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High-mounted backup camera?

26K views 32 replies 17 participants last post by  COOKN  
#1 ·
I installed the Kenwood 7120 last weekend and am now ready to tackle the backup camera. I've scoured the posts and there are lots of bumper mounted cameras. Has anyone mounted one by the third brakelight or the roof rack? I've seen a few mentions of interior mounts being too obstructed by the spare tire. Thanks.

Harry
 
#3 ·
I have the same camera (CCD-2000). I'm considering hooking it temporarily and trying it in different places.

Harry
 
#5 ·
It's small, but I want to mount it high for better visibility. I'm looking for a good way to mount it high up that will overcome the spare tire issue.

Harry
 
#6 ·
I mounted mine in the center of the spare tire mount. Above the tire blocks the view of the bumper, below (in the bumper) doesn't offer a good enough view in my opinion.

In the center if the spare tire is a perfect spot IMHO. Its an easy install, sorry I don't have any pics up now and my truck is in unavailable to me for the next week or so.

So, the best way I can describe it is to find a bolt that passes through the hole in the center of the mount for the spare tire. I got min 3" long (if I recall) and got a couple nuts and washers to mount it, lock it down and mount a bracket to hold the camera.

I put the bolt through the hole and used the nuts to adjust the depth/distance I wanted the camera to extend past the tire. The cable for the camera is easily run behind the spare, under the plastic on the rear door, into the rubber "tube" into the passenger compartment, through the wheel well (where the jack in mounted), along/under the driver side door sill, into the dash and up to the Kenwood unit.

I'm sure that this description isn't good enough, again, sorry for not having any pics to show. I'll be able to post pics after Thanksgiving but I'm sure you won't be able to wait that long before you install it. I think that there is another member who installed it like I did but I don't recall their name. A search might bring up some results under "back up camera install"...
 
#7 ·
I mounted mine in the center of the spare tire mount. Above the tire blocks the view of the bumper, below (in the bumper) doesn't offer a good enough view in my opinion.

In the center if the spare tire is a perfect spot IMHO. Its an easy install, sorry I don't have any pics up now and my truck is in unavailable to me for the next week or so.
do you have a spare tire cover (did you dirll a hole?)
I wanna keep the cover on


It's small, but I want to mount it high for better visibility. I'm looking for a good way to mount it high up that will overcome the spare tire issue.

Harry
you're not worried about some a hole ripping it off? I want it as stealthy as possible. I'd be willing to remove some tint to mount it inside..
 
#9 · (Edited)
#10 ·
I took another look at the rear window today and it looks like the attachment for the hydraulic arm on the passenger side might be a good mounting point. I don't know if I would need to scrape off window tint, though.

Harry
 
#11 ·
Ack. Did a quick search and I believe the glass is tinted (as opposed to having a film that can be scraped. Maybe just stronger back up lights....

Harry
 
#12 ·
Have you considered building a bracket that would mount behind your spare and run just above the spare?

I know they sell short pieces of steel at Home Depot. The right size with a hole drilled for the spare mount and another above for the camera. Angle iron may be your best bet as it would be stiff wnough. May need to grind off a a bit to mount it to the spare though....just an idea.

I may need to do this eventually if I get a new head unit too.
 
#16 ·
This sounds like a great option. Do you have any photos? Is it centered or to one side or another? Can you show a shot of the view in your monitor? Thanks!

Harry
 
#17 ·
It is mounted in the center using double faced tape on the window. If you install yours this way be careful when you drill up into the door. It is only about 3/8's between the door and third break light. I used a small drill bit to drill a pilot hole then a cone shaped die grinder to open it to size. Sorry i dont have any pics. Hope this helps.
 
#18 ·
How is the visibility through the glass, particularly at night? I'm worried the tinting impact it too much.

Harry
 
#20 ·
I like idea of a bracket above the tire. Don't go for the roof behind the brake light. You won't like it. I tried it there and no matter how I angled it (I have a high end Panasonic), I could not see anything closer to the vehicle than about 10', and almost half the screen was taken up by the door, which kinda defeats the purpose.

Of course you could drill in the top of the door. The roof rack might be a bit better, too, but my guess is not by much
 
#21 · (Edited)
I mounted a 2nd (pin hole type) camera inside the spare tire carrier just for regular rear viewing.

Image


Image


I'm going to merge it with the current backup system setup using this Eclipse CAB106. The backup camera will be the default and always active. The 2nd camera will be activated by the switch.
 

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#24 ·
License plate is still an option. I'd love to hear about other interior/high options.

Harry
 
#25 ·
I mounted mine right on top of the hitch frame and to tell you the truth I don't like it too much. I would like to find a good spot on top to where the camera can be aimed downwards. I'll post a picture later.
 
#26 ·
Licence plate mounts work well I have one the brand is Boyo it is very slim and you can hardly even tell it is there. Hhere is a view thru the headunit, it has a great field of view and works great at night or low light situations.

Image
 
#27 ·
Does anyone have shots from a camera mounted inside the rear window?

Harry
 
#29 ·
I actually though about installing it on a corner and very carefully peel off a round piece of tint film where the lens of the camera would be. Just lazy to take on the project right now.
 
#31 ·
Here's mine. Came stock. Image is incorporated in the rearview mirror.

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