"Anytime Camera" mounted under the Tacoma

Has anyone mounted the aftermarket "Anytime Camera" UNDER the Tacoma for offroading?

I bought one way in advance of ordering my 2021 Sport and didn't realize the premier pkg came with the trail camera (all angles).

I don't know what to do with it now other than sell it or mount it underneath to help determine clearance of obstacles.

Can it be used in this way? If so, how can it be wired/projected on the OEM screen when needed?

 

I looked at doing something similar in my truck. I found this harness online to connect the camera, it also says you will need a bypass module because the camera view locks out when the truck is moving and will only display when the truck is stopped. The bypass module will turn that off so you can see the camera while the truck is moving.

I haven't actually done it yet, I was wondering if the camera lens would immediately get so dirty is was not useful. If you put this on, please post back and let us know how it worked.

EDIT: All my research was for 3rd gen. I don't know if this will work for a 2003.

 

He did mentioned I has an order for a 2021 so its sound info.

 

I think if a small box was fabbed around the camera it would stay reasonably clean. One clean wipe and game on again.
If I can make it work, the question would be; should it face forward from the rear or backwards from the front end?

Thanks for that harness info.

 

That's a good idea! I was torn as to where to mount it. It would be really useful to be able to look down when cresting a hill and the nose of the truck is pointed up in the air, the trail cameras you've got coming will probably do that just fine (I've got a backup camera and that's it). I also would like to able to see if I'm going to get hung up on the rear diff in the rocks.

 

I have a camera mounted on top of my rear axle--helps me place the front tires and check clearance to obstacles. It is probably not the same as your "anytime camera," whatever that is, but it is a camera I can use anytime with the android radio thing in my dash.

BUT... it quickly becomes useless in mud or with water crossings. And it gets destroyed by gravel. Once the lens cover is cracked, the picture quality becomes terrible, and water will get in and fry it. But the camera is only like $15, so I replace it if I'm going somewhere challenging alone. A very useful perspective to have.

 

Gravel.

 

That looks awesome, I would love to have that perspective out on the trail, especially when I'm solo. I wonder if someone will come out with tiny windshield wipers for them...

I think the bypass and cable only matter if you're trying to do this with the stock head unit. I also considered just replacing it, which may be what I still do. I really miss my Android Auto I put into my old ride.

 

I'm generally not a fan of "anytime" cameras or trail cameras. They're a good tool to use (occasionally), but I see people rely on them too much and they end up being a crutch. It's better to actually learn the corners of your vehicle and have a spotter, especially when first starting out.

 

I agree but when solo on the beach, its the answer for me. My rig will be built specifically for the beach. The camera will be used to straddle logs, water, debris, etc.