da2962
Active Member
- Joined
- May 14, 2007
- Messages
- 63
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- City, State
- Norwalk, CT
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2003 4.0 XLT
well, as I mentioned in one of my other threads last weekend I installed a wireless backup camera on my 94 Explorer. Got the setup from JC Whitney for $119. and free shipping. Didn't get a chance to take pictures, but I'll go through the install which was relatively simple and went flawlessly (a huge surprise to me).
The unit I got is put out by Virtual Reality labs, model #VRBCS300W. Its a pretty straight forward setup with the camera mounting over the rear license plate and held in place with the same screws as holds the plate. Its a basic 2 wire hookup, 1 wire going to 12v+ and the other to a ground. The wires come straight out of the back of the unit, so its necessary to drill a small hole in the license plate, then a corresponding hole in the bumper to route the wires, the kit is so complete that it even gives you the grommets that fit the holes. From there I threaded the wires under the truck running them through some flexible tubing and was able to bring them right up behind the driver's side taillight housing. I added a new ground screw to hook up the ground, then after checking the 2 wires coming out of the light plug with a simple test light, spliced the positive lead to the positive wire on the back up light. This gives power to the camera only when the truck is put into reverse. I assume that it could also be hooked up to a constant power source, giving you a rear view at all times, sort of a wireless rear view mirror, but for now I'll leave it hooked up to the backup light. I then went back and found places to wire tie the tubing to keep everything secure.
As for the monitor itself, it comes with the option of a plug that goes into the cigarette lighter, or it can also be hard wired in (it gives you 2 cords, 1 with the plug and 1 with just the 2 wires). It also comes with a stand, and velcro pads to install it securely. Since I still haven't decided where I want to place it permanently, for now I just plug it into the cigarette lighter, and put it up on the dashboard though eventually I will wire it into a hot lead so as not to have the plug hanging down to the cigarette lighter.
The only problems I have found are in mounting the monitor, the place I originally found that I liked, apparently experiences some kind of interference from something under the dash. I haven't been able to figure out what is causing it but if I move the monitor anywhere else I get a clear picture. The other issue, is one that they warn of, that being it can get interference from a cell phone or blue tooth. I have found this is the case, though its not too bad, and I usually try not to be on the phone when I am backing up anyways.
The entire install took me about an hour, and probably would have taken less if it hadn't been 90 degrees with me stopping every 5 minutes for a water break.
The unit I got is put out by Virtual Reality labs, model #VRBCS300W. Its a pretty straight forward setup with the camera mounting over the rear license plate and held in place with the same screws as holds the plate. Its a basic 2 wire hookup, 1 wire going to 12v+ and the other to a ground. The wires come straight out of the back of the unit, so its necessary to drill a small hole in the license plate, then a corresponding hole in the bumper to route the wires, the kit is so complete that it even gives you the grommets that fit the holes. From there I threaded the wires under the truck running them through some flexible tubing and was able to bring them right up behind the driver's side taillight housing. I added a new ground screw to hook up the ground, then after checking the 2 wires coming out of the light plug with a simple test light, spliced the positive lead to the positive wire on the back up light. This gives power to the camera only when the truck is put into reverse. I assume that it could also be hooked up to a constant power source, giving you a rear view at all times, sort of a wireless rear view mirror, but for now I'll leave it hooked up to the backup light. I then went back and found places to wire tie the tubing to keep everything secure.
As for the monitor itself, it comes with the option of a plug that goes into the cigarette lighter, or it can also be hard wired in (it gives you 2 cords, 1 with the plug and 1 with just the 2 wires). It also comes with a stand, and velcro pads to install it securely. Since I still haven't decided where I want to place it permanently, for now I just plug it into the cigarette lighter, and put it up on the dashboard though eventually I will wire it into a hot lead so as not to have the plug hanging down to the cigarette lighter.
The only problems I have found are in mounting the monitor, the place I originally found that I liked, apparently experiences some kind of interference from something under the dash. I haven't been able to figure out what is causing it but if I move the monitor anywhere else I get a clear picture. The other issue, is one that they warn of, that being it can get interference from a cell phone or blue tooth. I have found this is the case, though its not too bad, and I usually try not to be on the phone when I am backing up anyways.
The entire install took me about an hour, and probably would have taken less if it hadn't been 90 degrees with me stopping every 5 minutes for a water break.
