Backup cameras

[longnecker]

Has anyone ever installed a backup camera on their pickup. I have read about the wireless ones and wonder if anyone has used one. How good is it and how easy is the hookup. I am interested in getting one.

 

[Sunline Fan]

Hi Dick & Mary,

I had one on the Excursion a couple years ago. I just never liked the idea of it in the first place, and wasn't a fan of the screen sticking up on the dash (I've never been a fan of window mount GPS holders either). It worked pretty well during the time it was on, but I did make one mistake. Naturally, from driving on wet roads, the end of the camera got wet. I tried to put RainX on it, and it scratched the lens so that it was difficult to get a clear picture on the screen inside.

I thought about putting it on the back of the Sunline, but since it needs a backup wire feed, which isn't back there easily, I decided against it.

We have one on the pickup from the factory and I love it. Unlike the aftermarket one, this displays in the rear view mirror, and the best part I like about it is the center line it puts in the screen. I am able to hook up a trailer by myself without getting out. I got to the point where I can do it with the Excursion using the mirrors and backup sensors, but the camera is much more accurate. The one downside I've found is that since it is mounted in the tailgate handle, depth perception is skewed and I end up not being as far back as I think I am when looking at the coupler. I suppose over time if I did it regularly, I'd get used to it quick. So I'd look to see if any aftermarket ones have a center line display, I think it would help a lot.

Jon

 

[kanyonkitty]

I purchased a back up camera setup on E-Bay. The camera mounts on my license plate and the angle is somewhat adjustable. The screen is mounted in a mirror (think your traditional car rearview mirror). The mirror acts like any normal mirror UNTIL you put your vehicle in reverse, then the camera part turns on and shows you what the camera is aiming at. Here is a picture showing the camera mounted on my license plate:

You can adjust the up/down angle of the camera. My rearview mirror looks very similiar to this one, but my camera is different than this one advertised on E-Bay:
Mirror LCD Color Reverse Rear View Backup Camera System: eBay Motors (item 350371076438 end time Jul-21-10 13:30:00 PDT)

I will try to find my mirror (it's not re-installed in the '97 yet) and snap a pic of it for you. I really miss it as it was great for backing just the truck into a parking space at the store.

 

[longnecker]

I just read that the moniter should show a centering line as it helps to line up the hitch. They say this is the type installed on Ford pickups. Any clues as to this type.

 

[Sunline Fan]

I just read that the moniter should show a centering line as it helps to line up the hitch. They say this is the type installed on Ford pickups. Any clues as to this type.

It's just the factory installed unit. The camera mounts in the tailgate handle. I'm not sure if it's a unit available as a brand name for other applications. I can get you some pictures of it tomorrow, but I doubt it could be outfitted in the aftermarket.

What kind of truck do you have?

Jon

 

[longnecker]

Camera

I have a 2010 Ford F 150. I did not think to get the camera when I bought the truck. Will check on the internet and see what is available.

 

[Sunline Fan]

I have a 2010 Ford F 150. I did not think to get the camera when I bought the truck. Will check on the internet and see what is available.

You still have the 286SR? That's seems like a lot of trailer for that truck...

 

[longnecker]

Truck

They told me that the truck would do the job. So far no complaints. It goes up and down hills and keeps up with traffic. Still have the 286 sunline it is a 2007.

 

[Sunline Fan]

It goes up and down hills and keeps up with traffic.

Oh ok. What engine and rear end gearing do you have?