No spoiler. Best place to mount reverse camera?

[IsLNdbOi]

I want to install a reverse / rear-view camera. Problem is, I don't know where to install it. I do not like those license plate frame cameras or cameras that mount down there. It's too low.

I'd like to mount the camera up high, but I don't have a spoiler to hide the camera in.

Anyone have suggestions / advice / recommendations?

[apro]

I already see in the rear bumper...

[kosy_m]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Car-Reverse-Rear-View-Back-Camera-Toyota-Yaris-Vitz-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem335fb4d4c6QQitemZ22064 9018566QQptZCarQ5fAudioQ5fVideo#ht_2471wt_939
http://cgi.ebay.com/TOYOTA-YARIS-CCD-PAL-Car-Rear-View-Backup-Camera-/270645782570?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f03bee82a#ht_3123wt_905

[IsLNdbOi]

I already see in the rear bumper...
That's still too low.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Car-Reverse-Rear-View-Back-Camera-Toyota-Yaris-Vitz-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem335fb4d4c6QQitemZ22064 9018566QQptZCarQ5fAudioQ5fVideo#ht_2471wt_939
http://cgi.ebay.com/TOYOTA-YARIS-CCD-PAL-Car-Rear-View-Backup-Camera-/270645782570?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f03bee82a#ht_3123wt_905
I was asking for a recommendation / advice on where to mount a camera, not for actual cameras.

[tk-421]

The cleanest way would probably be to remove the trunk keyhole assembly and use that hole for the camera. The obvious downside of that approach is that one would need an alternate way to open the trunk, such as with a door popper. This is what I am planning to do myself.

OTOH the rear camera kit that I got (http://www.dealextreme.com/p/1-4-cmos-car-rearview-parking-video-camera-13052) came with a drill bit that will let you make a hole pretty much anywhere, so that opens up a few other install options.

[IsLNdbOi]

Thanks tk. That's cool that it comes with a drill bit, but I'd be scared to drill a hole on the outside if my Yaris.

That's a really cheap camera. Does it work well? I see some comments about condensation getting into the lens.

[CTScott]

I would try mounting it to the side of the middle brake light, with the lens right against the glass.

[tk-421]

I haven't installed the camera yet, but I did hook it up to a video capture card and it works pretty well indoors, both with light and in the dark.

I am 99% sure that the condensation issue (if it even happens) can be avoided by adding an extra sealant such as gasket maker before installing it. I personally think it was worth the extra risk, but as always YMMV.

[IsLNdbOi]

I would try mounting it to the side of the middle brake light, with the lens right against the glass.
Actually, I like this idea. Keeps the camera safe inside the car too. Wonder how it would look though if I get the back window tinted...

[CTScott]

SuperCircuits sells some very tiny cameras with pin hole lenses. With rear tint, you could cut a 1/16" pin hole in the tint, for the camera lens:

http://www.supercircuits.com/Security-Cameras/Micro-Video-Cameras/

[IsLNdbOi]

I guess if I get tint I can ask the tint shop to cut a hole in the tint just for the camera before they put the tint on.

[IsLNdbOi]

I'm actually interested in the Kenwood CMOS-300 because of its really wide viewing angles. I'm still looking though. I want a wide angle camera that also does night vision.

[Tonavi]

You need a reverse camera on a Yaris?!

If you can't back that up.....LOL!

[IsLNdbOi]

I don't need one. Just seems like a waste to have a unit like the Z130BT and not utilize all of its features (one being compatibility with reverse cameras).

[poorsh2]

I cut a hole under the hatch release it is perfect for watching the load on the trailer. Not so good for traffic, fine for backing up.

[IsLNdbOi]

So after all these months, I'm still contemplating a revers camera. I like CTScott's idea, but an issue I thought of with that location is glare from the reverse light. Anyone have any other ideas on mounting locations?

[_S7V7N_]

On the Roof !!!! you could be a storm chaser..J/k..How about doing something where the rear Toyota Emblem is ?

[why?]

How about removing the rear window wiper and mounting it in there?

[mazilla]

I mounted mine behind the hatch glass on the plastic brake light housing. It sits up nice and high, and is inside the car so it stays out of harms way...I never use it, but I thought it would be fun to have.

[IsLNdbOi]

Do you ever have glare problems with the brake light when the cam is on and the brake light comes on?

[mazilla]

No, but I also have very black windows and they do restrict the amount of light the camera has at night, to the point it's almost useless in a dark environment. If you hbe window tint and use a cheapo camera like I did you probably won't like it.

[IsLNdbOi]

Well this is the camera I have coming:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/Accessories/Rear-View-Cameras/ND-BC20PA

I hope the camera is decent in this kit. I chose it because when paired with my HU, it'll automatically go to the camera whenever I put the car in reverse and it will also let me manually switch to the camera when I want to. When I do get tint, I'm going to ask the tint guys to cut a hole in the tint for the camera and maybe use darker tint over where the brake lights are.

[fnkngrv]

^ So to be perfectly sure...you dropped hundreds of dollars on a rear/back-up camera?

[IsLNdbOi]

Nope. I paid less than 1/4th the retail price.

So, got any mounting location suggestions?

[PopsCar]

Hey, I bought the Pioneer reverse camera months ago for the Z120 Pioneer head unit, still dont have any instructions on where to mount it or how to connect the reverse wires to the rear light. how did your install go? any pics?

[cali yaris]

on my tC, I mounted mine in the bumper. Best place.