Back Up Camera

RCP · Mar 1, 2012

I am thinking about buying a backup camera for my truck to make it easier to hook up the trailer. Any suggestions on what to buy or what not to buy?

Thanks
Rich

jCarroll · Mar 1, 2012

I went through this........ did a lot of internet research, looked at kits at car parts stores.

Then - found a NIB wireless one at a garage sale for $40. Took about an hour to mount and wire camera. I keep the monitor and cord loose, and just plug it in when I'm hooking up.

For me, a larger screen would have been wasted money. This little cheapie unit does the trick of lining up the hitch.

If you are big time into towing, then multiple cameras to watch your load would be good - it's easy to get carried away.

flying belgian · Mar 1, 2012

Several years ago when they first came out I got one for the combine. Right now the brand escapes me. cab cam I think. Believe I paid $300 or more. But like everything else they come down in price after a while. Soon they will be giving them away in a box of cracker jacks. Any way that is really a slick deal. I love it. Nice to see the wagon when pulling away. Turning around the end and seeing that power poll so you don't swing the back of combine into it. You can see the same both day and night.

john *.?-!.* cub owner · Mar 1, 2012

I bought a little cheapie from JC Whitney for the purpose of backing up to trailer when I had the cabover on my truck. Really handy. Autozone, JC Whitney and others sell one for about $70 that the transmitter wires to backup lights, and small monitor mounts to dash with Velcro, or whatever you want, or can put cigarette lighter plug on end of cord. Not much good at any distance, but real handy for last few feet lining up hitch to trailer ball.

BCnT · Mar 1, 2012

this aint exactly what ya asked for but i bought a handy set of tennis balls from harbor freight that have telescoping poles and a magnetic base...one on top of hitch and the other just to the front of ball...when the t/b's touch youre lined up...i got em on sale few years back for 8 bux a pair...i wouldnt take 100 bux for em unless i had another set stashed.

JMS/.MN · Mar 1, 2012

Over 40 years ago I just mounted a mirror on the corner of the pickup box, aimed at the hitch.

Slowpoke · Mar 2, 2012

I had the same set. The idea is great, but the telescope poles are cheap junk. I replaced them with a couple of old car radio antennas, using the original magnet bases and 2 tennis balls. I used Construction Adhesive to glue a large washer to the rounded top of the ball coupler so the magnet has a flat place to sit. Harbor Freight now has a 2 pack of 40lb round magnets with a hook riveted in the center. Remove it and use C/A to anchor the antennas. Cheaper and better than the pre-packaged poles.

RCP · Mar 2, 2012

Thanks for the info, on some of the ads for cameras there is a comment that it is good from 3 feet and farther away, and this had me worried.

Rich

550Doug · Mar 2, 2012

I've just installed one and it seems to work pretty good. Haven't a lot of experience yet but did find out that a good ground is essential. I got one with a 7" screen that mounts over and replaces your standard rear-view mirror. It acts as a mirror when not turned on. Right now I've got it turning on with the backup lights, but I think I'll also throw in a toggle switch so I can see even before the backup lights come on. I may also take it off of my rear view mirror and mount it on the dash.
Seems to be working for me once I sort out what I want.

Steve in VA · Mar 2, 2012

I got mine at Walmart after I 'forgot' about the cement mixer behind the 1 ton and crushed it against a fence. It works fine. There was a warning about not using it on a diesel, I didn't see that at the time, but that hasn't been an issue. Mine is hooked-up wireless bewteen camera and monitor.

jm. · Mar 2, 2012

Rich little junk book sells everything Heartland Bought one color, wireless for just over 100 bucks. Instaled it in rear of my cat 315 excvator. Takes a lots of jaring and bounding around and has so far been perfect. Drive a 2012 f 150 has built in one makes the trailer thing a snap and as I am getting aged makes it safer backing up.

Geo-TH,In · Mar 3, 2012

Thought of a back up camera. May not be enough light and camera may get damaged when I'm backing up. Couldn't figure out where to put camera with out getting damaged.

I have a round mirror I put on the jack. Need to remove jack handle. Have a 1/4 inch safety pin to hold handle in place For enough light I hang an 18v dewalt snake light over tail gate. Only need to back up once. Picked up mirror at flee market for $5.

Back Up Camera

RCP

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jCarroll

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flying belgian

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john .?-!. cub owner

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BCnT

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JMS/.MN

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Slowpoke

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RCP

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550Doug

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Steve in VA

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jm.

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Geo-TH,In

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