back up camera useful !? wow !

my truck came with the backup camera, but i never really considered that useful... until i was getting back in my truck from lunch today.

when i came out from the restaurant, i found that my truck had 2 huge vehicles parked on either side of it (a ford econoline passanger van and a raised up chevy suburban). i sat in the drivers seat and i couldnt see a damn thing down the parking lot aisle on either side of me. but, to my surprise, my back up camera has a wide enough lense that i could see if anyone was coming as i nudged out of the space. it made it easy to manuver out of the parking space.

brilliant

 

I must say at first I thought it was just a gimick to sell the truck but I find it very useful as well. Great for hooking up trailors and seeing if any kids are playing in my driveway when I back down.

 

Yeah, I use mine every time I park in our structure at work. I back in nearly everywhere, and with the camera I can get to within about an inch of the back wall, thus keeping the front end out of the line of traffic. We've got relatively narrow traffic lanes...

I also back in at home, and it's helpful to make sure the 3 and 7 year olds next door aren't running up on me (Apparenlty I'm their father figure... )

 

That's really all it's useful for though; stuff directly behind the truck.

There is a warning that says something to the effect of, "The backup camera lens is of wide angle type and may distort image size, shape, and perceived distance."
When I read that the first time I thought, "Then what the hell is it good for lol!"

 

ya... i back into my space as well. i still dont have full confidence in where the wall is in the camera though

 

If you know how to drive, it is a huge bonus. With modest driving skills, you should be able to get within a few inches of something within a week or so of getting used to it.

The wide angle lens is also great if you have little kids, old pets, or are backing out from a spot and can't see if someone else might be backing out of theirs at the same time. Used in conjunction with the side mirrors, great tool.

 

You'll get used to it.

Get out of teh truck and check 5-10 times to gain a perspective for what you are seeing through the lens and you will have it dialed in in no time.

 

First time I parallel parked using the camera was great. It was a tight squeeze and I could back up and get within an inch or so of the car behind me. I'm not sure what they would have thought if they had been in the car.

Hooking up the trailer is a lot easier too. In my old truck I'd just back up until the trailer hit, then I knew I was close.

 

I drive down the freeway in reverse when i'm bored thanks to my backup camera.

 

Trust me, try closing your eyes its alot funner.

 

Can someone post a half decent picture of what the camera image looks like? I have been curious about this feature and havn't seen one in person.

thanks

 

I did a mod to be able to turn mine on whenever I want to. and its great on the freeway, and really make ppl freak out when change lanes real close!! also found out it good for the blind spot too!!!

 

With my front hitch and using it to park, I want one in the front now. Maybe have it come on when it's in first gear.

 

I wish all models would of had it. I wouldn't be out 900$ if they did!!


How much would it be to install it on an 05? Any body know?

 

I do not know what the dealer might charge. However there are aftermarket units out there for like a $100. Check them out before you buy. Sams did have them.

 

I really don't know how I got around without one now. I look in that mirror when backing up but the ONLY thing I see is that camera.

I place 100% of my trust in it. One of the best features of the truck. And having it hidden in the mirror turns a lot of heads.

 

I love love mine --except the one time when i got a tad cocky looked into the camera looked out the window and decided i can still squeeze a little more --hit the garage door --chipped my back paint --now everytime i am in reverse -- i bow and obey to the camera!!!!! =)

 

I love it for hooking up my trailor. I saves alot of time of going back and forth plus once you get used to it you can park really close as other users have stated. I use my Bumper as a referance point for distance when backing up using the camera works well.

 

here you go....

the pictures of the screen arent as clear as actually seeing it in person (the digital camera picks up the reflections in the rear view mirror), but this should give you a good idea of what you can see behind you. the red spots against the wall are the brake lights from the truck.

 

How did you mod the camera to be turned on at any time? Tried searching, but didnt pull anything for camera mod