Hitch cam! Any of yawl added an aftermarket one?

[BruceW]

As a driver of an old Explorer, I just rode in a new-fangled Honda Pilot that has the backup camera. Wow, how easy that is to hitch up! I mentioned that to the owner, and he told me of aftermarket displays and wireless magnetic cameras that you can use to retrofit such a thing on older cars, etc.

I have found several options, one of which is iBall. Another is recommended by etrailer, by masterlock.

Any of yawl got one? Likes, dislikes?

Thanks!

[brackish]

I replaced the head unit in my 2007 Tacoma with a Jensen that had a display for navigation and then hooked up an aftermarket camera that attaches to the license plate bolts.  It works pretty good, however there are many times when the sun is in certain orientations to the screen I can't see a thing. My skiff has a low trailer and when I'm backing it in to retrieve the boat, I can't see it so I put a high flag on it.   I have OEM backup camera in my wife's 2016 Subaru Outback and it always works great, crystal clear all the time.

I think how useful it will be is dependent on getting a decent camera and a decent display.  Read reviews....

[Mas]

As a driver of an old Explorer, I just rode in a new-fangled Honda Pilot that has the backup camera. Wow, how easy that is to hitch up! I mentioned that to the owner, and he told me of aftermarket displays and wireless magnetic cameras that you can use to retrofit such a thing on older cars, etc.

I have found several options, one of which is iBall. Another is recommended by etrailer, by masterlock.

Any of yawl got one? Likes, dislikes?

Thanks!

Don't know if yawl got any but bet there is a ketch here! Gotta luv the nautical reference!

Any who not sure what you are trying to accomplish Bruce but wouldn't just opening the back hatch on the Explorer and turning around to look give a good view while backing? My son's vehicle has a backup camera but with a boat in the way it gives little in reference point other than bow of boat and a generally occluded view behind it. Great for not running over people and bikes but not sure how useful for putting a boat in the water.

Keep us posted if you figure this out. Must admit just one more thing to deal with and maybe break so gotta give a decent benefit or not worth it for this boy!

[relamb]

I think you should buy a remote controlled drone with streaming video that can display to your cell phone.  Then you can fly it to look at any angle you want, as well as see how far back your wheels are in the water, and take photos of yourself and boat while sailing.
Problem solved!
Make sure you get a model that will do firmware updates that can be upgraded to interface with your self-driving car, so the car can just back it's own self up and align to the trailer.  Hopefully the self driving car can also back your boat down the ramp too, because backing up a boat trailer is the second hardest thing on a marriage.
Rick

[brackish]

Not so much for backing the trailer with the boat on it, I can generally see the 23 and most of the skiff, the real benefit is if you are backing up to hook the trailer to the vehicle.  With my skiff, I just have to get close and I can move the tongue to the ball, but with the 23 it is a different story.  Many times sneaking up on it by myself caused me to buy the camera and it works well for that.

But that was not the main driver.  My neighbor bought one after he came very close to backing over his grand daughter who was playing in the drive way behind his truck.  He could not see her.  I got to thinking about that........

[Mas]

Totally.....which is why we ALWAYS walk around any vehicle before we move it! Training our grandkids helps too! I trust them more than a camera.

Hear ya on the 23 hook up. Not easy to lift that tongue or move that trailer by hand. Didn't have to do it long or often but can appreciate it. I had some success in establishing a reference point for getting it real close, then the obligatory one or two getting closer moves till it could be dropped. Best to have another set of eyes...or leave her in the water. 

Not sure if i could back a vehicle and fly a drone at the same time!!

[BruceW]

Don't know if yawl got any but bet there is a ketch here! Gotta luv the nautical reference!

Any who not sure what you are trying to accomplish Bruce but wouldn't just opening the back hatch on the Explorer and turning around to look give a good view while backing? My son's vehicle has a backup camera but with a boat in the way it gives little in reference point other than bow of boat and a generally occluded view behind it. Great for not running over people and bikes but not sure how useful for putting a boat in the water.

Keep us posted if you figure this out. Must admit just one more thing to deal with and maybe break so gotta give a decent benefit or not worth it for this boy!

Well, thanks for playing; I usually don't bother to write a question if I don't want an answer.

[BruceW]

I think you should buy a remote controlled drone with streaming video that can display to your cell phone.  Then you can fly it to look at any angle you want, as well as see how far back your wheels are in the water, and take photos of yourself and boat while sailing.
Problem solved!
Make sure you get a model that will do firmware updates that can be upgraded to interface with your self-driving car, so the car can just back it's own self up and align to the trailer.  Hopefully the self driving car can also back your boat down the ramp too, because backing up a boat trailer is the second hardest thing on a marriage.
Rick

Well, I might just want to know if anyone had something to say about the question I asked. Oh well. I can back the trailer up pretty well; it is backing up to hitch to the trailer that is a bit tedious. Maybe I will do the drone thing though, because at least then I could take some interesting pictures while sailing also.

[Tom L.]

Maybe we can all get back to the question. That is a retro back up camera.

I can say I have a new P.U. with a factory camera and it is positively the cat's meow for hitching up. I can see the hitch Ball at the bottom of the camera as it closes on the trailer tongue. Really helpfull and fast.

Tom L.

[BruceW]

Maybe we can all get back to the question. That is a retro back up camera.

I can say I have a new P.U. with a factory camera and it is positively the cat's meow for hitching up. I can see the hitch Ball at the bottom of the camera as it closes on the trailer tongue. Really helpfull and fast.

Tom L.

Yes, I really think it is a great idea to have. I really hadn't cared about it until I rented a car that had it, and then I tabled the idea because I assumed it would be an expensive retrofit. When I rode with the friend, I mentioned that, and he just happened to have seen a retro kit.

I have taken seriously the comments to read the reviews. Seems like people variously approve of the concept, but I am having trouble picking between ones that seem to work. One group has a great video that may convince me. Another just had a simulation; I wonder, is that because they don't want to show their viewer how bad the monitor is? Well, maybe, but I don't really know.

So anyhow, I will keep looking. I don't have to hitch up but a couple times a month, so am balancing what I think is obvious benefit with the cost, and so far I am in the mode of wait and see.  I'll hope to see someone using one, or hear from someone who uses one.

I'd bet I have one picked out by fall, though, and request it for birthday or xmas.

Bruce

[Mas]

Hey Bruce,

also not sure how well it works but saw this at Lowes. I do have a small dent on my substantial rear bumper on our Land Cruiser from hooking up our previous 23 for the first time! Would suggest given the application, that in addition to good view that one with good night vision and water resistant be items that would be of benefit. That dent happened hooking it up for the first time in the dark prior to an oh so long tow home (18 hours!). Do keep us posted.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/PEAK-Digitial-Back-Up-Camera/1000053165?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA_ONLY-_-ToolsAndHardware-_-AutoAndGarageSpecialty-_-1000053165:PEAK&CAWELAID=&kpid=1000053165&CAGPSPN=pla&k_clickID=080a5f5d-3600-44e6-8c04-b11a2ce9de23&gclid=CK_XpcXQ_tMCFZZWDQodP9QK8A

[BruceW]

Hey Bruce,

also not sure how well it works but saw this at Lowes. I do have a small dent on my substantial rear bumper on our Land Cruiser from hooking up our previous 23 for the first time! Would suggest given the application, that in addition to good view that one with good night vision and water resistant be items that would be of benefit. That dent happened hooking it up for the first time in the dark prior to an oh so long tow home (18 hours!). Do keep us posted.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/PEAK-Digitial-Back-Up-Camera/1000053165?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA_ONLY-_-ToolsAndHardware-_-AutoAndGarageSpecialty-_-1000053165:PEAK&CAWELAID=&kpid=1000053165&CAGPSPN=pla&k_clickID=080a5f5d-3600-44e6-8c04-b11a2ce9de23&gclid=CK_XpcXQ_tMCFZZWDQodP9QK8A

Mas,

That's a good one; I am hoping to find the right one that is also wireless or plugs into the trailer light socket so I don't have to run wires. I will check this one out anyway, see if it works well. Good point on night time, also.