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Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam

OK. Got the mirror camera deal installed. Really like it so far although the rig is just sitting in my driveway. Anyhow, the image is great and it also displays time, direction and speed and records both front and rear cameras. The camera remains stationary but the software allows a virtual tilt. 

Re wire routing, I vacillated between Larry's recommendation (under the rig) and Ron's (inside). I had already made two runs front to back under so I decided to do this one inside. Route is as follows:
* From the mirror across the top of the windshield;
* Down the A-Pillar;
* Across the door sill;
* Through the wall into the compartment under the fridge
* Across the water tank;
* Under the sink and through the bathroom wall;
* Behind the toilet;
* Under the shower;
* Up the back shower wall and through the overhead cabinets to the back cabinet;
* Through the rear cap.'

We'll see how the little camera holds up. So far so good. Has anyone installed one of these? In searching the forum I came across a post by MajorTom in 2020 discussing the mirror cam but I'm not sure if he installed it.

Here's some photos illustrating the wire run.
jor

Mirror & Camera: mirror
50' Wiring: Wiring
Hardwire Kit: hardwire
Fuse Taps: fuse taps
Adaptor: adaptor

PS: Sadly, no adaptor available to interface with the Voyager wiring.

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09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #1
I've been using a VanTop H612T 12" mirror dashcam/rear cam for about a month now, and I'm very happy with it. In my pickup with a topper, there are three tinted windows (cab rear, topper front, and topper rear) between me and what's behind me, so you can imagine that the seeing is pretty poor. The VanTop mirror dashcam (which appears to be very similar to the Wolfbox G840S) gives me an extremely sharp image on the 12" wide mirror display. (I'm running both cameras at "2K" resolution, which is 1,920 x 1,080 as I read the specs.) Touchscreen controls are well designed and accessible with a swipe or even by voice command (e.g., "Take a photo," "Show front camera," etc.).

About my only complaint is that the VanTop display is partially reflective. I'm guessing that's so it can serve as a mirror when not powered up. But it means if there's anything light-colored behind the cab, it reflects distractingly in the display. I solved this with a couple of cheap black hand towels draped over the offending objects.

I've purchased extension cables and am planning to add a second VanTop camera to the rear of my Airstream trailer in the next few weeks. The mirror display only has one rear camera input, so I'll have to unplug and replug cables at the back of my truck--a nuisance, but it will be worth it if it works. The Airstream came with a Voyager wireless rear camera, but that camera's 640 x 480 resolution is frankly crappy, and the 5" display is awkward to mount in the cab. Anyway, it failed after a year. VanTop's high-resolution rear camera and mirror display should be a major improvement.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #2
Andy, I sure agree with you on the Voyager. The image quality cannot compare to these new mirror monitors. And the new ones are so much cheaper. I just looked up what I have paid for the Voyager system. In 2013, I paid $767 for monitor and camera. Anyhow, glad you are enjoying yours. I really like your voice command feature which mine doesn't have. Otherwise, they look to be really similar.
jor
09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #3
It is impressive how rear-view cameras and monitors have come down in price, I used to pay several hundred dollars for just the parts.
Our Jeep has a large hi-def rear camera and monitor, I wish the LD had the same picture quality but cameras and monitors of the quality were not available or were very expensive. Another future project.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #4
Hi All,
I have a 2015 MB with the factory installed camera and are thinking about an upgrade. Can I use the existing wiring? It would make things much simpler. We leave ours on when driving as it gives information on the traffic behind us. When backing we use the spotter system.

Ian
2015 MB

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #5
"I really like your voice command feature which mine doesn't have."

Although it recognizes about a dozen commands, I find myself using only one: "Take a photo." If I see an animal by the roadside, or an unintentionally funny street sign, or anything that I'd like to capture an image of, that command will do it, without my needing to take my hands off the wheel. It takes stills from both front and rear cameras, so if somebody is tailgating me, I can grab a still of that vehicle.

Granted, I could extract similar images as frame grabs from the dashcam's video files, and I occasionally do. But that requires scrolling through dozens of clips looking for the exact frame I want... and if I don't do it right away, the video will be overwritten. As far as I know, stills are not overwritten.

So although the "Take a photo" voice command seems like a bit of a gimmick at first glance, I've found it quite useful. On the down side, random sounds occasionally trigger it--oddly, because no other voice commands seem to be falsely triggered by ambient noise. But I can live with a few extra stills.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #6

Hi JOR;  my very expensive rear view camera from LD, never was very good. And folding the sun visor down to see it was particularly bad when I needed variable focal length glasses lenses with the 'reading' portion at the bottom.  So its time to upgrade!  I've picked the Wolfbox  G850.  The wiring cable is 33' not 50'. For my 23' 4.5" long LD I should still have lots of wire leftover.    Amazon.com: WOLFBOX 12" 4K Rear View Mirror Camera, Smart Full Touch Screen...
   I'm not enamored with the Ford rear view mirror, and I would rather remove it. You used that adaptor. Did that work out ok?
I plan to wire this dash cam into the chassis battery/ reverse supply, but it is backed up by the LiF batteries/ solar with a 20A supply.  When it is in surveillance mode does the 'mirror' display stay lit up? The mention of a shock sensor, does it light up then?  
   Another question:  is there sound from the rear camera?   RonB

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RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #7
Hi, Ron. Let's see...

Wiring: I had about 4' of wire to spare.
Adaptor: See photo. Looks factory with the adaptor. Attached to the existing mirror, it looks bulky, awkward. Also, the mirrors are about the same size so in order to use the front camera, you'd have to line it up way off center.
Surveillance Mode: I haven't tried that.
Shock Sensor: Don't know.
Sound from Camera: Don't think so.

Tip: I had never taken off a Ford rear view mirror. The ones I'm used to have a screw holding the mirror to the mount. The Ford doesn't. I took mine off just as the guy does in this video. Just used a small allen wrench. mirror removal

Here's another removal video: mirror removal
jor
09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #8

Ron, maybe I'm misunderstanding, but it sounds as if you might be planning to wire the rear camera to the backup light connection. My VanTop rear camera came with a red wire pigtail at the camera end, intended for just that purpose. I cut it off, because I wanted the rear camera active all the time, not just when backing up. For my purposes, this is a substitute for a rear view mirror--not just a backup camera.

For what it's worth, four-pin extension cables (male to female) are available in 6.5' 9.8', and 16.5' lengths.

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Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #9
Quote
For my purposes, this is a substitute for a rear view mirror

Same here. Cut off the red wire.
jor
09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #10

Thanks Andy and JOR;  The present backup camera installed by LD (black and white, 4" screen, low res) comes on when in reverse, or has a manual switch on the dash under the key that turns it on whichever gear I select.  I plan to have the Wolfbox G850 camera display be on and (recording) like a normal rear view mirror.   The adaptor  Amazon.com: WOLFBOX OEM Bracket for USB C G840S/G840H/G850/G900 Mirror Dash...  is specifically made for this monitor, the G850.  The last adaptor link you provided seems to point to a different bracket.
    Many RV specific rear view cameras have the sound feature.  Helpful when someone is spotting parking for you. Also when checking brake lights, and hookups for towed vehicles (checking for proper light/brake operation. 
    My present camera (Audiovox I think) housing may prove useful to protect this new camera.  Retain the same holes, etc for mounting.
    The security features keeping a record at night and while away from the motorhome such as shopping or in a campground, are something I want.  I have more than enough power to keep it powered up all the time, but I might let it lapse into the 1 fps. I'm not sure how much shock it would take to get it to start recording. Some type of visible motion sensing at night might be better.  The idea of a switched camera to the outside roof, watching for branch hazards and such to the solar, A/C and sat antenna, has occurred to me.
   I can follow the present wiring harness from LD to put in the new one.    RonB

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #11
Hi Jor;  I've got all of the parts now, and lot's of extra's for the WolfBox G850.  I bought the longer 33', so I have the 20' standard left over. I bought the two supply cable with supercapacitor, so it will be on, but know when it is parked, so that it will revert to one frame per second (1FPS) slow recording when parked. So I have the plug in to cigarette lighter left over.  I bought the special mirror replacement back support to look cleaner when installed.  The old mirror with it's bracket will be stored in the vehicle in case of an electrical failure.  Then I can swap the Ford mirror back in.  It came with a 64Gb chip, but It can handle up to a 256Gb, class 10 chip.
     The low light level, very small, rear camera is going to be mounted to a flat black 'shade' piece of aluminum and be mounted in the present camera mounting bracket (from the Lazy Daze option 23 years ago). It will have a use after the old camera and visor mounted display are gone.
     One of the reviewers mentioned that the license plates of cars were unreadable.  The camera resolution is higher than the display. So while the display can't show it well, the chip will record it at full resolution (4K in consumer media, 3840 × 2160 is the dominant 4K standard, and 1080 for the back camera), and it can be displayed on a much better display i.e. a tablet, some phones or a laptop computer.
      Many of you know there are scammers out there, looking for older drivers to pull in front of!
      The recording of events in front of you, or behind you,  along with time, speed and GPS location, may be useful in court cases. This system can also take single picture snapshots. The occasional antics of drivers in front of you, might someday end up in YouTube videos.       RonB

     edit:   So Larry, Should I try to get the GPS antenna into the fiberglass nosecone. The wire would be about right to plug into the mirror
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #12
edit:   So Larry, Should I try to get the GPS antenna into the fiberglass nosecone? The wire would be about right to plug into the mirror

Your LD should have a plastic escape hatch, a good place to mount a GPS or XM antenna. Mount it on the vent's crossbar.


Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #13
Thanks Larry; I forgot about that possible location.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #14
Quote
2015 MB with the factory installed camera and are thinking about an upgrade. Can I use the existing wiring?

I didn't see a response to ian's question. LD installed a Voyager system on my rig. I contacted Voyager and did some research. There doesn't seem to be any adaptor to match the mirror cam's wiring to Voyager's so you're likely stuck with the job of running the new wires.
jor
09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #15
Ron,

I wonder if 33' is going to do it. If LD ran your existing wires in your TK as they did in my 27' MB and you want to follow that route, you'll need to go across the windshield, down and across the door, down and back to the shower and up through the cabinets. You've probably got all this figured out but 33' might be cutting it close.

I look forward to seeing your camera mount. I just used the existing hole and filled it with Dicor like LD did with their urethane caulk.

I really like the idea of snapshots. Unlike Andy's setup, I will have to touch the screen twice to take a snapshot. Does yours have the voice control?

Re the GPS antenna, mine seems to be working just laying on the dash. Not completely sure as the rig is just sitting in my driveway chawing at the bit to get out of here.
jor
09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #16
One more thing on my camera install. On my 08 Ford there were two unused ports in my fuse box, #s 21 and 35. One was switched and the other, unswitched so perfect, right? Turns out though that the Wolfbox power supply fuses don't quite fit. Can't push them in all the way because of their design. So I used two fuse taps to piggy back onto #26 (20a cig lighter) and #2 (10 amp keyless entry).
jor


09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #17
Hi JOR;  As far as Ian's 2015 question, I don't have the Voyager system, if that is what he has, so I can't speak to his wiring issue.
    The dash is a good location for the GPS 'puck' if it doesn't bother you there.  Their GPS might use both the US system and GLONASS, the Soviet system.  Many satellites are probably visible 'forward' in your travels.  Larry's location in the escape hatch vent would have a better view of the sky and would be more robust in mountainous areas. (Yosemite for instance).
    I haven't looked at my wiring length requirement closely yet. I probably should have gone with the 50'.  The LD factory install took a pretty direct route, but obviously was done after the inside walls were done, and they left about 20 feet extra coiled up inside my rear compartment hollow floor (above the rear window).  (I can get the 50' in just a few days via Amazon Prime...).
    No voice commands mentioned. I do travel with an adaptor for the micro 'SD' card that fits my travel laptop. I use that with my camera that is 4k video also. (possibly 256Gb).  So I might pick out travel photos by reviewing the 'mirror' video.  I'm surprised the mirror can't stream video to a remote device, but maybe in a few more years, eh?
RonB                    p.s. my fuse block, ten years older and a E350, looks a little different. I also think not adaptable. I'll just tap into the present camera wiring.
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #18
"I'm surprised the mirror can't stream video to a remote device, but maybe in a few more years, eh?"

It is a little surprising, since that has been a common feature on dashcams for some years now. That said, I've owned a number of different dashcams with Bluetooth streaming over the years, and in every case that feature was flaky: video would intermittently freeze, or the connection would be lost. Of course a dedicated smartphone app was required, which always made me a little nervous--what happens when the manufacturer stops updating the app, and Apple or Samsung rolls out a new OS version that breaks the old app?

My real need for Bluetooth connectivity with a dashcam wasn't streaming, anyway--it was access to settings. That was required with the small, inconspicuous cylindrical dashcams that had no controls aside from an on/off button--you had to use a phone app. And it was almost mandatory with the dashcams that required you to use three or four buttons to navigate menus shown on a tiny 2" screen. Doing that with an iPhone app was a lot easier.

But streaming? Other than verifying that the camera was working, I didn't have a need for it. And with the VanTop and WolfBox mirror displays, the settings are presented in large virtual buttons on a ten- or twelve-inch-wide touchscreen, so I don't feel the need for a phone app.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #19
Hi Andy, mostly was to transfer the data to a laptop for storage and perusal with a large hi_res screen and keyboard, rather than searching and editing on the device itself. Also to avoid handling the tiny microSD card. (dropped into nether regions in the past).
   (My Sony Sx-70 uses wi-fi to transfer video or pics to my phone or laptop.)
   The video surveilance feature while parked, 3 minute snippets, may be triggered by habitation of the motorhome at night. Opening doors and cabinets. With the dinette/bed in the back. I also have enough LiF to leave it on all night with the mirror display blanked. I have had squirrels, birds, on the roof (rats?) and one time a few deer looking in the windows. That agitates the cats. Hear a suspicious noise at 3AM? Would be nice to be able to see whats out there from bed on the cell phone.
RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #20
"mostly was to transfer the data to a laptop.... Also to avoid handling the tiny microSD card. (dropped into nether regions in the past)."

Good point, Ron. When handling those tiny cards, I'm always terrified of dropping one and losing it forever in some crack in the console.

"Hear a suspicious noise at 3AM? Would be nice to be able to see whats out there from bed on the cell phone."

Another good point. 🙂
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #21
One more thing on my camera install. On my 08 Ford there were two unused ports in my fuse box, #s 21 and 35. One was switched and the other, unswitched so perfect, right? Turns out though that the Wolfbox power supply fuses don't quite fit. Can't push them in all the way because of their design. So I used two fuse taps to piggy back onto #26 (20a cig lighter) and #2 (10 amp keyless entry).
jor
I believe ordering the hardwire kit that has the assortment of fuse connectors Hardwire Kit contains the correct fuse holders.

Kendall
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Kendall & Donna
2019 TK  "RIMRIDER"
2023 Jeep Wrangler

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #22

Kendall,
   That sure would have done the trick. Weird thing is that I did order the hardware kit. Same price but it's a little different. I should have done a little more research. I might even change over to the one you got and redo that portion. Thanks.
whatiordered
jor

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester

Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #23
I did a proof-of-concept test tonight with my VanTop H612T rear camera, connecting it via four extension cables for a total length of just under sixty feet. (That's in addition to however many feet of cable come with the mirror kit.) It appeared to work fine. Since my Airstream is only about twenty feet long, I won't need nearly that much cable to get to the trailer's rear end, so I feel pretty confident that once I get the camera installed, it will work.

I just thought people would like to know that it's possible to extend that rear camera by a considerable distance. 🙂
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

 
Re: Rear View Mirror Camera & Dash Cam
Reply #24
To follow up on my last post: In my final installation with multiple long Wolfbox extension cables, I found that the real camera would cut out intermittently. The cables for these cameras are very small, with what looks like 24 gauge wire, and apparently the voltage drop over a 60 foot run was just too great. I substituted a cable made with 4-wire 16 gauge cable (overkill, but it was what I could easily obtain) and the problem was eliminated. I made the cable by cutting one of the skinny Wolfbox extension cables in half and splicing each half to one end of my 16/4 cable.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"