Aftermarket vehicle backup camera?

[powernoodle]

I drive an '09 Suburban and have to back this thing up pretty much by feel. When I hear someone screaming OMG! or a metallic sound, I stop.

I am looking to install an aftermarket backup camera. What I am looking for will have a wireless transmitter so I don't have to run wires, and preferably a video screen that is hardwired and does not use a cigarette lighter.

I know its a long shot, but anyone have any experience with such a thing?

thx
me

 

[jnich005]

I don't really have any experience with back up camera systems, but you should be able to find something a jegs or summitracing dot com. I would also suggest calling your local dealership. It is very possible that model truck had a back up camera as an option and that would be the best way to get the system you desire (but pricey). That may be more work as you will most likely need to remove the dash and current radio. Good luck. Let us know what you find.
Jon

edit: Also try crutchfield dot com, they specialize in after market stereos and the like.

 

[jaynick]

last time i did a major audio/video install was 3 years ago and at that time wireless cameras cost a grip and werent as reliable as a hardwired one.i dont think much has changed unless ur dropping well over 300. i recommend boyo brand,specifically their zinc plated license frame style.. ive had 2 and for the price its hard to beat. scooped them on amazon for less than a 100. if they rust/oxidize or the camera goes bad from washing or whatever u can get a new one and plug it into the old wiring.(it has a connector harness about a foot after the camera so u can detach it at any time)

removing a few trim panels along one side of the car shouldnt be that hard. its just a chevy..try removing reclining heated leather seats out of an infiniti (0_0)
anyway the most painful part is 95% of cars need to get a 1/4 inch hole drilled behind the license plate and filled with a rubber grommet to seal out moisture so u can run the skinny wires from the outside of the trunk lid inside.


and as for the video screen..i looked up 09 suburban but couldnt get interior pics i just found 07 and 2010 and 2011 models. you should go on a suburban forum and see if there are any add on kits that can convert your stock navigation screen to work with a backup camera. if you dont have navigation i highly suggest ripping out that double din and putting in a cheap double din dvd player. pioneeravh4200 is sweet and so is the jvc ax830 both about 450. if you were to buy just a standalone lcd, youd need somewhere to mount it(they sell these kits that has a mount wedged in between the plastic panels of the dash, i believe they use them for gps units) plus the standalone units are expensive for how simple it is compard to a dvd player and most have crappy quality.
for 450 you could have better sound,dvd capabilities, and options to add on bluetooth and navigation.


oh...and since you have such a hard time backing up i highly recommend installing a 4 zone reverse reverse sensor in conjunction with the camera. its worth the 200 bucks. cameras dont pick up everything and the fisheye lens makes it hard to judge distances. the 4 or 6 zone sensors pick up side and corner dangers too.

 

[jaynick]

oh and contrary to what the above poster said dont go to the stealership. they will charge you huge markup plus ridiculous labor. if you want to pay thru the nose at least go to a reputable audio shop. theyd do a better job with better parts. dealerships make a killing on options.

if there is in fact an oem solution u can go on a suburban forum and look for one of their forum sponsors and buy thru them. their online pricing is wayy below dealers msrp. you can then install it yourself or take it somewhere for cheap.

 

[powernoodle]

oh...and since you have such a hard time backing up

I was joking about that. I am a Grand Master at backing up, as I am with just about everything else I do in life. :thumbup:

Thanks for the good info. Much to cogitate on. It pays to tap into others' skill sets.