reversing/rear view cameras

Bill,

Check out the ones available from Waeco.

www.waeco.com.au/products.asp

Wayne

Ours is a Poron.....now known as Polaris. Excellent system. We have an infrared camera on the back of both the Patrol and the campervan.

However, be aware that (in my opinion), they are not suitable to fully replace the outer/towing mirror/s. Why? Cos the field of vision is very wide and thus quite restricted as far as long vision goes. The result is that you cannot see a vehicle behind you until it is about 100 meters away from your rear end. They are really designed to allow you to see what/who you might be just about to back into/over (like kiddies etc). Also, I believe some states have some stupid law that you are not allowed to have a screen operating in view of the driver unless you are actually reversing. To this idea, I say "stuff-em". My screen is always on when the vehicle is operating (although i do have a switch I can use to turn it off, in addition to the off button on the screen itself).

Hi there Bill,

Had the boat loader fitted by Cameron on the weekend, will do the job very well. I am the guy who had to trade the Pathfinder for the Patrol, to make it happen.

Anyway, after attending the Caravan show here in Perth, I purchased the Polaris combo - GPS and Reversing camera kit for $1200. The GPS is great, screen is good and the reversing cameras are OK. The bullet camera on the car is full colour although not infra red, however does the job well.

When I had the camera installed on the caravan, it was very faint so I went back to Deerings in Perth and tried a couple of other infra red cameras with the same problem, too faint to see. So I decided to go with another bullet camera and the picture is good.

Prior to this I had the rear vision screen monitor, bullet camera on the Pathfinder and square infrared camera available from www.brashimports.com.au That set up worked quite well and the pictures were ok. The only real problem with the screens is the bright sunshine. The good thing about the rear view mirror screen is that you can move it up and down to avoid the light reflection. However, it takes a little getting used to the black screen as a rear view mirror. If that makes sense.

I think the Brashes camera set up cost me around $500.

I am more happy with the Polaris set up, coz I like the idea of the GPS, Camera combo, and the pictures are OK.

The guy from Brash Imports is very helpful as well.

Hope that helps, have a great trip. We are going down South next week to try the boat loader etc.

Alan

This mob do a system, 2 cameras and monitor, very suitable for caravan application Polaris

G'day Bill,

I bought and fitted a PalmBOY by ZTV, got it from Jaycar in Ringwood Victoria. It is a wireless system and can be fitted on the rear of the car or whatever you are towing.

The Receiver, which I have permanently fixed to the back of my, has 4 channels so can accept and view up to 4 cameras. It comes with an AC charger and a standard Nokia mobile battery, so can be charged from 12V DC also.

I fitted the camera, which has a 9V battery, to the rear of my lux. Found the battery quickly ran down, so hard-wired to the tail lights and just flick the lights on when I am backing. Come to think of it, I should have wired it into the reversing lights.

If I remember correctly it cost around $300-$400; cheap compared to trying to put the granddaughter back together after running over her in the driveway.

I also support the earlier comment, it won't replace your mirrors.

Cheers,
Shep

See if this works



looks good for the price only $215
Site Link
Ian

You still need the mirrors, but the rear view camera is invaluable when towing. Many of the caravaners get theirs from eBay and fit themselves. We tried wireless to avoid having wiring running between car and caravan, but although the type we bought worked with a Jayco, it did not work well through the metal of the Bushtracker, so we had to hard wire it anyway.

Thanks to all the people who replied - think we'll see what deals are available at the 4WD show here in Brisbane this weekend before deciding. Sounds like we need to keep the mirrors though.

Alan glad you finally got the loader okay - am sure you'll find the Patrol better for all the things you want to do!

Bill and Dian

Check out this company - www.aussievan.com.au

They make a reversing camera system specifically setup for Caravanners and use only the best quality components, offer detailed fitting instructions with every kit and great backup. They also have a unique mounting system for the monitor in the cabin - which is a great feature - much better than having it on the dash obstructing your view.

They can also mix and match lengths of leads etc for people with buses, motorhomes etc, add a second camera etc. I found them very helpful and the product excellent.

They are based in Perth, but have an efficient mail order business, and attend most of the Caravan / 4WD shows in each state. Speak to Ros or Ian,

Cheers

Andrew