I still check my mirrors in the escape, but since our neighbors have 2 yard apes under 6 who run around like maniacs, I check the camera too before backing out. It's just another tool in my driving arsenal.

Back-up cameras: Crash your car with confident surprise...

It was a requirement when we bought our F150. I find it to be goofy in a little car but mandatory in a truck or SUV. Also a Godsend when hooking up a trailer.

I love it in my new Tacoma. Helps me park it to. I need one in the front since I always have more room than I thought. I drove to FL in my old BMW this past weekend. I forgot how helpful that camera is!

think the option being added to my stereo was only $200 or 300 (not including installation or the cost of the stereo).

Exactly! None of my cars have one, but I would not buy a new car without one. I rented a couple cars that had them and they changed my opinion completely. I still did everything the same way (which has served me well in the past), but it is nice to have one more tool that might prevent that one mistake.

Has anyone installed a backup camera as a retrofit? I've thought about getting one for my truck to help hitching up trailers and also installing one on the rear of my 28' enclosed trailer so I have a better idea of what's going on behind me on the highway in traffic... and also for backing that sucker up. Anyone done that and can recommend a system?

Tom

See what they have on Amazon and read the reviews. They even have wireless cameras these days to make installation even easier.

My $0.02 on backup cameras. I think they are great to have as you can see what is in the blind spot on a SUV. It came stock on my Murano and I don't think I would get a SUV without it. The reverse sensors are also good to have, but you need to realize what is happening. I saw a lady in a Lexus backing up yesterday and she kept going into the shopping carts. I think her sensors were working, but she just didn't pay attention.

With the rear quarter visibility on our FJ Cruiser (nil), it's really nice to have.

Years ago a lady in an Expedition backed up into my wife while they were both completely stopped in traffic. My wife was in a miata. The lady had the sensors, but just kept going because she didn't see anything. My wife said her comment was something like "well you shouldn't be driving such a small car"

I like the one in our Bimmer.

I use the one in our CR-V all the time. Even catch myself looking at the dash in my Accord, but it doesn't have one.

It's really fun hooking up a trailer when people don't know you have one. "Damn, you got it the first time." Just smile and nod.:D

I really like the camera on our Venza. The car has the parking sensors as well. They really are great for parking. Our lot at work has the narrowest spaces I have ever seen. That wasn't too bad when I drove the 944 to work, but trying to park my Denali with out a BU camera is quite a chore sometimes.(That's a conversation for another thread here..ha)

It wouldn't matter for our family - we are the last one that exists without a SUV or minivan.

I like the one on my Lexus, although with it being mounted to one side, it's not so great for lining up into a parking spot for example. Where I've found it to be invaluable is when backing out of a spot when you can't see into the parking lot lane(i.e. SUV or truck on either side). The fisheye lens allows you to see other vehicles traveling in the lane by only backing out a foot or so.

Different take for me on the trailer thing - I enjoy the challenge of backing up just right just using the mirrors and my own eyes. Do I always get it the first time - no. But I do get very close most of the time and at times - yes - spot on. But then again I love Jeopardy because it stretches my brain.

My truck is an extended cab with 8' bed so it does take some skill.

Regarding human children putting themselves in harm's way - I have 2 outside cats and they love to lay on the driveway late in the day around the time I usually get home. They always move out of the way as I begin to back in. Always. I wonder why children don't do this. Seems to be an instinctive survival technique to me.

I've never in my life ever backed into anything living or otherwise in all the years I've been driving. It's a very serious business and should be taken that way.

Never had a car that new. :)

The older I get, the stiffer my neck gets, so these things might have some use now and then. That said, I hate the idea of yet more gizmos to nanny me into oblivion. Soon there will be self driving cars that you can just send to the grocery store with no one in them, to pick up what you ordered with your iPad.

SWEEEEET!!!! I hate grocery shopping.