[Briareos]

Build thread catch up...

I installed a DVR system for event recording - not really intended for recording roadtrips, etc. So far, so good. It starts automatically when you turn on the vehicle, and will continue operation in parking mode for a variable amount of time you set via smart phone app. I was looking for a set-it and forget-it, and this seems to fit the bill.

Rostra products are usually found in the OEM market, not so much commercial sales, so thought I would post this as another option for folks to consider. Install was pretty easy - hardest part was routing wires over headliner. I mounted the front camera to the bulkhead that holds the rear-view mirror. I mounted the rear camera to the rear dome light (temporarily - rear field of view is obstructed by spare, so may move it off-center). NOTE: cameras are not intended for exterior use. The GPS and mic are mounted on the dash. The DVR is in the glove box (in retrospect, maybe not the best place because when I open the glove box, it logs the activity as an event).

Vehicle DashCam and Event Recording System from Rostra

The remote mount DVR from Rostra features two cameras for recording video from the front and rear of your vehicle to an SD card with multiple modes for recording video while on the road and while parked.

www.rostra.com

 

[Briareos]

More build thread catch up...

I modified my rear OEM hitch after seeing this post: Ultimate bumper hitch

Essentially, this mod involves welding in an extension to the receiver tube and adding another mounting point further forward in the frame, providing additional resistance to forces that might want to twist the OEM hitch up or down. It seems like the main failure mode for the OEM hitch is rotation around the rear crossmember, mainly upward rotation from WDHs. My concern is rotation downward from tongue loads resulting from carrying heavy bike racks with 4 bikes (within 500lb tongue load limit, but WAY more leverage). I think this will give me a little extra margin for over-leveraging the OEM hitch.

I purchased a receiver tube from Amazon ( Amazon.com: Customer reviews: CURT 49240 2-Inch x 24-Inch Weld-On Raw Steel Trailer Hitch Receiver Tube ) and cut it to length. I removed the OME hitch and had a professional welder weld on the extention and the mounting plate at the far end that ties into the rear skid crossmember. Admittedly, the rear skid crossmember is pretty flimsy, to I plated it with an additional 1/8 thick steel so the vertical plane is 1/4 thick from side to side. I also upgraded the mounting bolts for the crossmember to heavier stuff.

Not shown, but I also cut the center out of the rear skid and remounted it to either side fo the extension. This very effectively keeps the rear bumper and rear crossmember from filling up with debris, and allowed me to continue using recessed trailer plug.

 

[BIOHZRD]

Good to know you're still with us in the Blue Room, Sean!