Hi there, Jim here- Im new to GN. Me and the Mrs live in Secret Harbour WA
I read a couple of threads on GN about the legality of rear view cameras and displays but Im keen to hear from anyone who's fitted a system themselves.
I like a little bit of a project and I thought a rear view camera would be a good addition to the van- no surprises from hoon's and road trains tearing up behind you. And the reverse camera might just save the marriage.
There are systems out there anywhere from $100- $1000, wireless, bluetooth, hardwired. I even saw one guy who used his smartphone for the display. And all the manufacturers tell you theirs is the best.
I want to be able to use it in the dark, I like the idea of wireless, I like the idea of using the in-built display on my Prado, and I like the idea of being able to switch between wide angle and distance.
How have you guys set up- and whats the ball park cost.
Welcome to the gang Garth the eagle, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Cameras, yep, I have one on back of Tug and one on back of the Den, both hard wired. Great vision behind while towing day or night. The one on the tug is a reversing camera and equally great, especially backing up to the den hitch as I am solo. I have the tug screen built into the dash via "mylink" and the den is up in my rear view mirror. I replaced the original one. You still need towing mirrors by law as discussed many times here and just recently.
I have " Clearview" mirrors fitted to the tug. I have heaps of great clear vision all round at all times. Wouldn't tow a van without any of them now.
Keep Safe on the roads.
Edit.......ooops, forgot to say to keep an eye out for the pink shirt man, KFC.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Saturday 13th of February 2016 07:12:08 PM
-- Edited by Dougwe on Sunday 14th of February 2016 06:40:18 AM
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DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
G'day Jim, and welcome to the forum. I'm from Bayswater but don't as yet have a camera system fitted other than the reversing camera in the car. so I will be looking at this thread in interest.
You can use a camera for rear vision while driving as long as you call it a drivers aid. I have fitted an elcheapo camera and it has 108' vision, which makes everything look too far away, very hard to back using the camera, or judging how far traffic is behind you. The camera cost $45. the cameras seem to go up in price when you get a smaller angle, so the next camera I will be aiming for will be something like 89' and cost about $200.
We have one that I installed myself hardwired and I can disconnect when not towing got it from safetydave.com.au very helpful with advise and information. Swmbo thought it was unnecessary until she saw it n operate on ur last trip
Hi all and thanks for the welcome. Im gonna carry on with the research for a bit & I'll let you know how I go.
Ive found a high res dual camera (one 120deg and one 45deg side by side) thats supposed to solve the problem of wide angle distorting distance.
Some of these dual cameras I've seen have two identical wide angle cameras not sure what the point of that is when they are pointing in the same direction
Dougwe- Did you fit your mirror or get help. Im also looking at installing a replacement mirror with two video channels to switch between the two cameras.
Im gonna want to look up there to see whats behind me anyway and the thing is just a normal mirror when the vans disconnected.
Looks like I can do the job for under $300 - just waiting on the guy to confirm the camera and display are compatible.
Garth, I had the Clearviews fitted by supplier for $50, for that price it was worth it. I chose the interior rear view mirror screen as that is usually where you look to see out back if not towing, also keeps clutter off dash. It just clipped over tugs exciting mirror, I also cable tied it there by fittings on back if mirror. All supplied by Safety Dave.
I don't use the interior mirror unless towing these days as the Clearviews give so much vision, so between them and tug reverse camera I have enough vision all round.
I love my Clearviews. I know they are very costly but to me, worth every cent as I am in the road full time.
I also love both cameras and all work together to make for a safe and enjoyable journey.
Whatever you end up doing, enjoy and keep safe.
__________________
Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
Cheers Doug- sounds like a plan.
Ive got the clear views on my Prado, well worth the money.
Ive heard a few good things about Safety Dave- might give him a call
Was it a problem running cables and finding 12v supply up to the mirror.
I had the camera fitted to the van during the build and car was through inside linings etc then tapped into live wire etc under dash, might he easier and best to get auto elec to do that. The reverse camera on Collie was done by holden as I wanted that calibrated into the holden "Mylink" system.
My van camera also has sound coming to the mirror but is very annoying so I have that turned off at all times.
As I said Garth, between both cameras and clearviews I have great vision. You won't regret the cost one bit.
Happy mirror hunting/fitting.
__________________
Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
I had a complete reversing / rear view camera fitted by Deerings in Jandakot a great set up. In my research it appears wireless systems are no where as good as hard wired
