[smf2139]

Gentlemen,
I am in the market for a backup camera. I'd really prefer not to replace my OEM stereo, as I don't need to watch DVD's while driving and I like my Bluetooth and other steering wheel controls they way that they are. With that being said, I've been looking into installing a rearview mirror with inlaid LCD monitor (similar to what Toyota Tacoma's come stock with), and a camera in the tailgate latch area (using the install instructions I found on Titantalk). I'm not necessarily on a budget (but I do have a wife). Has anyone done an install similar to this? I have listed the components that I am considering purchasing from Crutchfield. I have some reward bucks with them from installing a home theatre in my basement so that cuts my cost a couple of bucks as well. I'm looking for opinions, my truck is a 2010 and I don't want to spend 500 or 600 for a camera and stereo if I don't have to. I also figured looking at the rearview mirror is a more natural visual point while in reverse rather than looking down at my stereo. Again looking for opinions and suggestions. Thanks in advance.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_989MV432S/Rydeen-MV432S.html mirror ($149)
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_130NDBC8/Pioneer-ND-BC8.html Camera ($99)

 

[titan14]

A know a guy who bought that setup from some Chinese web site for $40 total. We tried it at work, and it looked fine. I think the mirror part with the screen just snapped over the existing mirror, and the wiring instructions were a little sketchy, but I figured it out. Just have to mount the camera and run the wires. Clarion makes a nice bracket that screws into your existing license plate bolts. Problem is it's custom fit for thier camera. The camera I used was similar in size (I just installed a back up camera myself) so I was able to modify the included mount brackets to work on the Clarion mount.

 

[titan14]

In your case, just buy the Clarion camera and the Clarion license plate mount. The camera is similar in features and price to the pioneer.

 

[titan14]

Unless you want to mount the camera somewhere else of course

 

[Nick Name]

I bought the Peak brand wireless B/U camera from NAPA for 79 bucks to replace a Chinese wired system I bought on Ebay. The Chinese system lasted exactly one month. Peak....2 years old and working fine and no connections to make from rear to front. Power the camera at the rear using a trailer wire or a back up light wire...done.. I wanted a separate system from one that was integrated, because I don't need it all the time except when towing and I don't care for having the screen pop into camera mode every time I put it in reverse. When not needed I pull the plug from the 12v socket and put the video end away. Different strokes.

 

[titan14]

The screen popping into camera mode when going into reverse is designed for safety. The theory is.....if you have to turn it on, you just wont use it as much. The feature can also be turned on or off with a head unit selectable setting.

Ive heard the wireless ones have worse picture and performance, but Ive never had one, so i cant compare. My camera is powered on anytime key is in acc or on, and I can view it at any time, by pushing the "cam" button on the head unit. The reverse feature doesn't even have to be hooked up if you don't want it.

lots of options out there. How nice do you want it and how much money do you want to spend.