Reversing camera.

[alvin]

I'm on the lookout to put a reversing camera on the back of the Perentie as it really is a blind spot when manoeuvring in a crowded public area such as a car park, or reverse parking into a small spot in traffic etc.

I've been to both Autobarn and Jaycar looking for a reasonably cheap but acceptable 'wired' one.

Any suggestions from others so as to not reinvent the wheel?

Not having ever used one before, I've learnt that it needs to tick a few boxes.

• has to be water proof (obviously)
• should/would be good to show guide lines on the screen
• needs to be able to flip the picture so you're seeing the shot as if in a rear mirror
• preferably has a simple connect/disconnect so the screen can be stowed for security and not be a honey pot for potential thieves
• and have warranty that works so it can be replaced if a problem occurs

Ok, anything else I should be aware of?

Regards, Alvin

[dugite]

Photos show how we have done it. Camera is on rear post with camping light. Separate switch and screen mounted in cab.

Instructions suggest wiring to work in reverse gear.

Instead we have installed the system wired as an "accessory" so that it can be used anytime the ign is on.

The camping light (LED) is on the FFR 24v system and is available anytime (ign on or not).

[dugite]

Note: Camera system is one of REPCO's $50 specials - works well and I do not think you have any warranty problems there.

If you cannot see it, it is about a few inches below the light.

Cameras are waterproof.

[alvin]

Very good Dugite, thanks for that.
It's always inspirational to see how others have tackled the same problem (;->

A question, any reason you didn't mount it lower, say on the existing rear area where the lights, etc are? I understand being a wide angle lens that the height will give you a much better view of the rear, but just wondered why so high?

Alvin

[dugite]

It gives a view from the tow point up to horizontal - you can see just how close you are going with your jerry carriers etc.

[alvin]

Good one, thanks Dugite, get it 

[Lionelgee]

Hello Alvin,

Paul - pop058 made a great suggestion regarding wiring the reversing camera via a switch instead of it being triggered by the reverse lights.

The independent switch means that you still have the camera on while driving forward when you need to reposition the car in relation to whatever you are towing.

Otherwise you are blind until you put the car into reverse again.

Kind Regards
Lionel

[alvin]

Thanks Lionelgee,
Yes, I would have done that anyway and can see that's what dugite has done also.
I consider if you're going to put a reversing camera in, you may as well have the ability to look backwards whenever you want or need to, not just because you're reversing!

I'm also considering using a bar bolted to the existing holes in the rear ROPS and mounting the camera in the middle of that. I've figured so far (and I'm happy to take further advice) that while the backs down I need the camera, but on the off chance I'm in town with the back up (not a usual scenario), I would just run off the rear vision mirror as I would normally, hence saving having to elevate it via a separate vertical pole, but I'm open to ideas here (;->

[Tripps]

Hi Alvin,

On the mounting height, mine is mounted just above the tow point and doesn't give a great idea of distance when reversing it in to a park. 
I didn't have the option to mount mine as high as Dugite though so I've had to make do.
Still works well as a rear view mirror but greater perception would be nice for those tight parks.

Hope this helps!

[alvin]

Thanks Tripps and sorry for the delay in responding. I've not been into the forum for a while.

Yes, understand and I'm going to give it a try on a bar I've already had bent up. I'll put up some pics when it's done and then I'll use it and see it's advantages/disadvantages actually on the vehicle.