Easy Rear View Backup Camera?

jyl · jyl's Garage

Quickie - looking for rec, a really easy to install rear view (backup) camera for an older car.

I want to put rear view cameras in all our cars that don't have them, which is almost all of our cars. We drive old cars, OKAY? My Vanagon, daughter's Element, son's beater Corolla, etc. Probably not on the 911 though.

Need a not-over-large display, camera, ideally wireless, does anyone make one that gets triggered by the reverse lights?

Nickshu · Nickshu's Garage

Gentex makes a nice rear-view mirror that has a backup camera in it. They are OEM supplier to several automakers but also have aftermarket solutions. This one also has homelink garage door opener on it: https://www.amazon.com/GENK3345S-Definition-Display-Compass-Homelink/dp/B00ARDBD1K

greglepore · 10-01-2019, 03:26 AM

A whole bunch now for under 60 bucks on amazon. I have a yuwei and have been happy.

cabmandone · cabmandone's Garage

I would advise against the wireless cameras. I used one in a skid loader and wasn't very happy with the picture quality. A lot of electrical disturbance and the "wireless" wasn't as wireless as you'd think. It actually took me more time to install the "wireless" than it did a full wired system because I still had to power the camera and provide a feed for the reverse signal.

dad911 · 10-01-2019, 06:11 AM

I just ordered one of the $50 double din Av systems for the truck, comes with wired camera. Will let you know how that works out.

WPOZZZ · 10-01-2019, 02:41 PM

I've used the Type S rear view cameras from Costco. Wireless, and the camera is solar. Unfortunately, the new version had a much larger display, about the size of a Samsung Note 10 +. They may have some of the older 6" displays available online. Camera is triggered by a wave of your hand.

onewhippedpuppy · 10-01-2019, 06:06 PM

If you install an aftermarket head unit there are an abundance of options. That’s the route I’m planning on my recently purchased 2008 F250.

Teutonics · Teutonics's Garage

This is what I use (or something like it, just a representative example) on our big van and older SUV's: https://www.amazon.com/CIPA-60200-Wide-Angle-Lens/dp/B000TCI7K4/

I like them better than cameras because they also help with seeing blind spots while driving. (in addition to making the area below the window visible when backing up) Cheap and easy to install.

And older cars? LOL, I'm right there with you... we have five drivers in our family with a Ford E350, Chevy Tahoe, and a Buick Rendezvous (remember those? The Tiger Woods car...). The other two have backup cameras.