Reversing Camera Mirror Monitor

[sparkythecat]

I want to install a reversing camera in my car. I don't want to spend several hundred pounds swapping the OE head unit out in order to get a screen, so am looking for alternatives.
The best alternative I've come up with so far, with is one of those monitors that clips over the interior mirror.
Can anyone who's installed one tell me how effectively these monitors function as a rear view mirror when the monitor is switched off? Are they reflective enough to see anything behind?

[Spare tyre]

I fitted one to my bongo for the exact same reason as you, clean install. Worked fine as a camera, but the bloody thing vibrated too much as a mirror

Your mileage might vary, I’d suggest getting one from Amazon and trying it just as a mirror, can return it if you are careful

[sparkythecat]

Thanks for that reply.
Was it the weight of the monitor that made your OE mirror wobble, or did the monitor itself wobble because the fixings were poor, or was the monitor screen itself, wobbly inside its housing?
Andmore importantly, was it shiny enough?

[Spare tyre]

sparkythecat said:

Thanks for that reply.
Was it the weight of the monitor that made your OE mirror wobble, or did the monitor itself wobble because the fixings were poor, or was the monitor screen itself, wobbly inside its housing?
Andmore importantly, was it shiny enough?

The mirror quality wasn’t as good, but acceptable

It was just too wobbly, I thought I could live with it, but when someone else drove it, they adjusted it and it then needed re adjusting continually

Lots of variables, I think it’s a case of trying it and returning if no good. I did contemplating adding it as a second mirror above the factory one, but once something becomes a compromise I’ve learnt to jack it in

[Om]

I have one and I haven’t had any vibration issues, Perhaps that is more a function of the original mirror it is strapped too (mine is held in place by a couple of rubber straps that go round the original mirror).

I have found that the mirror quality is very good - with an anti reflective coating, It is also quite a bit larger than the original so gives quite a big field of view.

The one thing that I do dislike is when driving at night there is no dipping facility so despite the anti reflective coating it can be overbright if driving on unlit motorways/roads.

[sparkythecat]

Thanks Om. That's really helpful. I'll order one and see how I get on.

[sparkythecat]

I ordered this kit from Amazon

I've jerry rigged it to test it and I'm quite impressed.
The monitor fixes to the car mirror very securely with the stretch bands supplied.
The mirror reflection has a bluish tinge in normal use, but it's perfectly ok. I'm still able to dip the mirror for night time driving as my mirror pivots on its mounting to dip, rather than pivoting in its frame.
I'll post some pics up when the installation is complete.

Reversing Camera for Car, AHD... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B096K3QPZ4?ref=ppx_pop...

[Rikk]

Slight hijack but it's related

I;m looking for a complete replacement rear view mirror that uses a camera, I can only see out of 50% of mine as the back always has my basketball wheelchair in it, but I'd really like the full view out of the rear.

Any pointers?

[sparkythecat]

The car was already fitted with reversing sensors and my need for a camera was just for easy hitching of trailers, so the priority was to see the tow ball.
Unlike my Shogun, the towball on the Freelander doesn't stick out far enough to get line of sight from anywhere above the bumper, so I mounted very low down.

I'm pleased with the result. The mirror monitor functions fairly well as a mirror.
It has a wider view than the standard item, but the reflection has a bluish hue.
The camera image although fairly small at 5 inches, is very clear.

Edited by sparkythecat on Saturday 6th November 17:23

[psychoR1]

Fitted this one in our transit tourneo - easy to fit, replaces the mirror and great bit of kit.

you can have it as a constant rear view camera if you dont want to use the mirror itself. Has front and rear dash cams too

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AUTO-VOX-Laminated-Revers...