies at garage sale or little more at target.
9 inch screen, so you can watch the hot single mum neighbor washing her Jag.

I am doing this for my Silverado

Solution 2
1. Auto darkening rear view mirror with lcd screen built in
http://www.amazon.com/AUTO-VOX-Adjusting-Brightness-Universal-Silverado/dp/B00J863EI2
or you can get one made by gentex (local business so, I have a weakness for them)
use the same camera. or use one they suggest.

Wireless solution:
you have a choice between
http://www.amazon.com/Peak-PKC0RB-Wireless-Back-Up-3-5-Inch/dp/B001W6LGGS
or a wifi one.

Pros/Cons
Solution A
Simple to wire, run composite vid line along frame and through firewall grommet. Tap power to backup light or to switched/fuse power if you are savvy.

Solution B
Tricky and tedious wiring, but pretty cool in my books

wireless solutions have worse pic quality, but simpler wiring