Hi all. I have been thinking of getting some sort of backup sensing device. I have read about the ultrasonic sensors that can be installed at the dealer. I think ideally, a backup camera would be a little nicer. I have a TCH non-nav and I came across this plug in "VR3 wireless backup system" for $99 at Wal-Mart.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4744711

It seems to involve the camera which mounts to your rear license plate frame and gets wired into your backup lights. Then apparently the video display can plug in a cigarette lighter socket inside the car and automatically turns on when the car is place in reverse. I think the TCH center console cubby under the climate control might be an ideal place to put the display given there is a power socket in there and the display could be covered when not in use.

Has anyone ever heard of this device or have any thoughts? The price is certainly attractive, but you know what they say about "you get what you pay for."

 

My bro has a Lexus RX350 with backup camera.
It is nice.
It points out little kids on bicycles nicely which I don't think a backup sensor would do well. Nice for parking too.
It could be just the design but it's like looking out the sideview mirror. Things look MUCH farther away then they are. Just a matter of getting use to that. My next car gets one for sure.

 

SanDiegoBlue — This is the same as the one I bought for around the same price at Canadian Tire in Canada a few weeks ago. I have just fitted it, and it seems to work quite well, but the reception of the camera's signal by the monitor is not quite as robust as I'd have liked — occasional noise and lack of synchronization of the video. It's probably multipath due to metal objects nearby (garage door, etc.). The camera switches itself on when the reversing lights come on, and then starts transmitting (at 2.4 GHz). The monitor receives the camera's signal and unblanks its screen while the camera is on. The received signal isn't as strong as I'd like. This may be due to the fact that all but 1" of the antenna portion of the camera's power cable (i.e., the first 11" of it) is outside the car and right next to the metal trunk body. Only 1" pokes inside the trunk (I took the wire in through the rubber boot through which the trunk opener switch's lead passes into the trunk from the outside; the wire lies behind the plastic cover over the license plate lights). For the price it seems nicely made. I've mounted the display on the center of the dash just above the A/C vents. That way, it's possible to easily switch one's view back and forth between the rear-view mirror and the LCD monitor.

Stan

 

Thanks for the info. I would love some pictures of your install, if possible. Was it hard to splice into the backup lights? i.e., locating and splicing the wires, running the wire through the trunk opener switch seal. Do you think the monitor would fit into the cubby under the HVAC controls? Any install details would be greatly appreciated.

 

SanDiegoBlue — The wire routing though the trunk opener seal was not easy. It was quite time consuming to do it neatly, as there's very little space behind the plastic trim plate for the extra wire to run without bulging the plate outwards. Nevertheless, it's quite neat now that I've done it. I don't have the time to take and post pictures right now — perhaps in a week or so. The backup light cable is easy to locate and splice into (splicing clips are provided) once you remove the trunk lid liner (13 clips to pull out) — the red lead is positive — and you can then also see the clips (2) and nuts (5) that hold the plastic trim plate on. I hope this helps. I'll have to check whether the LCD monitor will fit into the cubby, and get back to you on this.

Stan

 

I have a camera on my Sienna and the sensors on my TCH. In general, I find the sensors more convenient to use. Certainly the camera is a much "cooler" option to use and is great for avoiding stuff left on the driveway which the sensors can't see, but as far as making a reverse drive more efficient, I find that the sound warning is a great aid to good old fashioned looking with my eyes and mirrors so I have a good sense of my total surroundings.

 

SanDiegoBlue — The LCD monitor will fit into the cubby, but not when mounted in its cradle — that makes it too tall. The kit provides velcro for mounting the cradle and also for mounting just the monitor onto some flat surface. So, you can probably make something work in the cubby.

There's not much point in my taking a picture of the mounted camera, since you can't see anything more than the camera's wire disappearing under the plastic trim plate next to the left end of the trunk release switch's rubber pad. I decided to mount the camera on the top edge of the license plate. (This does tend to obstruct the trunk release switch somewhat.)

Stan

 

I have installed a backup camrea. I have the factory NAV to the camera connects directely to the nav unit. I don't know if this would be of any help but I have posted the install thread with lots of pictues. If you are interested, here is the link
https://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/...ad.php?t=11672