Finding the hitch perfectly, on your own, using a Gopro & a tablet or phone
DavidC said
12:23 PM Mar 23, 2021
I don't have a reversing camera, and my car has poor visability. It's really hard to see what's going on at the rear of the car, so finding the hitch on my own has always been sketchy. I could get it within 1 or 2 ft (getting in and out of the car to check), then I used the ratchet jockey wheel to bring it the rest of the way.
One day the penny dropped, and I decided to mount my Gopro to the tow bar, and found the hitch perfectly. I used the "antler" looking tripod that you can wrap around the tow bar to keep it in place. Then, just point the towball at the hitch on the van, and keep it centered as you approach the van.
There's no need to buy a special app. Just use the Gopro app. You can also buy an "Action Camera" (Gopro clone) on eBay for $75 and do the same thing
I'm going to mount my Gopro to the back of the caravan and use it as a reversing camera as I travel. I'll upload pics and details when I've used it
-- Edited by DavidC on Tuesday 23rd of March 2021 11:24:26 PM
Are We Lost said
02:42 PM Mar 23, 2021
Looks like a good solution. I recommend mounting it a little higher for two reasons. Can you attach it to a rear wiper or something?
One, better perspective on position when looking downwards.
Two, too easy to destroy the camera.
-- Edited by Are We Lost on Tuesday 23rd of March 2021 02:43:41 PM
DavidC said
11:28 PM Mar 23, 2021
I'm just basically using what's at hand, that's the antler tripod (as in deers antlers). It wraps quickly to the tow bar, and its position is like the sights of a gun, just keep the ball lined up to the hitch on the trailer, and bobs your uncle.
-- Edited by DavidC on Tuesday 23rd of March 2021 11:29:04 PM
Dougwe said
09:21 AM Mar 25, 2021
Between my reverse camera on the Collie and a V shaped hitch guide, all works well for this Solo Indian Chief.
Whenarewethere said
03:40 PM Mar 26, 2021
A good idea, should be in the Hint, Tips & Great Ideas thread.
I personally think a raised position would be better. A modification I make to my Garmin GPS with a neodymium magnet. Could be adapted to your mount.
I regret posting this now, lol, everyone is saying what a sh**ty idea it is. I thought people might have found it interesting that you can actually use a common Gopro in this type of application.
-- Edited by DavidC on Friday 26th of March 2021 04:09:54 PM
Whenarewethere said
04:16 PM Mar 26, 2021
Whenarewethere wrote:
A good idea, should be in the Hint, Tips & Great Ideas thread.
'A good idea'
It is beside the point whether the idea is good or bad. The point is that it gives other people ideas, either for the same purpose or to adapt for a completely different project.
A camera mount I am working on for side mounting dashcam.
I regret posting this now, lol, everyone is saying what a sh**ty idea it is. .........
Who said that? I said it was a good idea but suggested an improvement. The same as Whenarewethere.
KJB said
06:47 PM Mar 26, 2021
DavidC wrote:
I'm just basically using what's at hand, that's the antler tripod (as in deers antlers). It wraps quickly to the tow bar, and its position is like the sights of a gun, just keep the ball lined up to the hitch on the trailer, and bobs your uncle.
-- Edited by DavidC on Tuesday 23rd of March 2021 11:29:04 PM
Ingenuity - had a problem , came up with an idea , brought it to a successful outcome using items at hand - great project , lot of satisfaction (if you are scared of failure you will never try anything but always be open to suggested improvements or refinements ) ...you have my applause.
DavidC said
07:05 PM Mar 26, 2021
Thanks guys
DavidC said
07:07 PM Mar 26, 2021
I'm flying to Brisbane tomorrow to pick up my new truck, a turbo diesel Navara, so all this will be a thing of the past. I'll actually be able to see what's going on behind me, lol
oldbloke said
03:42 PM Mar 29, 2021
So, i guess you could have it on the rear of the van too?
DavidC said
02:27 AM Mar 31, 2021
Yeah. I've got a few mounts on eBay, so I'm going to give it a try. I'll upload some pics of it
Hydeeeho said
04:08 PM Apr 6, 2021
I for one dont think thats a ****ty idea, its a dam good idea and why didnt think of it instead of spending $450
cheers Dave
-- Edited by Hydeeeho on Tuesday 6th of April 2021 04:09:35 PM
Whenarewethere said
01:50 PM Apr 7, 2021
If you have a dashcam with a battery, or you can simply plug it in to a portable battery pack, or extension power lead from the car.
If the dashcam has live view function just use that, saves buying another camera when its not really necessary.
Or live view from a rear window dashcam camera if you have one, if you do not have a reversing camera. Or you may have both rear dashcam & reversing camera.
Just some thoughts as you may already have all the gadgets at hand!
Mobi Condo said
08:01 AM Apr 28, 2021
What a RIPPER of an idea.
I am extremely envious of your idea, application and thoughts.
gdayjr said
11:58 AM Apr 29, 2021
I came across this on a faceache feed yesterday.
Although the delivery time is not ideal, it does show just whats out there in regard to driver aids.
I can think of multiple uses for something like this.
Although the delivery time is not ideal, it does show just whats out there in regard to driver aids.
I can think of multiple uses for something like this.
Just be careful mate, I bought one of those wireless reversing cameras on eBay for my caravan, but as soon as you drive faster than 60km per hour, they disconnect. The signal isn't strong enough to reach inside the car, and the wind must affect the way it transmits. I was able to return it for a refund
Brodie Allen said
01:02 PM Jan 9, 2022
DavidC wrote:
gdayjr wrote:
I came across this on a faceache feed yesterday.
Although the delivery time is not ideal, it does show just whats out there in regard to driver aids.
I can think of multiple uses for something like this.
Just be careful mate, I bought one of those wireless reversing cameras on eBay for my caravan, but as soon as you drive faster than 60km per hour, they disconnect. The signal isn't strong enough to reach inside the car, and the wind must affect the way it transmits. I was able to return it for a refund
Not my experience at all. I bought the camera and display as a unit,
and was the first plug and play thing that I have ever had. Self pairing,
works at any speed, didn't even use the half-way booster.
Nothing simpler. Added a different angled view camera to the other
original one and at the press of a button can go from wide angle to
zoomed up for the open road.
Wouldn't leave home without it.
And it's not Safety Dave - no need to pay the premium for "assistance"
when even this dummy could plug it in.
SoloMC said
03:07 PM Jan 9, 2022
Dave C
Great idea
My 200lc has a reversing camera but its offset and gives the wrong perspective. it shows that im over the pin when im about 50 mm away to one side.
oldbloke said
10:09 PM Jan 10, 2022
Anyone else tried those little cameras? Seems a great solution for thr rear of the van
Izabarack said
04:21 PM Jan 22, 2022
I mount an Action Cam on the back, looking straight down through the DO35 pin hole. Bluetooths to my phone and allows me to position the receiver perfectly.
jegog said
12:00 PM Feb 19, 2022
I think it is a great idea. If you Arte worried about crunching the camera if mounted behind the tow ball, mount it under.
My Triton has the reversing camera off centre and it is a little bit off, but the hitch pivots and so positioning doesn't have to be so precise.
bruceg said
05:04 PM Mar 8, 2023
I use a quick-and-dirty periscope.
A cheap flexible suction cup camera holder fitted with a cheap shaving mirror sticks on to the outside of the rear window directly above the tow ball with the mirror facing down at ~15°; shows the tow ball at the bottom of the normal driver's mirror and back ~3m.
I don't have a reversing camera, and my car has poor visability. It's really hard to see what's going on at the rear of the car, so finding the hitch on my own has always been sketchy. I could get it within 1 or 2 ft (getting in and out of the car to check), then I used the ratchet jockey wheel to bring it the rest of the way.
One day the penny dropped, and I decided to mount my Gopro to the tow bar, and found the hitch perfectly. I used the "antler" looking tripod that you can wrap around the tow bar to keep it in place. Then, just point the towball at the hitch on the van, and keep it centered as you approach the van.
There's no need to buy a special app. Just use the Gopro app. You can also buy an "Action Camera" (Gopro clone) on eBay for $75 and do the same thing
I'm going to mount my Gopro to the back of the caravan and use it as a reversing camera as I travel. I'll upload pics and details when I've used it
-- Edited by DavidC on Tuesday 23rd of March 2021 11:24:26 PM
Looks like a good solution. I recommend mounting it a little higher for two reasons. Can you attach it to a rear wiper or something?
One, better perspective on position when looking downwards.
Two, too easy to destroy the camera.
-- Edited by Are We Lost on Tuesday 23rd of March 2021 02:43:41 PM
I'm just basically using what's at hand, that's the antler tripod (as in deers antlers). It wraps quickly to the tow bar, and its position is like the sights of a gun, just keep the ball lined up to the hitch on the trailer, and bobs your uncle.
-- Edited by DavidC on Tuesday 23rd of March 2021 11:29:04 PM
A good idea, should be in the Hint, Tips & Great Ideas thread.
I personally think a raised position would be better. A modification I make to my Garmin GPS with a neodymium magnet. Could be adapted to your mount.
I regret posting this now, lol, everyone is saying what a sh**ty idea it is. I thought people might have found it interesting that you can actually use a common Gopro in this type of application.
-- Edited by DavidC on Friday 26th of March 2021 04:09:54 PM
'A good idea'
It is beside the point whether the idea is good or bad. The point is that it gives other people ideas, either for the same purpose or to adapt for a completely different project.
A camera mount I am working on for side mounting dashcam.
Who said that? I said it was a good idea but suggested an improvement. The same as Whenarewethere.
Ingenuity - had a problem , came up with an idea , brought it to a successful outcome using items at hand - great project , lot of satisfaction (if you are scared of failure you will never try anything but always be open to suggested improvements or refinements ) ...you have my applause.
Yeah. I've got a few mounts on eBay, so I'm going to give it a try. I'll upload some pics of it
I for one dont think thats a ****ty idea, its a dam good idea and why didnt think of it instead of spending $450
cheers Dave
-- Edited by Hydeeeho on Tuesday 6th of April 2021 04:09:35 PM
If you have a dashcam with a battery, or you can simply plug it in to a portable battery pack, or extension power lead from the car.
If the dashcam has live view function just use that, saves buying another camera when its not really necessary.
Or live view from a rear window dashcam camera if you have one, if you do not have a reversing camera. Or you may have both rear dashcam & reversing camera.
Just some thoughts as you may already have all the gadgets at hand!
What a RIPPER of an idea.
I am extremely envious of your idea, application and thoughts.
I came across this on a faceache feed yesterday.
Although the delivery time is not ideal, it does show just whats out there in regard to driver aids.
I can think of multiple uses for something like this.
https://exquisitegrettta.com/products/trailercam-reverse-camera?fbclid=IwAR24uvWpKeZmNA3ZORGDsHb_WlAAAm8CvPFlfP8KC8uXkON3BgfV9gufYw4
Just be careful mate, I bought one of those wireless reversing cameras on eBay for my caravan, but as soon as you drive faster than 60km per hour, they disconnect. The signal isn't strong enough to reach inside the car, and the wind must affect the way it transmits. I was able to return it for a refund
Not my experience at all. I bought the camera and display as a unit,
and was the first plug and play thing that I have ever had. Self pairing,
works at any speed, didn't even use the half-way booster.
Nothing simpler. Added a different angled view camera to the other
original one and at the press of a button can go from wide angle to
zoomed up for the open road.
Wouldn't leave home without it.
And it's not Safety Dave - no need to pay the premium for "assistance"
when even this dummy could plug it in.
Great idea
My 200lc has a reversing camera but its offset and gives the wrong perspective. it shows that im over the pin when im about 50 mm away to one side.
My Triton has the reversing camera off centre and it is a little bit off, but the hitch pivots and so positioning doesn't have to be so precise.
I use a quick-and-dirty periscope.
A cheap flexible suction cup camera holder fitted with a cheap shaving mirror sticks on to the outside of the rear window directly above the tow ball with the mirror facing down at ~15°; shows the tow ball at the bottom of the normal driver's mirror and back ~3m.
bye.