TheSamba.com :: View topic - Reverse Camera Install

Fri Feb 07, 2014 3:12 pm

We all know you can't see squat out the rear of our Westy's. I decided that regularly having several nice bikes on the back of my van warranted some investigation into a reverse camera. I also drive an ambulance all day that is equipped with one, leaving me keen to their usage in the first place. I looked fairly extensively here on thesamba, well, because thats what I do, and to my suprise, found little to no info. I figured I would throw this out there for anyone in my shoes.

Anyway, I went with this.

I started with a heavy duty RV camera. I chose the heavy duty housing, the HD upgrade, and a 270 degree viewing angle. I figured I could use the beefier housing.

I decided to go with a completely wired system as to avoid any bluetooth interference with phones, mp3 players, or window tinting. We also have a ton of sweet places to hide wires so I wasn't too worried about it. As for monitors I chose this sweet little flip up model because it stores out of the way, is plenty big for my needs, and has a period specific 90s look to it to match the dash.

I used a wire that I was able to purchase with the camera and monitor that included a positive and negative power wire (18GA) in a casing with an AV cable. This was a nice way to run power to both devices, from one source, with one wire to run from camera to monitor.

I started by mounting the camera housing to the middle(ish) of the pop top. I used a large wire grommett for the main wire off the camera, which terminated in a power pigtail and an AV out. That allowed all wires to breach the pop top, but remain outside of the tent.

I was able to run the power/AV cable into the van via the wire boot just inside the rear hatch lip, but outside of the hatch seal. I pulled it out of the large hole inside the van near the AC stuff.

With the top down there is a small wire running down the top of the roof b/t the top and the hatch, but I am short and can't even see it.

From there I took the path of least resistance, behind the spice rack and down the B pillar inside some cheap wire looming.

I continued under the carpeting and behind the dash, where I was able to drop down the receiving ends of the pigtail from the monitor. I T tapped an 18Ga power line into the Ignition wire and a ran a ground to a spare spot on the ground tree. After finishing all of the connections with heat shrink, I am very pleased with the outcome. The camera is on when the ignition is on, which allows it to be used for reversing as well as rear view and checking on the load. When I don't want to see it, I just fold down the monitor, and I barely notice it. I attached the monitor with HD velcro so it can be removed easily to pull the dash cover.

I got all the stuff from TadiBrothers.com. I am in no way affiliated with this company, just enjoyed their options and pricing. They did have some issues shipping the correct products but happily fixed their error and included overnight shipping on the correct items.

Here's to seeing out the back!!

Fri Feb 07, 2014 3:41 pm

Hey that is a great mod! I am thinking of doing the same this summer or next. I like the fact that the monitor is pretty stealth...can you share the cost of the whole setup, including the options you mentioned?

Fri Feb 07, 2014 3:53 pm

Clean install. Nice writeup. Thanks!

Perfect for backing into a spot at Wilber's BBQ in Goldsboro!

Best in the world! 8)

Neil2

Fri Feb 07, 2014 4:37 pm

Nice job.

I have seen some really slick license plate frames with the camera built in.
Most a bluetooth though.

Fri Feb 07, 2014 4:43 pm

how does that work at night?

Fri Feb 07, 2014 4:58 pm

really nice work.
bluetooth ones?
that would be awesome
tell more insyncro.

Fri Feb 07, 2014 5:08 pm

It works well at night. Its equipped with "night vision" and in conjunction with an aux reverse light it is sufficient. They have Bluetooth options but they involve a large rcvr and transmitter that also need power. I looked into them but they seemed rather bulky and unreliable.

Fri Feb 07, 2014 5:50 pm

Ehoff, excellent write up. Thanks for showing the details of the wire run. http://www.tadiBrothers.com has many good options. Has anyone tried their clip-on rearview mirror monitor? I'm also curious if anyone has tried their visor option in a Vanagon.

Fri Feb 07, 2014 6:14 pm

I really wanted to use the visor option. I think it looks very promising. The logistics of wiring it seemed to daunting to me andnsteered me towards a dash mount. I felt like getting wires up through the headliner and keeping them clean sounded like a headache I preferred to avoid.

Fri Feb 07, 2014 7:19 pm

I'd like one that used wifi or bluetooth to send the image to an ipad

Fri Feb 07, 2014 7:36 pm

They have ^ too.

Sat Feb 08, 2014 6:53 am

Nice install and writeup. Thanks.

Sat Feb 08, 2014 8:45 am

This would be nice edition to the camera. Mirror and backup monitor in one. Only thoughts would be if it can dim at night

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Super-slim-Car-rear-view-M...25866437c0

Sat Feb 08, 2014 9:58 am

I might like the moulded license plate camera in black mounted up high on the back of the poptop :?: It mentions the camera angles up and down is adjustable, but is it adjustable enough for this mounting position?

Sat Feb 08, 2014 1:38 pm

cool project ! I would be afraid vandals would destroy that camera though.

Sat Feb 08, 2014 3:55 pm

Crankey wrote: cool project ! I would be afraid vandals would destroy that camera though.

Indeed. Too bad the camera isn't a bit more discreet. Our '11 suburban has a factory backup cam mounted by the license plate and you can hardly tell it's there

Sun Oct 02, 2016 5:22 pm

How do you like the Tadi one so far? What do you dislike about it? Anyone else try it, another? Why the RV one instead of the car one? I like how yours goes flat, the ones I'm looking at stay on your dash.

This us next on my list. I think it will pay for itself by saving me from hitting something! LOL I now have one in my car, and I keep looking at the dash when I'm backing up. Since I still have two car seats back there, and pack anything but light, there is virtually no back window to see from...

I just bought the Canadian Tire Yada one:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/yada-backup-camera-expandable-system-0350136p.html#srp

But found this was better reviewed than the CT one. It doesn't have a side camera, but I like the mounting for the backup camera better. The Yada one clips onto the LP, but this one screws in. http://www.toptenreviews.com/home/auto/best-rear-view-cameras/

Sun Oct 02, 2016 6:51 pm

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=664311

Sun Oct 02, 2016 8:58 pm

I mounted my camera on the inside on the back shelve, I didn't want to drill a hole in the fiberglass, and I didn't want it to be noticeable. Works fine, no glare from the rear glass.

Sun Oct 02, 2016 10:03 pm

mightyart wrote: I mounted my camera on the inside on the back shelve, I didn't want to drill a hole in the fiberglass, and I didn't want it to be noticeable. Works fine, no glare from the rear glass.

^^i like that, keeps it safe and clean.

Love the Alpine set up Jerry, but have a new Sony stereo, that was a pain to install, nit redoing that right now, even though I don't care for that stereo. LOL love how the screen tucks away...

tam