Reversing cameras

G'day

Some of the reversing kits have screens that can only be mounted on a dash. Other options allow for windscreen mounting. Be aware that mounting these screens on the dash or windscreen usually causes a breach of the ADR vision requirements in later model vehicles

Removing the internal rear vision mirror would also probably be a breach of the ADR's, even though you cannot see anything out of it.

Other options are replacing the radio setup in your vehicle with a combo foldout/electric roll out video screen and radio/CD combo combined with a suitable camera. Think ahead. Do you plan running a nav computer system in the future?. If so a screen that works with a computer as well as the rear camera would be worth the additional initial dollars.

I ended up with the replace radio option and a suitable camera. Not cheap but I now have a better sound system than the original plus a multi input capable DVD screen.

Regards

Paul

We have a camera in the tail gate of the F250 and another on the rear of the caravan. I can switch between them using a switch on the dash. The screen is a fold down type that is mounted on an overhead consul, and I have it mounted in front of the interior mirror.

Can't see out the mirror with a van on anyway, and as it is in the normal rear view possition it does not distract when glancing into it.

Ours was all fitted by Sound In Motion, Nambour QLD.

The one in the tail gate is very good for hitching up the van and seeing what is behind when parking. The one on the van is very good for when you want to change lanes after overtaking as when you can see the front of the vehicle in the adjacent lane, I know that I am at least 2 metres in front of it.

Brian

We have done a fair bit of evaluation on reversing cameras and I am currently using one on the new Prado. Combined with reversing radar and remembering to always check your mirrors as well the combined tools are a real plus.

Issues to consider are these:

- Infared colour is best. It provides visibility beyond your reversing lights at night. No other system provides that flexibility and it is a must have

- Any system should be well and truly water and vibration proof if it is going to survive on a 4wd

We are using a Poron system model CM-V1. THis provides a colour IR camera, with wide angle lens, to IP 63(waterproofing standard) and an LCD screen which can be mounted from the sun visor and swings away when not wanted. The screen can also be used to take a feed from a PC so it is quite flexible. Works a treat and you should be able to get one fitted for less than $450 I would think.

As something else to think about our screen is mounted on the passengers visor as it is much easier to see and use from the drivers seat. You don't need a screen in our face as you would if it was mounted on the drivers visor.

Regards

Rob

Mine is the Poron version which 3 of us got as a bulk purchase 6 months or more ago.
The screen came with a mounting plate which was designed to be attached to the dash with double-sided tape. However, I had long previously removed the internal mirror of the Patrol (and had nothing there at all for over 12 months). So, I dragged it out of the shed and took the mirror off it's mounting bracket....made up a piece if steel into an almost right-angle and mounted the screen where the mirror would have normally been. It still has the safety "break-away" feature that the original mirror used, so that in case of an accident, the whole lot will come away instead of being a solid object for the head to ram into.

Works well and is the same as the ones currently being advertised in the 4x4 mags for $400-+ (we paid about $300-). Mine only has one camera, but there is a vacant plug socket, where another camera can be plugged in (if you want one on trailer/caravan etc). Switching between the 2 cameras is done via a button on the side of the screen.