aftermarket backup camera......

[CliffA]

my 'new to me' 2007 Siverado 2500 crew cab truck does not have a factory backup camera.....seeing behind my truck as i reverse is quite difficult since this is a big truck.....i have been researching aftermarket backup cameras....i wanted one that was designed to not only see behind the truck but also could help align the boat trailer tounge with the truck hitch....i found this system made by Hopkins http://www.etrailer.com/tv-install-hopkins-smart-hitch-backup-camera-2004-ford-f250-hm50002.aspx ......it has both a camera and distance sensors....it has two modes....one mode is for every day use where the monitor shows a colored grid and the distance of objects behind the truck....it has an audible alert to indicate the distance of the objects to the truck.....the other mode is for aligning the trailer and truck hitch....the monitor shows a double grid with an alignment space between the grids that is used to guide the truck hitch to the trailer tounge....i bought one of the systems last night from Northern Tool and plan to install it this w/e....all of the reviews i have read are positive....it appears to be a very good system, especially for the relatively low cost.....my first impression is the product is made of good quality materials and does not seem 'flimsy'......the link i provided is to 'e-trailer' who has the lowest price i have seen and they have a very good installation video....the installtion looks to be pretty easy and straight forward....just thought i would pass this on in case anyone else could benefit from a system like this...

i have no affiliation with either Hopkins or e-trailer or Northern Tool.......

cliff

 

[Bucit]

I have an 02 2500 Crew Cab Diesel and I know the feeling. I was always told that the dielels somehow interferred wiith the cameras (could be the wireless setups now that I think about it) but I've always wanted a camera as well. Let me know how it works out for you. Maybe another priject in the future.

 

[CliffA]

I have an 02 2500 Crew Cab Diesel and I know the feeling. I was always told that the dielels somehow interferred wiith the cameras (could be the wireless setups now that I think about it) but I've always wanted a camera as well. Let me know how it works out for you. Maybe another priject in the future.

will do....i will post pics and a review of the system after the install.......

cliff

 

[Bucit]

Thanks Cliff.

 

[MonacoMike]

I have a wireless portable version and really like it for hitching alone.

MM

 

[Bugsy24]

Should have Bought a Ford!!




















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[Sundancer]

I added a cheap one that a neighbor gave me. It hooks between the license plate bolts. It's a wireless version so all I had to do was run the wire to the back up light. The screen up front is in the console and I just pull it out and plug it in when I use it. It's about 5 or 6 years old now and still works. I use it just for putting the trailer ball under the hitch. The biggest issue is the lighting. If it's in the shade it's difficult to see everything. maybe I should paint the ball a bright orange color or something. It helps with initial alignment but as it gets close it's hard to get it just right. I still end up getting out of the truck for the final line up if it's in the shade despite using it many times. It saves on average about 2 trips from the driver's seat to the ball to line it up. I could usually do it in 3 or less trips. I have a friend that has a fancy one and the lighting is an issue with his too. Maybe I should add a spotlight? Wish I could remember the names? Mine is so cheap it doesn't even HAVE a name! Hmm.....Hope my neighbor isn't reading this!!

I'm watching this thread!

 

[CliffA]

I have an 02 2500 Crew Cab Diesel and I know the feeling. I was always told that the dielels somehow interferred wiith the cameras (could be the wireless setups now that I think about it) but I've always wanted a camera as well. Let me know how it works out for you. Maybe another priject in the future.

i installed the 'Hopkins Smart Hitch' backup camera this W/E......easy install....took about an hour.....works great with a very clear screen.....i had to make a couple small adjustments of the angle of the camera to get the hitch ball aligned in the center of the 'Smart Hitch Mode' split screen but no big deal....the 'Everyday Mode' works well too... the cable included to connect the camera to the monitor was more than long enough to snake under the truck and to rear of the center console and to the monitor.....i used the rubber grommet in the cab floor board where the parking brake cable runs under the truck to bring the camera cable into the cab of my full size crew cab truck with a 6.5' bed.....then i snaked the cable under the driver's carpet to the back of the center console and to the monitor....if you wanted to mount the monitor high up on the windshield and/or have a full 8' bed in a full size crew cab truck you would likely need to get a free extension cable from Hopkins....i had about 8" - 10" of excess cable running the cable like i did....here are a couple pics.....i could not get a pic of the screen while it is activated because my cell phone just showed the screen as a bright white light but in reality the picture on the screen looks just like it does on their web site....the proximity sensors work well also.....this makes backing into a parking space and/or backing out of a parking space MUCH easier.....there is a contrast adjustment if needed for different lighting situations as well as a volume adjustment including a 'mute' option.....overall i am very pleased with this camera so far....


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