I'm trying to decide where to place a backup camera. I have a JKUR Hard Rock on order. I've PM'd with a user who drilled into the steel bumper with no problems. There is also the possibility of mounting it in the spare tire (2 different mounts (brandmotion + raxiom)). I don't want to use the trailer hitch or the license plate locations.
My 2 current vehicles have backup cameras but they are probably mid way between those 2 heights so I'm not use to what the view would look like from higher (spare tire) and lower (bumper).
You asked my preference and my own is the license plate frame mounted camera. Why? Because:
1) I didn't want to drill or alter my bumper or tire carrier in any way as I am likely to replace one or both in the near future and do not want to redo this modification. I wanted to do it once, and well.
2) Of all the options the license plate camera was the simplest solution to implement.
3) I regularly use a hitch mounted rack and a hitch mounted bike carrier and I wanted a camera solution that would work when I used those things.
4) I wanted a camera to ensure my children or other children would never be in danger when backing up. Since that was my primary concern, even though a license plate mounted camera is a bit offset, it serves my needs very well.
I just installed the Brand Motion camera on my JKU. Although it is very expensive, I find the positioning of the camera through the spare to be the best: it gives you an ideal placing for a wide angle view of the rear.
If you are making your own, see if you can replicate this location. It can be done; a forum member in Canada built his own tire carrier camera mount.
One of, IMHO, the better choices today, is to get a low-cost generic camera and mount it using that Raxiom bracket you mentioned, behind the spare tire, which kind-of gives you the Brandmotion type of solution.
A lot of our customers have been happy with that mount. Most people will pick a no-drill solution over one that requires drilling, and this is a great option for that. The camera is at a great height and angle for viewing. If anyone is interested in getting a quote on one of those mounts, let me know!
My 2 current vehicles have backup cameras but they are probably mid way between those 2 heights so I'm not use to what the view would look like from higher (spare tire) and lower (bumper).
Remember, the "higher" view from behind the spare tire, is still lower than the view out the back window. Still lower than if you were actually standing back there, looking around yourself while standing up.
Whiskey MIke installed his in his rear bumper(Ace). It works very well for him. You may want to PM him on his thoughts. He is at Jeep Beach, so probably won't get a response til next week.
I drilled mine in the center of the bumper, I didn't need to remove the bumper to install . I got a camera off amazon but it came with the distance indicator lines in green yellow and red. They help out a lot. Pics can be seen here
I think I have a good, cheap solution but am waiting on my order to come in. I'm planning on using 1 1/4" steel square tubing cut to length. I'm going to paint it black and mount my cheap ebay camera on it, then zip tie through the tube and the openings in the spare tire carrier. No permanent modification to the vehicle and the material was $5 for a 1' section on Amazon. The 1 1/4" height is just right for the camera base to sit flush with the opening of the Sahara wheel. I'll post up some pics once I get it finished.
I made a mount for the camera I got off of amazon. Had some metal and bent it and drilled a hole for the camera. Bolted it to the rim where the center cap bolts. Put quick connects on so If I need to remove the tire. Works great.
No way to flash it yourself. My dealer did it for 50$. Camera was 12$, Bracket homemade, cable 25$. Around 90$ total. Cheapest way I could find. If you go to amazon and paste this "PAC CHYRVD Rear Video Retention Cable For Select Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep Vehicles 2008-2012"
the cable will come up. It is about 25$.
No way to flash it yourself. My dealer did it for 50$. Camera was 12$, Bracket homemade, cable 25$. Around 90$ total. Cheapest way I could find. If you go to amazon and paste this "PAC CHYRVD Rear Video Retention Cable For Select Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep Vehicles 2008-2012" the cable will come up. It is about 25$.
I just installed mine in my bumper over the weekend. If I did it it over again, I'd get the Raxiom mount. I feel like the camera should be angled down somewhat- if you're watching something on the ground and it disappears from view under the camera, you can still get a quite a bit closer. Does anyone know of any shims that are available?
I think with this bracket having three open grooves to the bottom that I could slide it up a bit (as long as it clears the wheel spoke), to essentially sit on top of the brake light... Any ideas if this could work?
I have the 430 radio, without the Nav, does this work on this head unit as well? Just get a camera with an RCA out, plug it into the 430 and get the dealer to activate?
I have the 430 radio, without the Nav, does this work on this head unit as well? Just get a camera with an RCA out, plug it into the 430 and get the dealer to activate?
I've got mine mounted under the bumper, next to the receiver on the passenger side. Better than nothing, but not optimal (not a great view, plus see some of the spare). I need to look into that Raxiom bracket.
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