Back-Up Camera

Just a quick update on my possible choices for a back-up camera for my pick-up. I do have a navigation system with a back-up camera, but the camera does not show my trailer hitch ball.  My fist choice was the wireless iBall, which seems like a great system and is versatile in that the camera is magnetic and can be mounted on the back of the truck for hitching up, and later it can be mounted on the rear of the pod for backing up.  I am sometimes forgetful, and eventually I know I would forget to remove the camera and run the possibility of losing it while on the road.

Right now I am leaning toward the wired Smart Hitch by Hopkins.  It sells almost everywhere for $149, but etrailer has it for $119.  Wiring the monitor is somewhat exacting, but I believe it is worth the extra effort.  This unit is switchable, with settings for hitching up and one for use as a true back up camera.  I still have a few details to work out on my truck, but this is now my unit of choice.

If anyone has a better idea, your comments will be appreciated.

Bob

When I bought the Avalanche, my first thought was to mount a removable mirror on the trailer tongue, angled to see both the coupler and the hitch ball.  After assessing the hassles involved in mounting, aiming and storing the mirror, I abandoned that idea.  Your suggestion seems to have more merit, but some of the same problems would still be there.

My "tennis balls" on shafts with magnetic bases work well, but I still prefer a higher tech solution such as the Smart Hitch camera which requires no setup and does not need to be stored.  It also has built-in sensors which assist in backing up and parallel parking. 

I may try your mirror suggestion this weekend, if the height of the camera beam will allow it to work.

My last TV also had a backup camera that shared the navigation system monitor.  It, too, was mounted high and was worthless when lining up with a trailer.  Everything becomes more difficult as you age.

Bob

Doug, the Smart Hitch is still my hitch of choice.  I have not ordered one yet only because I can't find a suitable dash location to mount the monitor without having exposed wires.  Your Suburban and my Avalanche should have similar dash configurations.  Any suggestions?  I don't want to mount it on the windshield or disfigure my dash. 

Bob

On my TV, there is a flat area on the dash immediately right of the gear shift lever.  I don't know the thickness of the monitor, but if it fits, this may be my mounting location of choice. There are a few other areas that might also work without drilling any holes in the dash.

I looked at mine this morning and to the right of the shifter there was almost no room before hitting the center console stack.  What little room there is, is covered by the shifter.  The only "good" places that I could see are on top of the dash to the left and right.  Down low on the left is open but it would be hard to see and it would get kicked all the time.