Backup Camera
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,147
Likes: 537
From: Upland CA
Use an Old Phone
Something many people don’t know:
The Bluetooth and WiFi still work on old phones even after the service is discontinued and the SIM card is removed. I have several laying around I use for tv remotes etc.
Even if you don’t have a cell phone or smart phone, ask your friends or relatives if they have a old one. It would be easy to use one as a dedicated screen for a wireless backup camera.
Charles
The Bluetooth and WiFi still work on old phones even after the service is discontinued and the SIM card is removed. I have several laying around I use for tv remotes etc.
Even if you don’t have a cell phone or smart phone, ask your friends or relatives if they have a old one. It would be easy to use one as a dedicated screen for a wireless backup camera.
Charles
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,018
Likes: 331
From: Southeast Missouri
I just went through this effort on my wife's 2013 Ford Escape. Was not an option on the 2013 Escape, but became an option in 2014.
Her Escape has a navigation system, so we were able to use that screen.
In the absence of a navigation screen, other optionws are a rear view mirror with a built in screen, a smart phone, a separate display screen, or some GPS systems.
So decisions to be made are:
1. What type of screen do I want?
2. Where will the screen be located?
3. What type of camera do I want?
4. Will I use wireless camera to screen or run a wire between the two.
I heard enough issues with the wireless systems that I went with a wired unit between the camera and the navigation screen.
The easiest way to start is the google "adding rear view camera tp whatever vehicle you are thinking about"? Someone has already done it and posted the instructions on the internet.
Her Escape has a navigation system, so we were able to use that screen.
In the absence of a navigation screen, other optionws are a rear view mirror with a built in screen, a smart phone, a separate display screen, or some GPS systems.
So decisions to be made are:
1. What type of screen do I want?
2. Where will the screen be located?
3. What type of camera do I want?
4. Will I use wireless camera to screen or run a wire between the two.
I heard enough issues with the wireless systems that I went with a wired unit between the camera and the navigation screen.
The easiest way to start is the google "adding rear view camera tp whatever vehicle you are thinking about"? Someone has already done it and posted the instructions on the internet.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 205
Likes: 107
From: The Villages, Florida
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I wonder how hard it would be to install a backup camera? I had and still have one on my Dodge Ram Truck, it came with my Tow Package but no bigger then the camera is it would be kind of hard for someone to see. I just wonder how hard it would be to install and setup a screen in the console some place. 
In my 65 coupe I went with a system that included a rearview mirror screen and a very small rear camera that sits just above my license plate. This required no additional devices in the car. The mirror simply replaces the original mirror and you don't have to deal with an additional screen or a mounting system. It looks and functions as a normal rearview mirror until you put your car in reverse. Then half of the mirror converts to a video screen. I've been using it for 3 years and it works as good as the factory system that came in my Ford Edge. You will have to run a wire from the camera to the mirror, so if you are not willing to do this, find another solution. They are easy to find on the internet.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 969
Likes: 360
In my 65 coupe I went with a system that included a rearview mirror screen and a very small rear camera that sits just above my license plate. This required no additional devices in the car. The mirror simply replaces the original mirror and you don't have to deal with an additional screen or a mounting system. It looks and functions as a normal rearview mirror until you put your car in reverse. Then half of the mirror converts to a video screen. I've been using it for 3 years and it works as good as the factory system that came in my Ford Edge. You will have to run a wire from the camera to the mirror, so if you are not willing to do this, find another solution. They are easy to find on the internet.
Could you please post a link to the one you bought with the mirror?
Eddie
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 205
Likes: 107
From: The Villages, Florida
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
https://www.rearviewsafety.com/safet...a-systems.html
