Rear Camera on Whilst Driving

[sidepod]

Well the camera doesn’t use The Force to switch on!! It takes a signal from reverse light power/switch. Mimic that signal.

 

[Phase one]

Suggest you ring Absolut5 as there isn’t a thing he doesn’t know about the electrics and options for this sort of thing (link below)

He’s also on the T5 and T6 forums.

Don’t know if it’s possible to do with the factory supplied VW head-unit but it must be possible as I have a permanent rear view on my Kenwood head-unit in my T5.1 Wingamm Micros and the head unit can operate either as a full screen rear view or show a split screen with the Sat nav map and a rear view on same screen with the radio or cd also running alongside.

The rear view camera is great in daylight and during dusk but a camera loses out to the high resolution of a mirror in the pitch dark when lens dazzle becomes a feature.

The Kenwood page (link below) suggests it’s got a dash cam and rear view kit. There are newer head units that have become available since mine was fitted in 2015.

Hope this helps.

absolute new | VW T5/T6 Specialists

Absolut5&6 are VW T5 and T6 specialists. Approved VW and Pendle Performance Agents.

absolut5.co.uk

Volkswagen • DNX525DAB Features • KENWOOD UK

www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Paul S]

This is exactly why...

Isn’t that just going to give you a picture of the front of the caravan though? You’d need side mounted rear facing cameras to see more, surely.

 

[Perfectos]

What about wing mirror camera retro fit and a non vw head unit ?

cameras mounted under wing mirrors ?

 

[Byrnie30]

I’ve a Kenwood 510 and there is a button to view the camera. I installed a cheap camera with an ignition switched power (not reversing light) so it’s powered up whenever driving but the head unit only switches to rear view when reverse is engaged. I can then override with the button on the headset. Useful to check bikes or boat on the back or see out the back when the boot is loaded up. Camera is inside the van so the wiper keeps the view clear. Works for me.

 

[Vegas 2020]

Hi Everyone, I have searched the forum and I may just be missing it but if so please point out a link...Does anyone know of a mod that would allow you to have annd view the rear camera whilst driving instead of just when reversing?

Hello Meave,
This wireless unit is available and is pretty easy to install. Take a look at attached video.

Digi-Lite™

Digi-Lite™ is a digital wireless (DW) camera system. The system is specifically designed for light vehicles, motor-homes or caravans, as it utilises a small camera, which is integrated into the number-plate holder. The camera lens direction/angle can also be adjusted. (It can also be used...

www.trailervision.ie

Regards Noél.

 

[Malc69]

Hi Everyone, I have searched the forum and I may just be missing it but if so please point out a link...Does anyone know of a mod that would allow you to have annd view the rear camera whilst driving instead of just when reversing?

When I bought my 2015 California SE 3 years ago the lack of rear visibility was a big concern of mine also. After looking over lots of options I eventually purchased an ‘Auto-Vox’ X2 interior mirror display. It clips over the original (and somewhat useless) interior mirror. The display is the complete mirror surface. With the rear camera installed just above rear number plate I now have complete unhindered view to the rear. I can pan image up & down and it has night vision for low light operation. I have the rear camera image on all the time whilst driving. Absolutely recommend as the rear mirror is where you naturally look for checking rear view and as per the ‘highway code’ . The system has the capability of adding the guide lines when reverse is selected. It also has a built in front facing camera so acts as a dash cam , recording both front and rear images during driving. It also has a ‘lane assist’ function and can display useful information like speed and time. Not going to lie, fitting / integrating it into the van was time consuming but absolutely worth it.

 

[Alan Greensall]

I'd doubt the battery lasting for much of a trip duration.

They run on solar batteries. This type will work no problem although the screen goes off after 2 mins. But just repress the remote button and it comes back on.

 

[Anthony1]

In theory just getting the reverse gear signal energised should do it BUT then the reverse lights would have to be deactivated as would rear proximity sensors.
Radio and if fitted the Sat Nav would be off.

Fitting a separate rear view camera and display would probably be a better/simpler option.

Doubt if Illegal as noticed that Mercedes HGV's are now being fitted with cameras in place of glass door mirrors.

I would rather a mirror than a camera on a door mirror. One small misjudgment by you or another driver and the repairs would not be cheap.

 

[britnails]

anyone’s found a safe workaround for keeping the rear camera on full-time while driving?

 

[Coachella]

On youtube UAO has put a replacement interior mirror into his new Transporter.
With exactly that, to see behind while driving.

9:41 ish.

You can see it in operation.
Might be the solution - and also his previous videos mention who makes it.

 

[Malc69]

Hi Everyone, I have searched the forum and I may just be missing it but if so please point out a link...Does anyone know of a mod that would allow you to have annd view the rear camera whilst driving instead of just when reversing?

Hi, we have a 2015 T5.1 California and when purchased it in 2017 we quickly noted the lack of visibility via the rear view mirror especially when the back of the van was packed. I purchased a replacement rear view mirror from ‘Auto-Vox’ which is a full screen ‘display’ mirror connected to a camera installed just above the rear number plate. As the mirror is ‘on’ all the time when driving it means there is clear vision to whats going on behind the van at all times and as you naturally ’check’ the rear view mirror during driving you see a natural view. It is also ‘night vision’ so even see’s images in the dark. This is a much safer way to improve rear vision instead if looking at a dash display as this means you’ll be looking down to check it which may be a dangerous distraction. The display is touch screen and can also be ‘zoomed’ & ‘panned’ up or down to check for obstructions / kids etc. It also has a forward facing built in camera to boot so doubles up as a dash cam as all video is recorded onto a SD card. BEST addition you’ll ever. Definitely worth a look into.

 

[britnails]

well, I wired my rear camera to a separate switch so I can flip it on anytime, which works great when I’ve got bikes on the back. If you're thinking of upgrading your setup or filming your trips, I found this useful for picking gear: https://www.insta360.com/blog/tips/best-youtube-cameras.html. It's got a good breakdown of cameras that work well for vanlife stuff.