Back-up Cameras, who has what and how do you like it?

Did a search and didn't see a whole lot of input on who has what (other than Marv's install thread). So, who has what working on what HU? I am presonally interested in the BOYO licence plate camera and if anyone has used it.

 

i'm going to use that camera and install a monitor in my sun visor soon in my 08 DC. i looked at the replacement mirror with monitor like that 09 has but its much too expensive. And i would only replace the HU to get a monitor for rear view camera and don't feel its worth it. i think i can do a sun visor monitor for about $100. i only plan to use it when hooking up my trailer or when necessary so flipping down the visor when needed is AOK with me

 

I love it, using the mirrors to get me in line and close and the mirror to seal the deal allows me to get confidently within inches of my intended area.

 

I love it for hooking up a trailer, or seeing how close I am to something, but it is NOT for general backing. It has a fishbowl look to it. It is also worthless when it rains or the lens gets at all dirty. I wouldn't trade it though. I have gotten used to it and I look for it when I drive my wife's 4Runner.

When the tailgate is down, you are checking out your license plate, and under the truck.

 

Umm, it is a 'back-up' mirror.

It is for general backing up, whether you are backing up in general or up to a trailer, etc. I use it daily for 'just backing up' with great accuracy and benefit.

You are right about the lens when it is wet or dirty though, your accuracy is definitely compromised. To what extent depends on the degree of wet / dirt.

 

I have a Kenwood 5120 HU with a Kenwood backup camera. My camera is mounted just to the left of the hitches 7 pin wire hookup.

I'm currently in the process of upgrading my stereo so I had my HU out, well I forgot to plug it back in and have been forced to live without a camera for a few days.

Let me just tell you there is a HUGE difference and I greatly miss it.

I will be pulling the HU back out this weekend and fixing this. In my opinion it is dangerous with out it.

 

I had/have a BOYO license place camera. Seems to be constructed well. I found the angle of the camera to be a little too low - it affected depth perception with the fish-eye lens.

I recently removed the BOYO cam and installed a Pioneer camera inside an '09 tailgate handle and it works great. Thread here.

If you want to buy a gently used VTL-300 license plate camera, I'd be happy to sell it to you.

 

PM sent

 

I got the VTL-300 license plate camera and love it. I can see the tip of my hitch in it, and can get within an inch w/ no problem at all feeling comfortable

 

I just got my truck a week ago, and been loving the camera so far. Dont use it for normal reverse, but when backing into a parking spot or in the garage its MONEY!! Living in Florida, rain is an absolute, and have already expierenced horrible (if any) vision due to big ole water droplets blocking the view.

My question is, has anyone tried RainX or anything like that to help bead off the water?

I am hesistant to try because I would hate to cause more vision problems during dry times. If no one has tried, I wouldnt mind being a tester, but wanted to check first in TW.

I may be over woried, as I can tell you that a couple of hours after the rain stopped, when I got in my truck to leave work, the lens was peferctly clear again.

 

I also have the VTL-300. It does its job.

 

I find it fantastic for basking up. It shows you the edge of the rear bumper which you can use for reference while backing up. I can get within a 1/2" of something no problem. Best new feature on the Tacoma's if you ask me.

 

I find the display (in the mirror) very small. Just about too small. I am far sighted so I tend to use my mirrors. Re-focusing on the display is a challenge for my eyes. I must say it is very easy to backup to a trailer or close to a wall. Distortion is poor for the two rear corners of the bumper to depend on it.
In the old days I would just drop the tailgate and backup to the trailer. With the tailgate down, I could judge exactly where the trailer hitch was. With-in an inch most cases.

Novelty more than a convienence or useful.

I wouldn't miss it, if it stopped working.

 

I have a 2009 with stock camera. It is the best thing ever! I love it. I love how I can get within inches of whatever I want.

 

Just got my 2010 DC with the camera and it definitely comes in handy when you're in a tight spot. The camera lens is pretty well hidden and it stays in the clear.

 

is there any way to mess with the wiring to make the camera come on anytime you want?

 

i have one of these:

VR3 camera from wally world. got it for christmas a couple years ago. nothing fancy, and still works great. i don't really use it for anything other than lining up my trailer hitch...but it's nice not needing a spotter or getting in & out of the truck 17 times to get hooked up. it's "wireless" from camera to receiver. camera wired into parking lights, so i can turn it on whenever i choose, and receiver is mounted to the sunglass flap in overhead console and powered via the lead for the map lights. i think they go for less than $100.