Backup camera

My spare is mounted so high that the rearview mirror is completely useless. That makes it tough to back out of parking spaces, and makes it pretty difficult to back up when wheeling (I can't see that tree directly behind me LOL)... I've been thinking about getting one of those backup cameras- specifically looking at the type that replaces the rearview mirror, either a clip on or one that actually replaces it.

As with all things electronic, there are dozens of these on the market. So how do I decide which ones to consider and which to avoid.

Any personal knowledge would be appreciated... I know Church and Tony both have one. So chime in guys.

I will find the link later...but the best rearview mirror monitor is a total replacement...not a clip on...however, the most expensive option too

FYI, I have cheap demo unit from autozone (dad is manager) that I thought about using in the front (for crawling)....but like with most I have yet to do anything with it...its not the best, its the greatest looking, its also plugs into its own lil 2" monitor...your welcome to try/play/use with it if ya like...until you're ready to drop some coinage on a good unit

thanks for the offer... But I HATE wiring shit up- I hate routing all the wires and crap. So I only want to do it once. Yes I would love to try it out, but I don't want to go thru all the effort of wiring it knowing that I'll eventually have to remove it.

forgot to mention...its supposed to be wireless too (although, still some brief routing to be done, just not from the front to the rear of the Jeep)..for the demo, it was hardwired...just needs a few minor tweeks and should be all good

Audiovox Lcdm42

link to prices http://www.google.com/products?q=replacement+rearview+mirror+with+LCD+monitor&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGLL_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=9xEMS8uAGtOWtgf478nSAg&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBsQrQQwAA

TxRubiRig wrote:

Audiovox Lcdm42

link to prices http://www.google.com/products?q=replacement+rearview+mirror+with+LCD+monitor&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGLL_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=9xEMS8uAGtOWtgf478nSAg&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBsQrQQwAA

Question- I just scanned thru a few pages of that link. And all appear to have the video as just a boxed portion of the mirror, retaining the majority of the mirror as a mirror surface. I'm wondering if there is one that the video area is the entire mirror (or close to it)? The mirror is completely useless in my situation- I see nothing but a big tire LOL. So I have no need to keep the mirror surface, and would rather have a larger video view.

N2rock wrote:

Question- I just scanned thru a few pages of that link. And all appear to have the video as just a boxed portion of the mirror, retaining the majority of the mirror as a mirror surface. I'm wondering if there is one that the video area is the entire mirror (or close to it)? The mirror is completely useless in my situation- I see nothing but a big tire LOL. So I have no need to keep the mirror surface, and would rather have a larger video view.

Yes, I've seen lcd's large...even two LCD's in 1 mirror (1 left and 1 right)...but they usually have the regular mirror surface also...but I'll dig around to try and find them again

...are ya sure you want to do away with the mirror altogether...what about in those upcoming "date" nights as ya shuffle the horny teenagers around... ...just a thought

If so, I would then suggest doing away with the rearview mirror totally and just replace it with an LCD screen of your choice...but that seems like an easily stolen item...was thinking more like what the RV use at times...thinking of something like this: http://www.rearviewsystems.com/ or if Shanon could use your gps...you get another gps unit with video input such as: http://www.google.com/products?q=gps+with+video+input&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGLL_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=HyIMS6K6MIaVtgfl9ZnYAg&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CDMQrQQwAw

....or replace the stereo with a double din display, that has: rds, tv tuner, changer/ipod controls, bluetooth etc...this is my route someday

In reading the links above...for a while, I too had my eye on the Garmin 72xx series for backup cam. They have a huge screen (I think it's 7" diagonal) - nice part is, it's primarily a GPS. Downfall is the cam is seperate from the unit...and the GPS is pretty pricey by itself.

For me, for now - I've been using my inexpensive VR3 Wireless backup cam. It does what it says it does off a 2" screen. Basically, I can backup into spaces without fear of crunching the car behind me...also back out of parking spots and see if anyone is behind me...basic, simple. and, wireless. All you have to do is wire the power lead to the backup light wire in your tail light...then plug in the 2" monitor to your cig lighter (or hard wire it)...and when you go into reverse, the lcd turns on...bingo. I got mine for $90 like 3 years ago (used it on my F-150)...it's still running solid after all the exposure, guess I can't complain. If I bump up - It'll be to a MyGig unit with a cam. Here's pics of my install.

TxRubiRig wrote:

are ya sure you want to do away with the mirror altogether...what about in those upcoming "date" nights as ya shuffle the horny teenagers around... ...just a thought

Wow! You're not even a father yet, and already thinking like one LOL. I never even thought about being able to view the back seat! You have a very good point there!

TxRubiRig wrote:

If so, I would then suggest doing away with the rearview mirror totally and just replace it with an LCD screen of your choice...but that seems like an easily stolen item...was thinking more like what the RV use at times...thinking of something like this: http://www.rearviewsystems.com/ or if Shanon could use your gps...you get another gps unit with video input such as: http://www.google.com/products?q=gps+with+video+input&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGLL_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=HyIMS6K6MIaVtgfl9ZnYAg&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CDMQrQQwAw

....or replace the stereo with a double din display, that has: rds, tv tuner, changer/ipod controls, bluetooth etc...this is my route someday

No thank you- Not looking for anything complex, or huge.

akonius wrote:

In reading the links above...for a while, I too had my eye on the Garmin 72xx series for backup cam. They have a huge screen (I think it's 7" diagonal) - nice part is, it's primarily a GPS. Downfall is the cam is seperate from the unit...and the GPS is pretty pricey by itself.

For me, for now - I've been using my inexpensive VR3 Wireless backup cam. It does what it says it does off a 2" screen. Basically, I can backup into spaces without fear of crunching the car behind me...also back out of parking spots and see if anyone is behind me...basic, simple. and, wireless. All you have to do is wire the power lead to the backup light wire in your tail light...then plug in the 2" monitor to your cig lighter (or hard wire it)...and when you go into reverse, the lcd turns on...bingo. I got mine for $90 like 3 years ago (used it on my F-150)...it's still running solid after all the exposure, guess I can't complain. If I bump up - It'll be to a MyGig unit with a cam. Here's pics of my install.

Definitely simple enough. But I want the screen on the mirror- I don't want to have to look elsewhere for backing up. My mother has one like yours on her suburban, and she never uses it because its not up where her eyes are trained to look. I drove her suburban once, and turned it on while I was backing out of her driveway. I also didn't like trying to use it down there- just feels unnatural to look down instead of up when backing.

Well...if you wanna spend a chunk of change on a nice upgrade - get a high speed RER navigation MyGig. You can get them sometimes, if lucky, for under $500 on Ebay or Craigslist. I know there was a guy up in Spring selling one a while back for $400 or so. MyGig will let you add 2 cams...could have one for the rear and one up front for crawling - that'd be cool! A friend of mine with a Rubi has this setup in his.

You'd prob spend about the same if you went with the Garmin 72xx series and adding in the cam...whereas the MyGig is all in dash and has some real nice features.

Nope- I don't want MyGig... Just like I don't want an iPhone.

Call me a purist, but I use a cell phone to make phone calls with. I use an iPod to for portable music. Likewise I don't need a big video screen with a dozen different functions sitting inside my dash pretending to be a radio LOL

Nope- I have one unit for my radar detector, another unit for my GPS (which is only in the Jeep when necessary), another unit as my stock radio which plays music just fine, and now I need a backup camera which I only want for its one single intended purpose- to back up LOL

I think Steve believes in the K.I.S.S. method... LOL

we installed so many of these systems at classic they are cake

i like the ones with huge monitors, they seem much more realistic

but be warned, they are pretty worthless when the top is off, as the screen is "mirrored" and you cant see them with alot of ambient light

i would get one with "night vision" , thats when you want one the most anyhow.
if this is a big concern for you maybe you should invest in a backup buzzer also, to alert others to get the hell out of the way, and perhaps a phone book to sit on to give you a better field of vision. it is a proven fact most 12yr olds cannot back up a vehicle well

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RJMKOW/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0022ZN09E&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1TYQXXP6DCCKP1WP8M51

http://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Mirror-Monitor-Screen-Touch/dp/B001O6EA3C/ref=sr_1_36?ie=UTF8&s=car&qid=1259095951&sr=1-36

redneckhouston wrote:

we installed so many of these systems at classic they are cake

i like the ones with huge monitors, they seem much more realistic

but be warned, they are pretty worthless when the top is off, as the screen is "mirrored" and you cant see them with alot of ambient light

i would get one with "night vision" , thats when you want one the most anyhow.
if this is a big concern for you maybe you should invest in a backup buzzer also, to alert others to get the hell out of the way, and perhaps a phone book to sit on to give you a better field of vision. it is a proven fact most 12yr olds cannot back up a vehicle well

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RJMKOW/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0022ZN09E&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1TYQXXP6DCCKP1WP8M51

http://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Mirror-Monitor-Screen-Touch/dp/B001O6EA3C/ref=sr_1_36?ie=UTF8&s=car&qid=1259095951&sr=1-36

Hey Fawker- if you hadn't mounted my spare so damn high, I might actually be able to see out that back window. Yeah, I may be short, But it would require a jolly green giant like yourself to be able to see over that tire, and then you could only pull that off by removing the freedom panels

LOL


OK- so of those 2 links you just posted. What do you think of those? The first one has night vision- you say that is a good thing. But the price- seems really low priced (I like low price BTW).

TxCrawler wrote:

I think Steve believes in the K.I.S.S. method... LOL

Ya think LOL

some folks will say pyle is lower end crappy stuff, and it may be, but we installed lots of it at classic and i very rarly saw any problems with it

i think at the price point they have it at it's kinda hard to beat

My dad bought one of these, and I'm thinking about getting one to. Its a Wireless Rear View Hitch Camera. The cool thing about it is you dont have to wire the camera into the backup light because it runs off of a lithium battery plus it has 7 infrared LED lights for night vision range of 15 feet.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/wireless-rear-view-hitch-camera/47686

redneckhouston wrote:

some folks will say pyle is lower end crappy stuff, and it may be, but we installed lots of it at classic and i very rarly saw any problems with it

i think at the price point they have it at it's kinda hard to beat

Yeah the one you posted has bluetooth- I don't need no stinkin bluetooth!!! I found the same version without bluetooth, and it sells for $99. So even better price point.

Question since you are familiar with those Pyle ones. Is there a way to focus the camera after install? I have only found 2 reviewers online, the first one loved it. The 2nd one said that it was so out of focus that he couldn't tell the difference between a lawn chair and a boot, so he returned it. Just made me wonder if he was just too stupid to focus it.

[quote="N2rock"]

redneckhouston wrote:

... Is there a way to focus the camera after install?...

I don't think you'd be able to focus these cams...they're sealed for weather - they all seem to be "fixed" lens apertures. If one was adjustable, I'm sure it'd be pretty expensive, I've never come across one though.

I went and bought two of these this morning at Pep Boys, and guess what!!! They were on sale for $59.99

N2CRACK,
did you see the add for Fry's? It had this on sale.

http://www.frys.com/product/5990234?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Bizarro wrote:

N2CRACK,
did you see the add for Fry's? It had this on sale.

[url=http://www.frys.com/product/5990234?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

http://www.frys.com/product/5990234?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG[/quote[/url]]

Wow, that is a great deal!!!!

[quote="Renee10"]

Bizarro wrote:

N2CRACK,
did you see the add for Fry's? It had this on sale.

http://www.frys.com/product/5990234?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG[/quote]

Wow, that is a great deal!!!!

That is actually the reg price. This weekend it was $20 off.

Bizarro wrote:

N2CRACK,
did you see the add for Fry's? It had this on sale.

http://www.frys.com/product/5990234?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

I'm getting one of the ones that George recommended. My Xmas present.