DIO replied:

I use wireless and it works OK for me. What you need is a number plate reversing camera LINK although I understand you don't want another monitor. Perhaps you will have to improve your mirrors or have someone stand at the rear of the vehicle directing you when reversing or manouvering etc.

Member - Netnut (VIC) replied:

Hello Alpal1,
I bought a reversing camera system from a bloke in Windsor, Melbourne. Actually, he talked me into buying it during a weak moment. I'm glad he did ! I use the system a lot, especially when reversing out of car parks; people keep trying to commit suicide by walking behind me when I'm backing out.

I mounted the slim fully-sealed number plate camera - it's about 100mm wide and it has a lens that swivels through 90 degrees - on the tailgate stop light of my DC Hilux. The camera will also operate in the dark.

I mounted the camera so that it blends in with the tailgate stop light where most folk don't see it. My canopy has a stop light mounted on the tinted rear window and so I was prepared to drill through the light above the tailgate handle. I threaded the wiring for the camera along the loom that was already in place to service the stop light; made for a very tidy job.

Having the camera up high means that I can aim it down to see the towball or level it out to see who's travelling behind if the Hilux's tub is really full. The hooded screen sits on a home-made bracket to the RHS of the dashboard, about 20mm clear of the driver's door. It's angled towards the LHS a tad, but this doesn't affect the view. In fact, it protects the screen from glare entering through the driver's side window.

The system I bought comes complete with all you need: camera, screen, wiring loom, instructions, handbook, remote control etc. for around $320. It will handle two cameras, so I installed a second camera on the rear of my camper trailer. I managed to connect the wiring to the trailer by myself. The system's salesman was happy to sell me the extra camera and wiring loom for around $100 and he threw in some dinky terminators for when the camper wiring is disconnected; keeping dust out of the contacts.

I was able to instal the wiring loom - some connectors are dedicated screw types - and get an auto sparky to complete the final connection in order to be able to have the system working whenever the ignition is turned on. Interestingly, the Victorian Government has just introduced new rules to stop me from using the system unless I'm reversing or towing something which obscures my rear vision.

So, my best advice....
1) Don't buy a cheap unit unless you're skilled enough to work out the idiosyncracies by yourself.
2) Mount the camera high to improve the views you can achieve.
3) Send me an e-mail and I'll give you the contact details for the supplier. You can then see his wares on his web site.
Cheers,
Netnut

Sand Man (SA) replied:

Alpal,

I have a system I originally purchased from
Brash Imports a Melbourne based company which consisted of a rectangular camera and rear view mirror monitor.

I have recently upgraded my vehicle and decided on the number plate camera which located better on the rear. Have installed the camera and located the mirror monitor, now all I have to do is connect the two together:-(

My problem is I'm buggered if I can find a suitable entry point for the cable into the cabin area of the vehicle. The cable has a moulded 4 pin plug which requires a hole of around 17mm. A suitable rubber grommet is not a problem but the Colorado does not provide additional entry points through the firewall.

I would give you a review of how good the number plate camera is compared to my previous one if I could.

Bill.