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
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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
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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
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Never argue with an idiot, as they will drag you down to their level, and beat you with experience.
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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'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.
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
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Never argue with an idiot, as they will drag you down to their level, and beat you with experience.
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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!
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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
__________________
Never argue with an idiot, as they will drag you down to their level, and beat you with experience.
Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world, I've done it a thousand times
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"
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.
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.
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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.
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.
