Rear backup cam/NAV, add to base, maintain factory appearance?

[Hawk312]

I have seen a bunch of threads on adding backup cameras and NAV using rear view mirrors and separate, stand alone displays like a Garmine GPS, but I am wondering if there is a way to add these items while still maintaining the factory appearance, and still using factory bezels. I am also wondering the cost of doing such a thing. From reading some of the threads here, it sounds like the factory NAV is just ok/not that great, so the backup cam is more important to me. But my wife doesn`t want anything that looks "butchered" (her words) on a nice newer Explorer. Anyone have any suggestions? We are looking to buy one, probably with cloth interior, and are thinking of adding a DVD system with headrest displays, so I`m not sure if that is something that needs to be considered as well in planning for this.
Id also love to hear any experiences, raves, or regrets from those of you who have added these from the aftermarket.
Thanks for helping this noob. :scratch:

 

[jmr061]

You need one that has MyFord Touch to do OEM Nav.

There are many aftermarket kits to add rearview mirror back up cameras.

Personally I would look for a XLT with the MFT system and then it will likely have the back up cam as well.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum Hawk312.:wavey:
It sounds like you may be better off looking at an XLT.
You have brought up points on which there are existing threads. As such it would be better to post in those.
Navigation: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=327367&highlight=adding+nav see post 168.

Rearview Camera: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=324922&highlight=rearview+camera

DVD Headrest: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=309205&highlight=dvd+headrest

Peter

 

[Hawk312]

Thanks guys. Great help!

Just to make sure I am understanding correctly from other threads I have been reading:

• The "MFT" system includes the 8" screen, but not necessarily the NAV and backup camera. It is required if you want the latter 2 items though.
• The MFT is an option on XLT, though the backup camera is already installed in the rear, regardless if it came equipped with the backup camera option.
• All base models require the MFT *and* the camera itself, along with the harness, and possibly a reflash of the ECM to be able to use the system if installed from another vehicle?

Welcome to the Forum Hawk312.:wavey:
It sounds like you may be better off looking at an XLT.
You have brought up points on which there are existing threads. As such it would be better to post in those.
Navigation: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=327367&highlight=adding+nav see post 168.

Rearview Camera: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=324922&highlight=rearview+camera

DVD Headrest: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=309205&highlight=dvd+headrest

Peter

Thanks Peter. That second link is what really intrigued me. In particular post #46 :

"The vehicle surprisingly had OEM backup camera and the standard small radio screen displayed the backup camera images just fine. The radio Button array and display were identical in every way to Ford's standard XLT base radio's. "

Sounds like it is possible to get the small display in the standard base model to work with the camera?! But I am not sure if this is better than getting one of the rear view mirror systems off Ebay?

Thanks again!