Removal of Camera Shroud and Wheel Cover Options

[JRad13 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close JRad13]

Ok, so for years I've referred to this site when I'm chasing answers for everything Prado related, thought I'd become a member to ask my own questions.

I just read the "Relocate Reversing Camera" topic that I see was posted approx 3 years ago and the best thing I did was follow the instructions by SuperDavid on how to remove the Camera Shroud, did this last week and the view is amazing.

2. I've removed the hard wheel cover and currently using a Toyota soft cover with the centre cut out for the camera, it's doing the job, but flimsy and starting to rip. I like the look of no wheel cover, hard or soft at all, so how much damage does it do to the tyre on the back without one? I wish I could find a "donut" wheel cover (if this hasn't been done then I have dibs on the copyright) so that the tyre itself was the only thing covered, make it a lot easier to remove replace the wheel on the back. It's a pain to take off/put on the soft wheel cover and because I've cut out for the camera, this is where it ends up ripping.

First time poster so be gentle with me.

[xlr8_87 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close xlr8_87]

Bit of a myth that leaving the spare exposed will cause any damage to it. The whole theory was that you got more UV damage from it being uncovered. Your other 4 tyres are all exposed to the sun and they're fine.
You should also be rotating your spare every ~10,000km to ensure even wear of all 5 tyres

[juz Member Find all posts View Profile Close juz]

Hi JRad13Ddo you have a link to that "reversing camera" thread?. I cant seem to find it =[

[JRad13 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close JRad13]

Juz, here are the instructions I followed.

I don't have the hardcover on anymore so I started at this point and I didn't have to touch any of the wires to disconnect the camera.

1. Use the 12mm spanner again to unbolt the two bolts that retain the camera assembly to the spare wheel carrier.
2. Unclip the camera's electrical connection.
3. Take the camera assembly to a bench and remove the remaining 12mm bolt that connects the camera bracket to the camera assembly.

Now you have access to four (4) small phillips head camera and camera shroud retaining screws.

4. Unscrew the four (4) camera and camera shroud retaining screws using a very small phillips head screw driver.
5. Remove the tiny camera head itself and the camera shroud from the metal assembly, and..... discard the shroud.

I have placed my camera shroud in the glove box until I am sure I really don't need it. I'm not convinced that it is actually needed, so why bother even cutting it down and modifying it... I recon just get rid of the camera shroud altogether. But I'm open to comments and advice on this.

6. Re-install the tiny camera head itself, minus its shroud, this time using only the two (2) small philips head screws that retain the camera head itself to the camera bracket.
7. Replace the 12mm bolt that connects the camera bracket to the camera assembly
8. Re-attach the camera electrical connection.
9. Replace the two (2) 12mm bolts that retain the camera assembly to the spare wheel carrier.
10. Replace the spare wheel
11. Replace the spare wheel cover.
12. Admire the wider field of view from the reverse camera

[Nova Member Find all posts View Profile Close Nova]

A couple of thoughts.

Toyota do a centre only cover that was standard on the FJ cruiser. This fits the prado.

If you shred a tyre, it can be really hard to get the cover over the tangle of wire and rubber. This is the reason I took mine off for remote travel, didn't want the chance to have to tie it on the roof or leave it behind.

As mentioned earlier, you will wear the tyres out before UV kills them.

Cheers, Nova

[juz Member Find all posts View Profile Close juz]

Thanks JRad13. Appreciate it. Will do it this arvo.

[juz Member Find all posts View Profile Close juz]

Done. Too easy and great improvement in FOV. I filed the shroud and replaced it. I think it adds a little bit of security if the camera screws happen to back out.

[Imac059 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Imac059]

Done. Too easy and great improvement in FOV. I filed the shroud and replaced it. I think it adds a little bit of security if the camera screws happen to back out.

Yeah I did the same - just filed the shroud and screwed it back original place with the 4 screws. Gives clearer wider view and still structurally sound + the top of my towball is now visible on the screen. No need for a second or new camera.

[Bardiel Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Bardiel]

Does it actually work out?! I mean, I was also thinking recently, about doing this, however I was kind of ... skeptical. A lot of people were actually telling me that in case I would do it, I would get a way wider view, and it is really useful. I was already thinking about getting another camera, I mean, I wanted to instal the second camera to it. I guess I will do it, and see how it works. However, untill then, I have to figure out the wheels camer. I have changed the rims recently, and something is wrong with them. I have read a great positive and negative camber guide and I guess the problem is that I am having a way too negative camber.

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

I bought my Jan-2017 GX second hand, with no spare wheel cover. I just took the camera bracket apart and put it back together without the offending shroud. I can now see the tow hitch when backing up to our camper trailer. 15 minutes or less to do.

[mat-with-one-t Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mat-with-one-t]

Another silly question.
We're off on a trip, and I'd like to leave the wheel cover at home. Is there a way I can continue to use the reversing camera, as we will be towing a camper trailer and it's useful for lining up the hitch when hooking up.
cheers, Mat

[Grinbot Member Find all posts View Profile Close Grinbot]

The camera is attached to the bracket that holds the spare wheel. Removing the wheel cover does not affect the camera.

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

El cheaper fix. I removed the shroud and it made buggerall difference. Simple solution was one of those plastic tow ball covers with a plastic zip tie through it facing back.

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

As per my post #10. Taking off all the unnecessary shrouds etc, so that just the camera is secured to the spare wheel bracket, gives my GX a much wider field of view. I can see the towball and the valve stem of the spare tyre! If I was to take the spare tyre off, I'd get an even wider view!!

[gunda Member Find all posts View Profile Close gunda]

Has anyone tried one of these relocation brackets?:

https://www.kaon.com.au/reversing-ca...to-suit-toyota

I wonder how it would affect models with a 360 degree view.