Reversing camera

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Originally Posted by Cuppa

Oh yes, I don’t think this has been mentioned yet ....... everyone I know who has bought wireless camera set ups have been disappointed with them. Wired, although taking a bit more installation effort are more reliable.

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I have one sitting in the shed somewhere if anyone wants the useless bit of crap! It was supposed to work over a distance of 80 metres but failed to work over a distance of 8 metres!

I have a wireless camera as it came with a GPS and is very average at best.

I will be hard wiring it and replacing with better camera.

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Originally Posted by Evo

I bought my camera and screen from Repco, $79 on sale.
All plug and play, also has second input in screen for second camera.
Mine is primarily for reversing, but for the price is pretty good.
Has night vision also.

Evo

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I have tried to keep my dash wire and clutter free. Thats why I have a replacement rear view mirror (not a clip on as they are too heavy and the mirror moves down - especially off road) with built in monitor and a double din set up with on and off road GPS software etc. I even have a UHF with a remote head to keep things tidy. When I purchased the Patrol some years ago I decided I did not want the spider web of cables and crap I had in the previous 4by.

I just bought a Swann security system for my home. It has 12V HD colour camera's with infrared night vision which will display colour if the visible area is artificially lit. They're about $160 & weather proof so I bought an extra one for the car/camper. I already have a screen with 2 RCA inputs & these cameras have an RCA output with 18M extension which you can also buy separately. You just need to make sure the power supply meets same amperage requirements which isn't hard. In my case I have an inverter so I'll just use the transformer they supply for it. There's very little wiring involved. It's basically concealing the cables & plug them in. They have a 60deg lens angle which is plenty for this application. I also have a black & white camera with an 85deg angle & it's too much. You can have the camera on constantly or you could easily add a switch into the positive power wire to the camera which, if you wanted to could be taken from your reverse sensor on your gearbox. I have mine on a switch in the dash but when travelling with the camper trailer I have it turned on whilst driving as it replaces the rear view mirror very well. The only downside is they're not very small & therefore not easily concealed if fitting to a car but on a caravan this wouldn't be such an issue.

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Originally Posted by Cuppa

I think this is one area where paying more for brand name appliances isn’t likely to get you extra value. So much so that I don’t know of any Brand names for cameras or monitors. However Sony & Sharp sensors are good. If not keen on ebay which I would consider the best bet particularly for a reversing only camera the link that BillsGU came with his recommendation & looks worthwhile. If you go CCD with a ⅓” sensor you should be good. A touch screen will likely be less prone to vibration damage over time.

Buying a complete set up (Camera/cable/monitor) may save any hassle with ensuring you have compatible connectors but most sellers will have the right cables if you buy components separately. More often the extra cost for a complete set up over buying separates is just for the convenience factor.

Oh yes, I don’t think this has been mentioned yet ....... everyone I know who has bought wireless camera set ups have been disappointed with them. Wired, although taking a bit more installation effort are more reliable.

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yes thanks cuppa definitely not going wireless have read that one

I've tried those rear vision mirror style reverse cameras, TBH just from the sheer weight of it I was forever readjusting it.
I would not like to see how they go day in day out on a rough road, Not for me,
I think 4 sensors might work better unless you really need to see behind you .

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Originally Posted by threedogs

I've tried those rear vision mirror style reverse cameras, TBH just from the sheer weight of it I was forever readjusting it.
I would not like to see how they go day in day out on a rough road, Not for me,
I think 4 sensors might work better unless you really need to see behind you .

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The mirror I picked up is not a clip on - its a replacement. As well as the built in monitor it also has a forward looking camera that records on to a SD card, with a G sensor that locks the video file in case of an accident. Very neat and clutter free with one small cable that I have run under the roof lining.

As far as rear vision goes when travelling with a big caravan - those that say it isn't necessary either have ESP or they don't really tow a big caravan! You just can't get too much rear vision when towing IMHO.