backup camera with wireless transmitter $70

[haven]

I came across a remote camera with wireless transmitter for $70.

The camera is designed to be mounted on the license plate holder
and to draw power from the wiring to the lightbulbs that illuminate the
license plate. The signal is sent wirelessly to a 7 inch monitor that
mounts on the sun visor or somewhere else on the dashboard.

To help with rock crawling, the camera could be mounted under the body somewhere to let you see obstacles next to the front wheels.

The camera is available through Amazon.com, and also from Sam's Club.
http://www.amazon.com/Safety-View-Ba.../dp/B001U028JK

[JIMBO]

Works great, I've had one mounted on the trailer license for a couple years

Really helps when backing, near an edge/tree/stream/body

JIMBO

[Michael]

I came across a remote camera with wireless transmitter for $70.

The camera is designed to be mounted on the license plate holder
and to draw power from the wiring to the lightbulbs that illuminate the
license plate. The signal is sent wirelessly to a 7 inch monitor that
mounts on the sun visor or somewhere else on the dashboard.

To help with rock crawling, the camera could be mounted under the body somewhere to let you see obstacles next to the front wheels.

The camera is available through Amazon.com, and also from Sam's Club.
http://www.amazon.com/Safety-View-Ba.../dp/B001U028JK

I installed a similar b/u cam about 6 months ago. It comes in handy when you're backing up and don't have a spotter. Mine is in the standard license plate holder position, but it would be better if it was mounted up high to get some depth perspective, such as on a roof rack. The camera body rotates. To get depth perspective, I marked the camera with a key mark so I know the "calibrated" position. In that position, an object disappears off the bottom of the screen when it is 48" away. I mounted the monitor on my sun visor with velcro. One interesting side note -- when cruising on the freeway I've picked up images from other people's cameras. Apparently, some people hook it up to a "always on" power source, instead of the recommended back up light. In one case I even saw myself from the car ahead of me (checked by turning on headlights and it was me all right!). Today I was driving along Hwy 62 in Twentynine Palms, CA and caught a glimpse of some store's security camera image. I've also thought about mounting it on the front license plate holder, to see where the @$%# road goes at the crest of some of those steep hills ...

[87FoRunner]

I think one on the front bumper (like those of us with an ARB or similar) woud be pretty good too.

There are lots of occasions where I am coming up steep (steep, steep, well over 45 according to the gauge in the 4runner) and can't see over the top of the hill and have to guestimate where to go.

*Yes I know a spotter would be better, but it is more assuring to see if "first hand" and have a better "self" evaluation.

[Carlyle]

I've been using a wireless back up camera for several months now and have to say it is very handy. I upgraded to a little higher quality monitor after the initial one arrived with moisture behind the lens and enjoy the better picture. Very handy for backing up and seeing if some fool is tail gating...

[R_Lefebvre]

I've thought about these, but wondered how they deal with the inevitable dirt buildup. Then when you go to clean them, does it scratch the lens?

[kellymoe]

I really need one of these, I have zero visibility out the back of my truck and it's a PIA to judge how close you are getting to parked cars, trees and rocks. This will definitely be on my eventual to do list.

[Hltoppr]

I had one on the troopy, and liked it. Yes, the lens gets dirty, but cleans easily. I never scratched mine, but I supposed if you didn't spray it off and just wiped it with a dry cloth it could....

Worth the $70 I paid....

-H-

[77blazerchalet]

If we aren't there yet, we must be getting close to the point where a big enough screen (7-8 inches) can be used predominantly as a 'rear view mirror', but be switched to a GPS screen at the touch of a button - or be a split screen - and then be used as a video monitor when parked.

Bugged the daylights out of me that some RV stores were selling back-up camera setups for outrageous prices that couldn't be used for other purposes, but monitors could be bought cheaply, and we know how plentiful web cams have gotten in recent years. I always thought there must be a way to put those dissimilar items together to knock the price down. Is there some reason why a laptop couldn't be rigged up to be a rearview monitor?

[JamesDowning]

I have a wired version. Its actually pretty easy to wire the video wire up to the front seat. Either way, you'll have to run at least a power wire out to the camera.

The set I bought was called the PLCM25:





The rear view monitor is a mere 2.5" but provides plenty of detail for backing up... no need to be able to see each any every pebble. Just the general positioning of the large objects: