Hi to all travellers and those preparing. We are now one giant step forward and now the proud owners of our tow vehicle, a 2003 Toyota Landcruisier turbo Diesel with low ks. currently being detailed etc and will have it in about a week. Looking at getting a new Polaris in dash sat nav with rear camers, radio,cdplayer/ipod etc. Heard there have been some issues with the quality of vision on reverse camera. Any feedback please.
Ron and Shirley said
04:09 PM Oct 9, 2010
We purchased a Polaris Rearview Caravan system back in late 2005 and had the van camera fitted as the van was built. There was no Polaris GPS etc systems back then so cannot comment on that aspect.
Seems Polaris have a different camera (a dual one) for the back of the van nowadays. The previous camera is a bit too much of a fisheye such that you cannot really see distant vehicles which initially disappointed us. Others on various forums have reported the same issue, but one adjusts.
However it covers a fair distance behind the caravan that the side mirrors don't cover. You can pick up those cars/trucks that you saw in your side mirrors in the distance that suddenly are now close, or right on your tail, because they are travelling "faster than the speed of light", LOL.
We have the vehicle camera mounted high inside the small door of the Patrol and it effectively replaces our internal rear view mirror as it is on as soon as the key is turned. Because of the permanently installed Engel fridge the rear view mirror is partially blocked so the camera overcomes this problem very well giving an equivalent view. This camera allows us to get very close when hooking up the van (Treg hitch) but it would be better if mounted lower.
We have the screen mounted from a roof consul (CB radios) hanging just in front of the part of the rearview mirror where vision is obscured by the fridge. It is a simple press of a button on the screen's remote control to swap from the vehicle camera to the van camera when you hook up and each time you start the vehicle with the van attached. The screen picture is good except when the sun is on the wrong angle (flares), and on very dull/wet days when it can "grey out" at times.
Overall we are quite happy with the Polaris camera system when coupled with good side mirrors. We have a good clear view of what is approaching from the rear, and behind the van, so it works well for us.
-- Edited by Ron and Shirley on Saturday 9th of October 2010 04:11:39 PM
Seems Polaris have a different camera (a dual one) for the back of the van nowadays. The previous camera is a bit too much of a fisheye such that you cannot really see distant vehicles which initially disappointed us. Others on various forums have reported the same issue, but one adjusts.
However it covers a fair distance behind the caravan that the side mirrors don't cover. You can pick up those cars/trucks that you saw in your side mirrors in the distance that suddenly are now close, or right on your tail, because they are travelling "faster than the speed of light", LOL.
We have the vehicle camera mounted high inside the small door of the Patrol and it effectively replaces our internal rear view mirror as it is on as soon as the key is turned. Because of the permanently installed Engel fridge the rear view mirror is partially blocked so the camera overcomes this problem very well giving an equivalent view. This camera allows us to get very close when hooking up the van (Treg hitch) but it would be better if mounted lower.
We have the screen mounted from a roof consul (CB radios) hanging just in front of the part of the rearview mirror where vision is obscured by the fridge. It is a simple press of a button on the screen's remote control to swap from the vehicle camera to the van camera when you hook up and each time you start the vehicle with the van attached. The screen picture is good except when the sun is on the wrong angle (flares), and on very dull/wet days when it can "grey out" at times.
Overall we are quite happy with the Polaris camera system when coupled with good side mirrors. We have a good clear view of what is approaching from the rear, and behind the van, so it works well for us.
-- Edited by Ron and Shirley on Saturday 9th of October 2010 04:11:39 PM