Fitting reversing camera to 2014 Cali

[GillianC]

I would like to fit my 2014 Cali with a satnav, blue tooth and reversing camera.
Apparently a Kenwood is the VW approved unit (would replace the current centre console) but a VW centre I have spoken with says that it is extremely difficult to fit this in a Cali due to all the fittings as the camera is hard wired.
Has anyone had experience of doing a similar thing and if so how was it done?
Also any recommendations of people who could do it in the Hampshire area?
Thanks - what seemed quite straightforward doesn't seem to be so!
Gillian

 

[mccp]

Has anyone had experience of doing a similar thing and if so how was it done?

I found a couple of threads on this:

tailgate trim removal to fit rear camera

DIY Rear Camera fitting tips

It doesn't look easy though.

 

[Pete M]

I fitted mine ... took a morning but pretty straightforward.

 

[GillianC]

I fitted mine ... took a morning but pretty straightforward.

Thanks Pete
What exactly did you fit?

 

[Pete M]

Thanks Pete
What exactly did you fit?

Reversing camera, lens mounted under/in between the license plate lights and cabled back to a Pioneer head unit it he dash.

 

[WelshGas]

I would like to fit my 2014 Cali with a satnav, blue tooth and reversing camera.
Apparently a Kenwood is the VW approved unit (would replace the current centre console) but a VW centre I have spoken with says that it is extremely difficult to fit this in a Cali due to all the fittings as the camera is hard wired.
Has anyone had experience of doing a similar thing and if so how was it done?
Also any recommendations of people who could do it in the Hampshire area?
Thanks - what seemed quite straightforward doesn't seem to be so!
Gillian

http://hazzydayz.com/transporter-7e---2010-2015---t51-101-c.asp

Hertfordshire. Not cheap for Genuine VW system.

 

[GillianC]

http://hazzydayz.com/transporter-7e---2010-2015---t51-101-c.asp

Hertfordshire. Not cheap for Genuine VW system.

Thanks WelshGas - not too far to go...

 

[estresao]

I've fitted myself a Newzmy Carpad 2 head unit and a rear camera and I'm very happy with them. A little more complex (and no perfect) but, being an Android device, provide lot of posibilities.

 

[reserves]

I'd say there are better options than the Kenwood, the only upside to the Kenwood as it shows some info on the dash display.

If you have an iPhone I'd look at the CarPlay units.

This might sound off topic, but basically if you go with a non VW head unit then all the rest of the parts are cheaper, a reversing camera can be had for £20.

Absolute 5 know their stuff with the T5, they are based in Amesbury, speak to Jason even if you decide not to go with them he can give you some great advice.

 

[Pete M]

I'd say there are better options than the Kenwood, the only upside to the Kenwood as it shows some info on the dash display.

If you have an iPhone I'd look at the CarPlay units.

This might sound off topic, but basically if you go with a non VW head unit then all the rest of the parts are cheaper, a reversing camera can be had for £20.

Absolute 5 know their stuff with the T5, they are based in Amesbury, speak to Jason even if you decide not to go with them he can give you some great advice.

I purchased my Pioneer from Absolute5 and they were really helpful, highly recommenced.

 

[Pete M]

http://hazzydayz.com/transporter-7e---2010-2015---t51-101-c.asp

Hertfordshire. Not cheap for Genuine VW system.

I went down to see these guys, yep all VW kit but with the steering wheel controls, hands free kit and the camera it came out at over 2.5k which was out of my budget.

 

[GillianC]

I went down to see these guys, yep all VW kit but with the steering wheel controls, hands free kit and the camera it came out at over 2.5k which was out of my budget.

Thanks everyone.
I will get in touch with Absolute5. Amesbury isn't far at all and it outdoor be a good excuse to spend a night away!

 

[Pete M]

If you're fitting it yourself and would like a chat about procedure send me a PM/number and I'll help where I can.

 

[Rob H]

I would like to fit my 2014 Cali with a satnav, blue tooth and reversing camera.
Apparently a Kenwood is the VW approved unit (would replace the current centre console) but a VW centre I have spoken with says that it is extremely difficult to fit this in a Cali due to all the fittings as the camera is hard wired.
Has anyone had experience of doing a similar thing and if so how was it done.

I've a Kenwood camera, in a T5 LWB, as prev comments it comes with a long cable, it allows a neat installation especially to a Kenwood head unit, it involves much trim removal, (proper trim removal tools off e bay, assist greatly, but information on how the California trim is released is harder to come by), and a length of net curtain flexible wire ... you need to remove the tailgate trim, and feed the cable to and through the rubber flexible convoluted ducting to route the cable into the van top NS rear, (its tight through the ducting due the wiring already in place), but 'do able', then route following the vehicle wiring along the NS roof line, so more trim removal, to the top of the NS A pillar (remove or loosen for access, the A pillar plastic trim), then down the A pillar to the pull / prise off end trim of the vehicle dash, as you will be aware the radio unit is easy to access, need a credit card or proper trim removal wedge to remove the oddments tray starting by prising it from the vehicle front (screen side) above the radio assy. You need a feed from the gearbox reversing switch, Disconnect the vehicle battery, before you undo any radio connectors / cabling, to save any unwanted error codes being generated by the can bus system.

If it's too tricky, recommend you go through your main agent for a sparks who will be familiar with the T5, California and its trim fixings.

Rgrds,

Rob H.

 

[jts46]

Have you not got parking sensors?

 

[hirsty]

Not that you'd want to come to Leeds, but useful info here:

http://www.exploria-online.co.uk/cameras.aspx

 

[shrimper]

Hi Gillian,
at the end 2012, we had the team at SMG Cowfold (West Sussex) installed a Kenwood DNX521 with a reversing camera into our California. Cost was a major factor not to retro fit the official VW system which would have been more than double the cost (for Kenwood/camera and installation we paid just under £1500). We are pleased with the Kenwood system. ... yes it is slow to start up (takes around 30/40 seconds to boot up when you start the van) and the navigation system (garmin) is ok but it is not par with VW's latest/most upto date system. In case you are interested, I have posted some photos of the Kenwood system on the public liberary.

 

[GillianC]

Have you not got parking sensors?

Yes I have but my car has a reversing camera and it makes parking anywhere so easy. I would like one fitted to my hugely more expensive Cali too as I plan to see how it fares as an everyday vehicle with the possibility of upgrading it and getting rid of the car if it works. Trying to make life easier for myself!

 

[WelshGas]

Yes I have but my car has a reversing camera and it makes parking anywhere so easy. I would like one fitted to my hugely more expensive Cali too as I plan to see how it fares as an everyday vehicle with the possibility of upgrading it and getting rid of the car if it works. Trying to make life easier for myself!

The California is definitely workable as an everyday vehicle. The only constraint is Multi-story carparks. As long as the height limit is 2m then I have had no problem, but no roof bars. I do have an awning and solar panel fitted and use a towbar bike rack.

 

[GillianC]

Hi Gillian,
at the end 2012, we had the team at SMG Cowfold (West Sussex) installed a Kenwood DNX521 with a reversing camera into our California. Cost was a major factor not to retro fit the official VW system which would have been more than double the cost (for Kenwood/camera and installation we paid just under £1500). We are pleased with the Kenwood system. ... yes it is slow to start up (takes around 30/40 seconds to boot up when you start the van) and the navigation system (garmin) is ok but it is not par with VW's latest/most upto date system. In case you are interested, I have posted some photos of the Kenwood system on the public liberary.

Thanks Shrimper....there is so much conflicting advice! One VW dealer (Breeze in Totton) and an independent specialist (absolute in Amesbury) said that they wouldn't want to do fit a camera as it was so complicated.
Hopefully the VW van centre are going to do the work when it goes in on Monday. At least by having them do it there should be some VW warranty if it all goes wrong! With out current list of problems I don't want this to be another!

 

[Gavinskii]

I have just last week changed out my OEM Sat Nav for a more modern Carplay unit from Pioneer ( AVIC F9880BT) which has additional ports for 2 cameras, so I have had a rear camera discreetly fitted too.
Total cost just over £700. The camera is great, and the modern Sat Nav is even better (45 countries included) + I have a decent bluetooth mobile connectivity with all i-phone bells and whistles (music, messaging, Siri, google maps etc.).

 

[GillianC]

I have just last week changed out my OEM Sat Nav for a more modern Carplay unit from Pioneer ( AVIC F9880BT) which has additional ports for 2 cameras, so I have had a rear camera discreetly fitted too.
Total cost just over £700. The camera is great, and the modern Sat Nav is even better (45 countries included) + I have a decent bluetooth mobile connectivity with all i-phone bells and whistles (music, messaging, Siri, google maps etc.).

Sounds good Gavinskii. Who did the work for you?

 

[Gavinskii]

Sounds good Gavinskii. Who did the work for you?

I happened to be going North last week doing some Uni visits with my daughter and had it done by Ram Mobile in Wakefield whilst we were in Leeds. However nearer to us (but a little bit more expensive) are Road Radio who have the same items.