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Is this rear view camera mod possible?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by SeniorSpan, Jan 13, 2011.

  1. Jan 13, 2011 at 3:34 PM
    #1
    SeniorSpan

    SeniorSpan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm sure I'm not the only one who purchased a newer Tacoma that has the backup camera option. While I believe it's a usable option, not having it would not have stopped my purchase.
    But I see it a a half thought through idea by Toyota.

    I backup turned in my seat and looking out the rear window; therefore the rear view mirror camera view is good before I start backing up, but while backing I'm not looking at the view screen. If you have a shell on the back or the back pretty much loaded you are further restricted your view.

    As I see it, the rear view mirror has power and some sort of video feed for the camera to work. So, the question becomes:

    is there a video devise, maybe 3"x3" or 4"x3" or 4"x4", that you could mount in or just above the back window and tap the power and video form the rear view mirror electrical connector and run the wires above the headliner?

    Thanks

    Cheers
     
  2. Jan 13, 2011 at 3:44 PM
    #2
    rhavin42

    rhavin42 Well-Known Member

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    I didn't use the camera very much when I first bought the truck, I was like you, turned around and looked over my left shoulder.

    After a few months all I do now is a quick glance over my shoulder then use the camera for the rest of the reversing.
     
  3. Jan 13, 2011 at 3:53 PM
    #3
    Trap

    Trap Well-Known Member

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    I'm sure it could be done. Some guys hooked up a bigger screen on the stereo. You just have to find a 12 volt screen with the proper inputs.
     
  4. Jan 13, 2011 at 4:08 PM
    #4
    2K6 Taco

    2K6 Taco Well-Known Member

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    I have the oem camera hooked up to my pioneer HU
     
  5. Jan 13, 2011 at 4:11 PM
    #5
    meirvin

    meirvin Today was a good day, I didn't have to use my AK

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    I too have it hooked up to 6 inch radio unit screen and love it.
     
  6. Jan 13, 2011 at 4:12 PM
    #6
    Taco-NB

    Taco-NB MMMMM Taco's

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    I back up normally by looking out the back window. Then, I look at the camera display to make sure I don't hit the car (or what ever obstruction) that is behind me. Great for parallel parking!!!!
     
  7. Jan 13, 2011 at 4:15 PM
    #7
    novataco

    novataco Well-Known Member

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    I just installed a Sony all-in-one hu. It has video outputs for rear zone dvd viewing, but the instructions state that the optional backup camera will not display except on the hu. I suspect that is how most of the all-in-on hu's function. If you had an all-in-one-hu you could try to find out how to bypass that limitation, and use one of those external video monitors. But that would require likely installing an aftermarket backup camera, since the wiring for the Tacoma backup cameras is apparently complex, and it could be way too much trouble to find a workaround with that one.


    So one approach would be to find out if a video monitor (the kind that mount on the back of the front seat headrests) would work
     
  8. Jan 13, 2011 at 4:16 PM
    #8
    Trap

    Trap Well-Known Member

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    I searched, there is tons on the web. around $149 and up about 7 inch screen.
    Get the kit camera and all and don't use the new camera. Bet it's cheaper than finding a separate screen.

    http://www.qualitymobilevideo.com/mv-rf11w.aspx

    There is tons on the web this is just one.
     
  9. Jan 13, 2011 at 5:13 PM
    #9
    SeniorSpan

    SeniorSpan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Great info, thanks
     
  10. Jan 13, 2011 at 5:17 PM
    #10
    megillet

    megillet Resident Badass

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    Won't the video feed be 'backwards'? Isn't it reversed since you are looking in the mirror? So, if turning and looking behind the truck, you would see something on the left of the screen, and it would be on the opposite side of the truck? I don't have my truck handy to go and check...
     
  11. Jan 13, 2011 at 5:27 PM
    #11
    novataco

    novataco Well-Known Member

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    That is just a dvd player. You need something that has a video in port as well as reverse camera capability because the unit needs to know to turn on the camera feed when the vehicle is in reverse.

    The hu's that have camera inputs have a reverse image feature.
     
  12. Jan 13, 2011 at 6:13 PM
    #12
    The1youluv2hate

    The1youluv2hate Well-Known Member

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    I like my camera but I'm still getting use to it
    just sux if the Tailgate is down
     
  13. Jan 13, 2011 at 9:17 PM
    #13
    Trap

    Trap Well-Known Member

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    novataco: Yes that one might not be best, I was just trying to find a decent picture really. There is tons on the web that will work though no problem. Most come with camera but here you already have that part hooked up and working. Just got to grab the video feed and the power and run it back farther in the cab.
     
  14. Jan 13, 2011 at 11:35 PM
    #14
    novataco

    novataco Well-Known Member

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    I went the route of trying to come up with a custom solution, and I have found anything I bought with that in mind went into the graveyard, and I lost money.

    I think in the long run its best to work with the existing wiring and buy something that integrates: even if the math says its a cheaper solution on paper to go around the obvious.

    As a hypothetical example, If I screw around (as I have) with a cheaper solution for gps, and backup cam, and hands free (not bluetooth) phone, and I am constantly messing with wires, and battery issues, and booting up devices, and an occasional bad charger, and whatnot, and then I sidewipe a jersey barrier (which I did not), did I save any money?

    Right now I think all-in-one units are the way to go, and for now on I vow not to get cute with my technology ideas, because wiring and stuff is way to complex in our trucks and devices, and I have other things in my life going on. I would rather buy a thought out product on sale, and do the install work myself, rather than try to come up with a modular system and try to make it work.

    The best thing to do is work with what's on the market, and roll with it. Not to say I don't tinker with mods, its just that time is precious, and when it comes to electronics, the manufacturers seem to have the best solutions for what we need. My mantra is don't buy current, but buy what's last years, and don't be envious of this years.
     
  15. Jan 13, 2011 at 11:46 PM
    #15
    Trap

    Trap Well-Known Member

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    Well that is what I was looking at I just happened to post the wrong one. I kind of liked the way that one mounted. There is a ton of backup camera kits available with decent sized screens.

    Cameras and displays are so damn cheap these days there making them into backup cameras. You could get a excellent job done for 300 bucks. Would be better then what is on the truck now.
     
  16. Jan 14, 2011 at 7:10 AM
    #16
    novataco

    novataco Well-Known Member

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    (Disclaimer: I was kinda' drinking when I when I waxed philosophical in that post)

    I bought my backup camera (without monitor) on ebay a few years back for about $20.00. You are right, the stuff is getting real cheap. My point was not try and screw with it too much, and consider a new hu that does a lot more, and if the factory camera doesn't re-wire to that easily, just get a second one and not screw with the factory wiring. He could get a cheap camera and monitor, but then if he gets a new hu later, maybe wasted some money and has one too many contraption to mess with.

    You can get an all in one, with gps, for $500.00, or less now.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CLARION-NZ5...183?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5193395977

    But for his specific issue, you are right, a cheap aftermarket one is probably the route. Sorry for the rambling.
     
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  17. Jan 15, 2011 at 7:18 AM
    #17
    SeniorSpan

    SeniorSpan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    To accomplish to view I want I find it's imperative that the backup camera selected has a reverse function. The camera viewer reverse function allows for correct picture orientation no mater if the viewer is on the dash or hung in the rear window.
    Looks cut and dry unless I try to graft the new system to the Toyota installed camera. And since some are wireless the only chore is to get power to the viewer, the camera power can be connected the the backup lights, hence only when the trans is shifted to reverse.

    Thanks for the help.
     
  18. Jan 16, 2011 at 12:28 PM
    #18
    ninjanate

    ninjanate Active Member

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    i def agree. i use to backup o;d school but now getting use to the backup camera where it is it has made me so lazy i just use my camera and mirrors. no mishaps yet!!:cheers:
     

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