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Backup camera for 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited???

221K views 430 replies 162 participants last post by  yycwrangler 
#1 ·
Need help looking for the right Backup Cam for my 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Want it to connect to my Navi system. Also need a good placement for the camera. Any one have ideas??? Thanx
 
#4 ·
I'm not good with attaching threads, but I looked at a few threads about installing rear cams before picking my setup. I have a 2012 JKU and just had it installed last night - works well so far, though I really only got to test it when I picked it up in the dark last night. I'll try to post pictures later and all of the equipment information, but I had someone else do the install (I don't trust myself). The installer I used had better experiences with Nav TV (though you'll see a lot of write-ups about the Lockpick as well) so I went with the Nav TV All-Gig (NAV-TV Corporation: ALLGIG_XG-HS Video in Motion bypass for Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep vehicles) with the A/V harness (NAV-TV Corporation: AllGIG A/V & Camera Harness). The camera was an Alpine, though I don't remember the exact model but it had nightvision on it because I was concerned with lighting. I had it mounted with a couple screws right above the hitch and below the 5th wheel. I've seen installs through the 5th wheel but was concerned with the angle and missing a kid shorter than the camera height right up against the vehicle. The bumper location allows me a view of basically the ground at the 5th wheel tire location and then back pretty far, estimating 20 feet but I'll try to get a better sense later. The very top of the screen barely shows the bottom of the 5th tire. I've tried the nav functions in motion and works perfectly.
 
#86 ·
I'm not good with attaching threads, but I looked at a few threads about installing rear cams before picking my setup. I have a 2012 JKU and just had it installed last night - works well so far, though I really only got to test it when I picked it up in the dark last night. I'll try to post pictures later and all of the equipment information, but I had someone else do the install (I don't trust myself). The installer I used had better experiences with Nav TV (though you'll see a lot of write-ups about the Lockpick as well) so I went with the Nav TV All-Gig (NAV-TV Corporation: ALLGIG_XG-HS Video in Motion bypass for Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep vehicles) with the A/V harness (NAV-TV Corporation: AllGIG A/V & Camera Harness). The camera was an Alpine, though I don't remember the exact model but it had nightvision on it because I was concerned with lighting. I had it mounted with a couple screws right above the hitch and below the 5th wheel. I've seen installs through the 5th wheel but was concerned with the angle and missing a kid shorter than the camera height right up against the vehicle. The bumper location allows me a view of basically the ground at the 5th wheel tire location and then back pretty far, estimating 20 feet but I'll try to get a better sense later. The very top of the screen barely shows the bottom of the 5th tire. I've tried the nav functions in motion and works perfectly.
I read through the thread but can't recall if you ever mentioned which nav you have, 430n or 730n. I have the 430n and just wonder if it matters or not. Is this something my handy husband could install or better to let the professionals do it? Thanks
 
#7 ·
I have also heard that the Lockpicks aren't set up for manual 2012s yet. When I was doing research and called CoastalTech, they asked me whether I had a manual transmission so I'm assuming that bug hasn't been fixed yet. I'd call them to confirm though. I have an automatic so that wasn't an issue for me. I think the CoastalTech rep recommended the CHR550 unit for the automatic 2012s.

I can't give a fair review of Lockpick vs. NavTV because I haven't tried both. From what I heard, Lockpick is a box and NavTV seemed to be smaller equipment which was less to get in the way. The installer that put it in for me was able to hide everything so it looks completely factory (sorry, no pictures yet but I'll get them soon). It's dark now and I'd like to get some pictures of the camera and wiring. Both units seemed to do everything I wanted (back-up camera and nav in motion). I don't have any need for front camera or other video inputs, though I think both can do it. I can tell you that the NavTV MyGig unit required an update to work with the 2012 730n nav unit but the installer was able to get it updated online and then continue the installation. Thankfully he was able to call the NavTV rep on his cell phone (at 8 p.m. on a Saturday) and get the help he needed to finish the job.

In case anyone cares, the camera I got was an Alpine HCE-C115 (Amazon.com: Alpine HCE-C115 Rear View Camera: Camera & Photo).

Pictures soon...
 
#11 ·
You obviously will need to replace the rearview mirror with one that supports video and auto dimming to do that jaybird but yes you can do it. I have the same setup on mine with the camera being displayed on a nice large rearview mirror. It works great. I had mine installed at a local shop in the DC area. It cost $600 including parts and labor. They replace the rearview mirror with a much nicer auto dimming mirror and the little camera displays in the left side of the mirror when you are in reverse. There are no wires seen and the entire things looks factory. This is the mirror I have:

Amazon.com: GENTEX GENK352 Auto Dimming Mirror with 3.5" Rear Camera Display Monitor: Automotive

And this is the camera I have:

Rydeen Mini-cam -- Rydeen
 
#18 ·
I just got off the phone w/my dealer, they said Chrysler is coming out w/a plug & play kit for the Wrangler in a month or so. They did not want to install the Commander kit.
Pat, have you heard anything about such a back up cam kit for the Wrangler?
 
#19 ·
I suppose it's possible, but I doubt it.

Where would they mount the thing?

Obviously we find places to mount them, but we also aren't expecting it to look like it came from the factory that way. Normal buyers will.
 
#21 ·
I put the lock pick in my manual sahara 12' JK - I bought the camera off of ebay for 99bucks - there are cheaper ones, but this matched the screen definition to get the best picture.

I had a place run the wires and they drilled a circular hole in the hitch cover to mount the camera. The camera is easily removed if I need to use the hitch. It turns on automatically when you put it into reverse.
 
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