where have others fitted a rear view camera on the back of a 120?

[PradOz Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close PradOz]

i cant find any threads on this with search. they would be there but i cant see them. surely there are some details on the best and worst positions for an actual camera and how to fit one.

i did a dummy run with my camera and held a camera up in front of the bumper skin just above the towbar and it seems to be a good position with a fair screen view, but is there enough room between the front edge of the towbar and the bumper skin, and if so, what can you actually screw it to securely in there if you can actually get in there?

the only other half decent view i get is at the bottom of the spare tyre hard cover with the camera sitting towards the rear door, which seems a silly spot to fit one even if it can be done

i dont seem to get a decent view with a camera up near the number plate lights

any suggestions or photos appreciated thank you mick

[Signature035 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Signature035]

Alot will depend on the camera (lens) you use. Mine is mounted between the number plate lights and I get a 180 degree view including the towbar.

[PradOz Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close PradOz]

so i am guessing you can see the towbar and more of the space behind the passenger side and therefore less distance out to the drivers side which would still be ok by using your drivers mirror?

[Milti 1974 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Milti 1974]

Mick, I have mine mounted in the centre of the rear tyre, was like that when I bought my car. Great for the missus reversing and you get a very good view of the road behind you, has a very neat finish and you wouldnt even know its there, unfortunately you cant see the towbar which is shit for lining up the camper trailer and you cant fit a rear tyre cover obviously.
Jason

[pearlie Member Find all posts View Profile Close pearlie]

This is where mine is and the view out back. This photo has been taken at night so probably not the best for detail but you can get the idea... The camera can swivel upwards a bit more also. Have no troubles with either parking or backing up for coupling of the Jayco either. The camera is an Alpine brand, compatible with my VMS. I thought I was going to have trouble knocking the camera when loading and unloading the back but all good so far. Don't even think about it now.
Hope this helps.

[PradOz Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close PradOz]

Pearlie - thats about where i was thinking except i thought about drilling a hole and fitting it so the lens is flush with bumper skin. the one i bought is just round in shape only about 2cm i am guessing. to do that i would need room behind the bumper skin and in front of the actual towbar that goes up that way. also would need something to fit it to. but if i go your way it sits out proud about 3 or 4 cm but easily screw fixed. cable easily runs like yours too. only drawback apart from it being possibly bumped is its out on show for vandals etc. i was wondering if anyone has actually fitted one like i was suggesting so its flush there then i will know whats in there without pulling it apart

[PradOz Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close PradOz]

Pearlie - just wondering if that rubber strip around the cutout in the bumper for the towbar ever falls out? mine does and so sick of it i removed it completely. was wondering whats holding yours in place or is it a friction fit like mine was? thanks mick

[pearlie Member Find all posts View Profile Close pearlie]

Hi PradOz, never had any bother with the rubber coming adrift. Also, the camera is almost hidden by the spare wheel and cover (which doesn't fit quite as snugly as it did before I had a flat tyre and had to use the wheel) It is not ordinarily in view so you almost have to duck down to see it. I will take a couple of daylight photos tomorrow and you will see how it sits.
I also had the same concerns about vandals but my car has not been touched, except for stealing my shovels off the roofrack. I have that sorted now with lock and chain.
Unless you rig some sort of bracket inside the bumper skin, I can't really see how it would stay put being flush mounted.
Anyway, I am happy with my set up. It is 130 degrees north south view and 180 degrees east west view.
Cheers

[hulbyw Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close hulbyw]

Mine is under the number plate light housing but I wouldn't recommend it. Because it is so off centre it is almost useless when hitching up the Tvan/caravan. It is fine for reversing in a car park though.
The factory puts it almost in the centre on the 150 series and that is where I would put it if I can find the time to move it (I am retired). Also would recommend you source a waterproof camera as mine is not and can't even handle a car wash very well.
Cheers..Wayne

[PradOz Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close PradOz]

Mine is under the number plate light housing but I wouldn't recommend it. Because it is so off centre it is almost useless when hitching up .....The factory puts it almost in the centre on the 150 series and that is where I would put it ....Cheers..Wayne

Thanks wayne thats what i was thinking would happen. one of the reasons for wanting one is to minimise arguements when hitching up etc [well have 1 less anyway] i will have to fit above towbar as discussed above. thanks mick

[PradOz Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close PradOz]

anyone able to post up a close up of the 150 camera on the spare tyre please, or if its already done, steer me in the right direction. many thanks

[PradOz Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close PradOz]

its ok i found it on pp thanx to google

[moamajohn Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close moamajohn]

Gday.Pradoz.I,m with pearlie on this .I have had a 20 cm round lens straight thru the bumper approx 30cm above the towbar for 4 yrs ,I connect & disconnect a large tradies trailer twice every day for that time. & also my boat & c/van on w/ends .It is perfect for tow ball connecting & has good safe vision to the rear in general.I have smashed 1 lens to date trying to tow some dickhead out of a bog & he didn,t help with the driving out bit ,but that was only $100 so big deal!!I rely on my camera @500 times per annum & this position is ideal for me & frankly thats all that matters !! A little tip here ..... Re the caravan .when I disconnect the van & move the prado forward I go back & wind down the jockey wheel 2 turns .,so when I back up next time I look at the camera & see the towball hit the g/neck & rise up ...then down & bingo its perfect ! This has worked for 4 yrs without me getting out to look nor having any assistance. Your choice mate .Regards M/J

[boomer52 2014 Track Topaz owner! Find all posts View Profile Close boomer52]

sounds good, can u provide a piccie of that placement. What depth is the camera, and is it a yota towbar?

[PradOz Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close PradOz]

A little tip here ..... Re the caravan .when I disconnect the van & move the prado forward I go back & wind down the jockey wheel 2 turns .,so when I back up next time I look at the camera & see the towball hit the g/neck & rise up ...then down & bingo its perfect ! This has worked for 4 yrs without me getting out to look nor having any assistance. Your choice mate .Regards M/J

thanku, i will have to try remember that one. i am guessing i will remember about 5 minutes later than i should have knowing me. thanks for that. any chance of a photo of where yours is in the bumper plz? is it screwed to the outside or set inside it and fixed from underneath somehow?

i really want to get this done but i am having dramas with a swollen knee post surgery that doesnt want to cooperate with treatment/medication. looks like its going to be a lot longer job than it should be