Reverse Camera Questions for TUNDRA

hiro24601 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 07:42 PM

I purchased a night-vision, 110 degree viewing angle camera to work with my 2005 eclipse head unit (purchased at oem.com). I probably should have purchased the Eclipse camera but I liked the infrared addition that kawamall (ebay store) offered.

The camera is also a recess mount. I didn't wanna give the punks in my neighborhood a chance to steal my $hit. It is about the size of a silver dollar in diameter and about 3 inches long.

My goals:

The camera should assist with reverse opperations (it should have an effective viewing angle.)
The camera should assist while hooking up a trailer (I should be able to actually view the ball and hitch during the process.)
The camera should be vandal/thief resistant.

Which means that the overcab option is out, the trailer hitch mount is out, and my only forseeable options are to cut a hole in my bumper or the tailgate. Tailgate is my first choice; more problematic, but my first choice.

Has anyone out there mustered up the cohones to actually cut a hole in their tailgate for sake of the reverse camera?

To summarize my inquiry and add a few more questions:

Did I purchase the wrong camera?
What camera would you recommend? Do I need to trash the infrared option and go with a camera that has a wider viewing angle?
Where would you mount the camera?

I'm driving a 2000 SR5 Tundra with a tow package. I'm not driving a Sequoia! If I were, I wouldn't be in this conundrum.

Any Suggestions Welcome,

Cheers!

ic3nin39 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 10:13 PM

I've been trying to figure out where to put the camera myself....The only place where i see it is the little opening for lowering the spare tire. the only thing, you have to make sure it has some disconnects.

I saw a ford expedition last week w/ a license plate holder built-in camera on top....

desert_tundra · #3 (**permalink**) 04-06-2006, 01:19 AM

I mounted my to the tailgate handle, I took a little time but works really good there. Before that I had it mounted by the license plate, but I didn’t like it out in the open and when I would use it at night the license plate lights would glare it out.

When I installed it, I just took that panel on the inside of the tailgate off and drilled two hole where I wanted it, then drilled the same holes in the bracket Eclipse gives you with there camera. Put some double side tape on the bracket for a good seal and bolted it together. Now it’s high enough that when I tow stuff I can keep an eye on it!

If you have any questions let me know, I’ll try and post picture in my gallery tomorrow!

-Brad

Microxot · #4 (**permalink**) 04-06-2006, 09:36 AM

After looking around, I finally went with a license plate camera.

http://store.visorview.com/index.asp...PROD&ProdID=11

It is barely noticeable. I went ahead and used security screws to keep it on the truck. The angle was perfect - enough to have the ball in view when the hitch is connected, yet still see the outer edges of the bumper to have a good idea how close you are to something. I don't have any issues with the license plate light at nighttime. Even though it is 1 lux, there is plenty of light with the reverse light for backing up. OH, the only negative about this setup, you have to notch the license plate so it will fit in the frame.

tempetom · #5 (**permalink**) 04-06-2006, 12:20 PM

I have to look into one of these gadgets soon. I have a large blind area behind me when backing up and always stop about 10 feet from objects back there. The infra-red option probably isn't necessary due to back up lights. What sort of monitor does it use? A little LCD display like on digital cameras or cell phones would be nice I guess.

Microxot · #6 (**permalink**) 04-06-2006, 01:27 PM

There are typically two parts to be concerned about, camera and monitor. You can purchase systems or each one seperately. The catch about about purchasing them seperately is making sure you have compatible units. I've seen several different cameras that have different connectors. I was lucky, I have an Alpine IVA-D310 and the camera came with a conversion module that had the correct rca connector.

The make some monitors that will clip the the visor and others have ones that will mount on/to your dash. Some monitor units have the ability to monitor 2 or 3 cameras.

Be sure to pay close attention to the specs of the cameras. If your going to have a bumper or tailgate camera, you will want a (horizontal)120 - 140 degree angle lens so you can see to the sides of the truck. You will also want either a 1 lux camera or an I/R camera. I think a 1 lux camera works great on the Tundra, there is enough light coming from the rear lights for you to see clearly several feet behind the truck.

tempetom · #7 (**permalink**) 04-06-2006, 03:29 PM

I think I'll make a trip to Frye's electronics to see what sort of components they have for this application. I do know that prices of cameras like this and displays have come way down the last couple years. Now I wish I hadn't thrown away my last copy of Allied Electronics Catalog. I'll also ask a friend at Intel if he knows anthing about this.

ekepuu · #8 (**permalink**) 04-07-2006, 02:37 AM

I am looking at mounting a camera below the bumper so this thread is timely, however I already ordered my camera unit from a local dealer before I saw the license plate camera. Bummer as that looks perfect.

Now I have to figure out where to install the camera as well. I thought of making a small Stainless steel "box" that would mount just below the bumper and enclose the camera, but will have to see if the visibility is sufficient. By the way, the camera system I am ordering requires that I replace the rear view mirror with one that has a small video screen built in. When you put the car in reverse gear, the video portion becomes visible, but during regular driving it is a "full" mirror. This eliminates the requirement to have a dash unit.

kamipulu · #9 (**permalink**) 04-07-2006, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ekepuu

I am looking at mounting a camera below the bumper so this thread is timely, however I already ordered my camera unit from a local dealer before I saw the license plate camera. Bummer as that looks perfect.

Now I have to figure out where to install the camera as well. I thought of making a small Stainless steel "box" that would mount just below the bumper and enclose the camera, but will have to see if the visibility is sufficient. By the way, the camera system I am ordering requires that I replace the rear view mirror with one that has a small video screen built in. When you put the car in reverse gear, the video portion becomes visible, but during regular driving it is a "full" mirror. This eliminates the requirement to have a dash unit.

That is the setup I have. I made a little L bracket and mounted the camera on the underside of the bumper. Works great. It's very inconspicuous, especially since my Tundra is black and so is the camera and L bracket.

I can back it up to within an inch of a parking lot wall and within inches of another car.

Microxot · #10 (**permalink**) 04-07-2006, 11:08 AM

One disadvantage to the license plate camera (or any camera above the bumper) is that in the rain, the water obscures your camera's vision.

But on the flip side, a camera above the bumper can assist with trailer hitching and towing.

Quadude · #11 (**permalink**) 04-07-2006, 01:50 PM

I just purchased one for my truck at Pep Boys for $99. Where did you guys tap in for power and backup lights? Inside the cab or on the harness in the back?

Check it here, srcoll down to see:

VRBCS300 - Backup Camera
http://204.141.84.141/index_all.php

Microxot · #12 (**permalink**) 04-07-2006, 02:05 PM

Mine was tapped to the reverse system at first, but found that for my needs, I had it moved to the ignition/radio. That way if I am towing, I can look back and check on the status of the hitch at a glance, not just while I am in reverse mode.

If your not going to be hauling anything and your monitor is just for the camera, I would hook it into the reverse wiring. (excpecially if using the reverse monitor in the rearview mirror - that is sweet).

Quaddude, One thing about the camera that attaches to the license plate, I don't know if it has an adjustable camera, if not, you may want to get longer screws and grommets for the top of your license plate, so it will angle out over the bottom which will push the camera angle down (if your going to be doing any towing or want to see more towards the bottom of the truck. In addition, you will probably want to purchase some security screws (if it doesn't come with any) and bit so someone doesn't decide to walk off with your camera.

Burl

Quadude · #13 (**permalink**) 04-07-2006, 03:01 PM

Microxot, thanks for the reply. I am still debating where to put the camera.
Where exactly in the cab did you tap into the radio/acc power?
The camera I bought needs power from both reverse and accessory. That way you can turn it on whenever you want and it will also come on when the truck is shifted in to rev.

Microxot · #14 (**permalink**) 04-07-2006, 03:57 PM

I wish I could tell you, but I had someone install my radio/camera. I know that when I had them make the change, they had to remove my passenger seat to get at the radio, but that was more likely routed from another area of the truck.

Burl

tempetom · #15 (**permalink**) 04-07-2006, 06:14 PM

Excuse me for jumping in but I wonder if the Aux pin on the trailer harness is hot when key is on? That would be the nuts if it were since there's also a Backup pin on it. I suppose you still would have to run the cable to wherever you put the monitor. I'm getting pretty excited to try the Pep Boys deal out too. I wonder if there would be a way to mount the monitor in the ashtray or someplace like that? I guess I'll have to go out and look after while.