Has anyone installed one of these backup cameras? It screws on where the license plate screws are. Where did you run the wires through into the trunk? I can get one for $50 and wondered if it is worth it? Thoughts everyone?

 

The BEC106 model backup camera is made by the same company that makes the NAV system for the TCH, and it works really well. You can usually get them on ebay for less than $150. There is a very long post on this site, with pictures, showing exactly how to install them: https://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/...ictures-11672/

Why would anyone even bother trying to adapt some other brand? In my book, the engineering work to figure out how to make it work, and the risk of breaking something that cost a lot more than $150, are just not worth it.

 

I had one but just replaced it with the Eclipse. It would come on as I backed out of the driveway then go off once I went into drive. If I stopped later and put the car in reverse again, I had to physically turn on the screen, it won't come on by itself. The Eclipse will turn on anytime you go into reverse. Only other problem was finding a place to mount the screen. Finally used velcro and stuck it above the start button.

 

Are there any of these products that can be used as a rear view camera (i.e., while driving forward) ?

 

the short answer is yes. you need to address the following issues: ensure power to the backup camera is on at all times (the nav unit might only provide +6v power to the camera only when in reverse); the nav unit only displays the backup camera data while in reverse(you would need an auxilliary display unit to display camera data when not in reverse).

 

I don't have NAV on my TCH. Looking for an alternative and found the Shift 3 for $50. Thought it may be a descent alternative. Thoughts?

 

Misread your post Carolinacamry. Thanks for the info.