Retrofitting a reversing camera? How to do it!

An Backup camera is quite expensive ex works. It is cheaper to retrofit a camera from the accessories. And it's not nearly as difficult as you might think. Learn how to do it here with us! With the scarce parking space in our cities, every centimeter is precious. In addition, the current cars are usually very confusing. In particular, the aerodynamically designed rear sections can usually not fully capture even the most experienced driver's gaze. Electronic reversing cameras are then an indispensable aid. Much more comfortable than simple Reversing alarm they are hardly more expensive these days. With a new car, they are now part of the factory equipment in many car models - or are available in the option list for an extra charge. A rear-view camera that can be purchased from a third-party supplier for retrofitting is much cheaper. This is suitable for both new and used vehicles. Some of the systems start at well below 100 euros. At the same time, however, it makes parking in tight parking spaces easier and perhaps saves a few scratches.

the benefits of the reversing camera

• Reversing camera makes maneuvering easier due to improved clarity.
• Blind spots get smaller with a rear view camera
  The driver always has an eye on the trailer coupling with the reversing camera
• small objects are better perceived with the reversing camera
• The driver can better assess obstacles with the reversing camera
• Accidents are largely avoided when reversing and parking

Retrofitting with a cable connection!

Possibility 1: install the reversing camera and monitor securely in the vehicle. In a car, you can easily retrofit a reversing camera with a cable connection yourself. But the effort is quite large. A cable must be pulled through the car as invisibly as possible from the rear to the front. However, it is very likely that you will have to remove various paneling parts to expose the way to the dashboard. Such a rear view camera usually costs from 50 Euros upwards. For example, there is an attachment for the interior mirror or an additional monitor for the dashboard. The camera sends the image to the monitor provided for this purpose, which normally enables the camera to be operated using keys or touchscreen. Such a system usually even has two cameras. One camera is in the back and the second is built into the mirror or monitor and keeps the traffic in front of the car as Dashcam firmly. We recently had such a system with the Vantrue V4 tested. However, the "reversing camera" installed there is not intended for easier parking, but rather as a dashcam for possible accidents at the rear of the vehicle. The small screen of the cam is not suitable for reliable parking. The resolution is only large enough on the PC.

In the event of an accident, she can be an unwavering witness. Many cameras also have a parking guard function. If the parked car vibrates, the camera starts filming. You can hand these recordings over to the police to search for the perpetrator if the perpetrator escapes. Incidentally, the installation makes it easier for you to use a voltage measuring device and a soldering iron to find the cable in the direction of the reversing light and to connect it. Installation is also possible without these aids. Experienced do-it-yourselfers need 2,5 hours to install this cam. In a modern vehicle with a CAN bus, the electronic data path, it is possible that various error messages are output when the signal for the reversing light is picked up.

Retrofitting via radio connection!

Possibility 2: It is also possible without much effort. Namely with a reversing camera with a radio link. With these reversing cameras, only one power connection is connected to the rear of the vehicle. You tap into the cable of your reversing light and your camera is supplied with power. the problem with the CAN bus may also exist in this case. However, there are also enough devices that do not generate an error message. Here you should definitely find out beforehand. If you have installed this type of camera, the monitor is only activated when reverse gear is engaged. So it does not distract you from the traffic while driving. Connecting a monitor to the cockpit is child's play: you plug it into the cigarette lighter and you're done. Alternatively, there are also other options for permanently installing the power cable from the monitor and not using the cigarette lighter.

What are the costs for retrofitting?

If you retrofit a rear view camera yourself, you only have to bear the material costs. Good camera models are available for less than 100 euros. Original rear view cameras (that would actually be the Possibility 3) from the manufacturer, on the other hand, are significantly more expensive and usually cannot be installed and connected as easily as devices from third-party providers. The original reversing camera should be installed in the workshop. Depending on the model and the amount of work required, this can easily cost 1.000 euros. However, this variant is then also perfectly integrated into the vehicle and works optimally with all components of the car. As a rule, the factory solution is also the highest quality.

Tips on buying a rear view camera

In order for you to drive safely with your reversing camera, it is important that you pay attention to the following things when purchasing the accessories:

1. Picture quality: The image on the monitor or on the smartphone must be so sharp that you can see everything exactly. It is ideal if the images are in color.
2. Wide angle: The rear view camera should be able to cover a very wide area so that the blind spot is reduced. (It can be 120 degrees and more). Multiple cameras are recommended for a large vehicle. The distortion should be as small as possible in order to be able to estimate distances well.
3. Night vision: The camera should also be able to deliver good pictures in the dark. The light from the reversing lights should be enough to show a clear clear picture. Alternatively, the camera should have its own lighting.
4. Certification mark: Buy only one camera ECE test, otherwise it is not approved for use in the vehicle. The TÜV will find fault with them and you would have to remove them again. If the camera triggers a vehicle fire, for example, the insurance company can refuse to settle the damage.

Are legal restrictions to be expected?

No, that's not the case! With a large vehicle such as a truck, reversing cameras are even mandatory, due to Section 56 of the StVO. Retrofitting a rear-view camera in a car is therefore even desirable, as the overview is improved for the driver. However, the reversing camera is not an obligation.

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