Front camera mod

So I'm trying to figure out a mod to run a front camera. While it would be nice to have it work "factory like" on the screen similar to the built in backup camera, I don't want to cut into factory wiring and I don't want to turn this into a major project.

I've been doing research into wireless cameras that connect to your phone. Looks like a relatively simple and easy option. Found this online in a few minutes -

$90 4UCAM WiFi Backup Camera for iPhone/iPad and Android

https://www.amazon.com/4UCAM-Backup-Camera-iPhone-Android/dp/B00HWB91VY

Mount it wherever on the front of the vehicle somewhat hidden and run the wires to the battery. Any time you feel like you need it while crawling or in any sketchy situation just open up the app in your phone and get the peak you need.

That way you can always easily disassemble it in the case of selling the vehicle or no longer wanting the camera...

I've seen there are plenty of threads on here talking about front camera options, but they all include wiring in with the OEM setup, putting in switches, etc.

Anybody see or do anything like this?

Any thoughts?

 

I like the idea.. but the reviews on that camera talk about a delay between what is there and what shows up on camera. I think for your uses, crawling and the like, this thing would be a major liability. Need something that is real time.

 

Agreed... Any advice on getting a set up that will work in real time and won't require manipulation of the factory wiring (or at least nothing permanent)?

 

I think if you are willing to have something wired to its own display, then that could work. But it would constantly be sitting there in the way when not in use. I haven't seen too many options outside of getting into the factory wiring.

 

Don't really want that... Found this - https://camera-source.com/2010-toyota-tacoma-multi-camera-video-interface-for-display-radio.html

But not being all that technical I'm confused if this will do the trick or if I'll still need to cut into anything.

 

How bad is the delay? If you're crawling youreally going pretty slow anyways. You'd be stopping to peak at the camera to make sure you're good to go.

I know my canon cameras have a live view app on the phone for shooting. Do the go pros have anything like that? That way you could just mount it there when you feel like it.

 

The go pros do.. I have used it on my dog before.. it works with the app on the iphone at least.

 

I'm a Droid Samsung user. I'll have to give it a look. I don't currently have a go pro. But this seems like a simple solution. Also can move it back up top as a dash came later on. Especially with that nifty stock mount ....

 

Not a bad idea. That would be really simple

 

The go-pro should work. If you're interested in that approach, check out the

$70 Akaso EK7000 4K30FPS 20MP WiFi Action Camera with EIS Ultra HD 131FT Waterproof Underwater Camera Remote Control 4X Zoom Support External Microphone Black

Akaso EK7000 ($85 on Amazon). Great camera, but I haven't used it in this environment yet.

 

Only thing is it'd be nice to have it mounted all the time. Can use it for parking situations as well... But I'll have to take the thing out and charge it everyday

 

Seems like a standard aftermarket backup cam mounted up front would work. Seems like there's plenty of places to mount front cam out of obvious view. Will always run risk of road debris damage though.

It would require a screen mounted somewhere, maybe with semi-temporary mount for when you really don't want the screen out or take it to a custom shop and have both cams wired to a rocker switch in and unused spot on the dash. On way feeds the factory head unit with rear cam, other way on switch feeds the front cam. This would be the cleanest way and frankly pretty awesome and worth the money if really needed.

 

Most of these backup cameras transmit a mirrored image. Need to find one that lets you toggle to unmirrored image. Haven't found one yet.

 

This obviously sounds the most ideal... How difficult of a process is it and how much work will the shop need to do? I don't really want the whole dashboard coming off with a big wiring task. I also have no blank switches on my dash right now. Got the TRD pro, it only comes with one blank and I wired some lights to it already.

 

Piece of cake, if you are willing to spend $500.00 then click on HERE

 

There are several how-to threads on getting a front camera to display on the OEM head unit. Do a search and you'll find them. Cleanest solution IMO.

 

I like the idea for parking too. Though I don't get in the situation often that I'd need a permanent mount. I'd rather just toss it back in the glove box most days. A good mount would be the hondo garage air vent one for that.

So does anyone know of any anyftermarket backup cameras that can un mirror themselves?

 

Ah you raise a good point I didn't think about. Backup cam in front would be mirrored. Not sure about that.

 

Here is your Mirror/Un-Mirror Camera

 

Can it run to an aftermarket display? I just want something small I can whip out when I need it.