Backup Camera Options - No Head Unit Screen

I just put on a Leer contractor cap and didn't really think not having windows would be that big of a deal, but I have to parallel park a good amount and I'd like to install a backup camera to help gauge the distance to the car behind me. Also it would be nice to be able to see better when I'm forced to reverse back down a trail.

I have an aftermarket head unit but it doesn't have a video screen so i think I'll either have to change out my head unit or go with something that links to my phone/iPad via Wifi or Bluetooth. I was almost going to just wire up my GoPro but I bet that would get stolen in no time.

Any suggestions? I found some cameras with wifi antennas but the reviews aren't great. I will have power in my bed shortly as I am installing a panel with a cigarette style power outlet, USB, and voltmeter.

So you can see what I'm dealing with:

 

Two things come to mind:

1. Buy the Gentex mirror and camera for the tailgate handle.
2. Buy a cheaper headunit like the Joying style (seems to be popular with a few people here).

Method 1 will probably cost a shit ton, not sure how much the mirror and camera are. Could be easy(ish) if the wiring is preexisting and is just a plug and play. Clean look and don't have to upgrade your current headunit.

Method 2 can be cheaper than Method 1 based on which headunit and camera you go with. I have one of those license plate frame cameras I intend to dismantle and fab a bracket up for to avoid using the whole license plate frame.

Either way you'll have to run a wire front to back for the video signal but you can tap reverse wires or other locations in the back for power.

 

I'm fine with running wires. The Wifi ones seem to have a significant amount of lag, which I would rather do without. Looking into different headunits now...

 

Ive installed these with success before - https://www.bestbuy.com/site/echoma...MIjs_6lPay1gIVRkCGCh3j7wiHEAQYASABEgKnd_D_BwE

They can probably be had cheaper elsewhere online too

 

09-11 I believe came with back up camera wired to a screen hidden in the rear view mirror, so parts should be floating around for that setup. Gives you another option if you want to keep your head unit.

 

Not sure if you're still searching out options, but saw this on Amazon and remembered this thread. It's on sale today and might be worth looking into as a holdover?

Backup Camera and Monitor Kit for Car,Universal Wired Waterproof Rear-view License Plate Car Rear Backup Camera + 4.3" LCD Rear View Monitor (Camera and Monitor)

https://www.amazon.com/Monitor-Univ..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=ZZ43CZ7SQEC7879M8E4G

 

Dang that's cheap, nice find. Still trying to decide if I want the kind that has a monitor in the rear view mirror. I think that it'd be nice to have the monitor out of the way. Not sure where I'd put that monitor that comes with that kit.

 

@zh137dz I picked it up, used some of my Amazon point so I got it for only $12! Figured I'll give it a go for that price and no harm done if I don't like it.

Thanks for the reply!

 

Might even be able to suction cup stick it to the back sliding window and see it in your rearview mirror

Actually that could work if you could mirror the image in the monitor.

 

Hahaha that could work actually, as I just need it to gauge the distance to the car behind me

I'll post up after I attempt the install this weekend.

 

Good luck!

 

Could always do reverse sensors as well or a stand alone option.

 

Honestly, I've had it with bumping into things (like saplings) that are too skinny for me to see directly behind me when my shell is packed full. Can't see them in the side mirrors. I've decided that I need to do something more dramatic before I hit something significant. I'm trying this:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_130X391BHS/Pioneer-AVH-X391BHS.html

And one of these:

$86 Master Tailgaters Black Tailgate Handle with Backup Camera Replacement for Toyota Tacoma (2005-2014) | IP68 Waterproof | HD Camera | Easy to Install

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DCRIS1U/

I already have a couple of Rigid Dually flood lights as back-up lights. They don't help when the skinny thing is right behind my truck though.

The other two challenges I encountered are 1) a short think like a bicycle being placed by someone directly behind my truck, so it is shorter than my tailgate (couldn't see it even without the shell), and 2) trying to back up and line up the hitch to tow something alone. I figure the handle camera will be better for seeing below to the hitch, compared to a straight-back view from the license plate.