(Part 2) Best car security products according to redditors

thats a 2.7 inch screen, currently the 3.5inch screen one is on sale for $69 on amazon


5 figure vehicles come with their own proprietary 4 camera system already pre installed.

I used this in my last install to avoid running wires. Works great.

Beastron 2.4g Transmitter/ Receiver for Vehicle Camera https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008Z9E4DW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3KS-BbBAX7ZEP

Once you install one camera, you'll be shocked how easy it is. It will feel like sorcery. The hardest part is choosing how to get the wires from the camera inside. Here is the kit I used for my backup camera which I mounted in the third brake light and conveniently passed the wires through there. The purpose of this post is to show members that you can have a functional 2 camera system for less than $100.

Camera

Monitor

Extra cable I needed this to run the entire length of my van.

This monitor supports two cameras. I got some wago connectors from my job and spliced into the wire for the passenger reading light. This connection is always hot so I additionally added a circuit switch I picked up from autozone.

To add a second camera, I would just need to buy the camera. I am thinking of mounting something like this on the bottom of the passenger side mirror, to assist with parallel parking. I imagine that would also serve your purpose. Again, the hardest part is getting the wires inside :)

As far as monitoring outside, if you find yourself in a precarious situation it is best to just get in the driver's seat and leave if things escalate. The fact that you can see them on your camera means nothing.

This is the one I have 360 Degree Bird View Panoramic System Waterproof Seamless 4 Camera Car DVR Universal Recording Parking Rear View Cam for All Car by CarThree https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HSWKP19/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5ELSDbVKSYY4D

ojocam Pro dashcam New Mini 0801

I like it alot, its small, the 1080p video is good for both day and night, I have two examples on my channel

There was enough length on the power cable to hide it and rout to the center glove box 12V outlet

I've hat it for just over a month, so far no complaints, it saves the videos as .mov though, but you can convert it if you so desire, the software is interesting, it brings up a google (or bing if you like) map and plots out your route which is kinda cool

As far as the cameras themselves go, you can pick them up for very cheap (like 16-20 each). Mounting is going to vary based on your particular vehicle and the bumpers/etc you've added. I attached my front camera right to the grille, which has the added benefit of allowing me to see right down my winch line.

I'm tempted to purchase the Itronics ITB-70G Dash Cam Recorder. I used to use my Droid X and a dash mount but I am looking for more of a 'set it and forget it' setup and this seems ideal. There are cheaper alternatives but some lack sound/video quality and this seems have a balance of everything I'm looking for. Be sure to check out JayFab's well detailed review.

> HDE E336

http://www.amazon.com/HDE-Waterproof-Vehicle-Backup-Viewing/dp/B0081GZDQQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1421684167&sr=1-2&keywords=rear+view+camera

It's actually kinda funny because my dad has an Aliner, super light weight popup camper and also has a rare Saab 9-5 Griffin. He got a tow hitch installed on the Saab and the Aliner has power assisted braking, so the Saab will tow it no problem. But he wanted something more substantial with 4WD because he likes to take the camper out west, and South Dakota mud during heavy rains are no joke.

The camper is only like 1100Lbs, super light, the F150 tows that think as if it was just a Tonka truck. You would never even know it's back there unless you looked in the rearview mirror, haha.

He had this weird system of using these flags on telescoping poles to help him back into the trailer to hook it up, which is when I said screw that and installed a new head unit for him with a little screen and the backup camera. It's super easy to hook up the trailer now. Plus, now he has bluetooth without some stupid cigarette adapter FM modulator doobie.

EDIT: Stereo is this or similar, backup camera is this guy

$68 https://www.amazon.com/Peak-PKC0RB-3-5-Inch-Wireless-Back-Up/dp/B001W6LGGS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491461654&sr=8-1&keywords=wireless+backup+camera+peak

I got this one from Amazon, it's wired because I read that the wireless have a hard time getting through the metal in the bus, depending on how long your bus is. Mine is 34', so I didn't want to chance it. However, since I bought it, I've seen some longer buses on YouTube put in a wireless system, and it works just fine.

eRapta Backup Camera 2.0 with Split Screen Monitor for Bus/Truck/Trailer/Box/RV/Trailer/Tractor/ 5th Wheel When Reversing Parking Backing Car Dash Security Sensor Camera ER0202

Problem solved!

Nothing even close. Here’s an aftermarket 360 degree system under $150.

You may look into this I have not done much research on it myself but could be the easiest solution I've seen.
PAC RPK5-GM4101 Chevrolet Camaro Integrated Radio Replacement Kit 2010-15 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M056PCV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_EDF2BbCB94VZX

haha, ok, quick version:

- you need two of the "backup cameras" that have two cables, 12v dc jack and rca video

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018800TR2/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_mlkUCbNWR7JRR

- you need a wireless transmitter/receiver

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0755W578J/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_ykkUCbD4WXJ0G

- and a lcd display up front

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C7KKVW7/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_jmkUCbVRA5WVG

One camera is mounted on the back of the trailer facing the road

One camera is mounted on the trailer tongue jack facing down at the hitch

An RCA Y-splitter joins the two camera video cables and feeds it to the wireless transmitter

the 12v+ power is connected to a switch (on1-off-on2) on1 sends power to camera1, off is off, on2 sends power to camera2

In your vehicle connect the receiver and display.

When it is time to hitch up, flip the power to the tongue jack camera, backup confidently being able to see yourself place the ball right under the hitch

Get out, hitch up, flip the switch to the rear camera and now enjoy seeing behind the trailer while driving.

Note, put the transmitter up by the tongue jack camera so that you minimize the distance the wireless signal needs to transmit.

​

Good luck, it's an awesome system.

Holy hell for that price buy a newer car with it built in or buy this and let them steal it 10 times: https://www.amazon.com/Emmako-Monitor-Fulltime-optional-waterproof/dp/B071WC3YGL

FWIW I got this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZOTW6O

and a pure android head unit for $275+$10.

This is the one I bought from Amazon.

What I like about it is that it came with the 32GB SD card, it turns on/off automatically with outlet power and its been running perfectly down into the low -20's.

The only 'wiring' required was the cable for power to get my outlet, but that was super easy, with the long cable included. I've got mine mounted just out of my field of vision behind the rear view mirror so it doesn't bother me at all. The only indication that its working is when it first starts up with engine start the screen illuminates briefly, and then a little LED in the bottom right corner flashes blue/red while its recording. It also has a motion detection mode to turn on, but after a day or so of that I saw that it was constantly turning on, so I chose to be on with power from ignition.

It also has a built in battery so its easy to remove from its base and use as a portable camera if needed - such as continuing to document a collision.

All of the software you need is right on it, so you can pull/splice/edit video just by plugging it into your computer.

This model also includes a GPS feature so its storing map data as well so should you need the video you can embed a map on the output video (optional).

What sold me was not only the price and features, but this demo/review video.

I like the peace of mind for $140. In the video linked above the reviewer obsesses about putting black tape over white text on the camera so people outside can't see "camera" or whatever it says on the camera. The reviewer says it a few time that he used black tape. I used a black sharpie and coloured in the white text.

This Camera is absolutely amazing. I installed one on the back of my truck a few months ago with no issues.

My Dad has been using two of these for quite sometime, one of which is mounted on the front of his truck on a winch. It has been submerged in water, mud, snow and ice and keeps on working. The other is on the back of his truck 24/7 and is completely exposed to all elements and is still working flawlessly. Don't be fooled by the price.

I have installed these below... they didnt need any drilling or so, only somebody who understands the very basics of electric. But with youtube everybody can do it:

Camera&Screen

I was too lazy to connect a wire between them

$200: http://www.amazon.com/Itronics-ITB-70G-Camera-Recorder-Record/dp/B004ASMDA8/

Have you seen this one?

I've heard really good things about it.... but that's $300 for a radio install kit. Yeah....

Dash Kit

Good to see a Vic in the Halloween spirit! Also, I hated that license plate camera and got this one instead...takes a little drilling to the left of the license plate light, but looks WAYYYYY better! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XNM7GNS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A cursory search yielded this camera on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B004ASMDA8

I use this in my Wrangler to solve that problem perfectly.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GQZ4QZ3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Nice! Yes I have a front and rear camera. I bought two of those off Amazon. My only complaint is that it lacks decent night vision .

Reverse Backup Camera,RAAYOO L002 2-in-1 Universal Car Front/Side/Rear View Camera,2 Installation Options,Removable Guildlines,mirror non-mirror image,12V only https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074P45P7G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_LCl2DbK336VVB

Turns out it was a $45. Prime with wireless xmtr/receiver. My rig is 26' and works fine. Scope of view is about 12' but I have it mounted on top looking down. Just wanted to make sure I didn't hit anything. And, it's no longer available...sorry but there are others. Key part was wireless xmtr/rcvr.

Beastron 2.4GHz Wireless Video Transmitter and Receiver for Vehicle Backup Camera/Front Car Camera https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008Z9E4DW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-B4SDbF2P725E

I used a viper remote start similar to this
works amazingly never had an issue and the two way remote is worth the money, use two good quality relays, and this is the best i could find for the actuator and i 3d printed in abs the mount for the solenoid, i actually sell these. and i couldn't bring my self to sell it, i'm keeping her. 13psi with a JWT ecu and boost jets - super fun to drive

This seems to fit the bill: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ARS6UWG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is mounted on the exterior, so flush mount is best. Thanks for your help.

Assuming you can find a display: Car Front View Camera

or something similar -> Previous reddit discussion about the subject.

This is the one I used but I'm pretty sure you can find some that have better video quality than the one I used.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F2GMWCG/

Phone is probably the cheapest option if you don't want to opt for a some kind of a standalone screen.

I was thinking something DIY like this + this, but here's something else that looks like it combines both of those and could be a good option.

You can do this over wifi to your phone. It won't activate in reverse...but... if you wire it to ignition (rather than a back up bulb, for example) you can watch it at all times.

https://www.amazon.com/Esky-EC135-05-Waterproof-Definition-Infrared/dp/B005Q65ZIK/ref=pd_ybh_a_7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WXB4NCM9DXMGKT36DR5R

https://www.amazon.com/WishRing-Backup-Realtime-Transmitter-Android/dp/B011BDY7XA/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1480369718&sr=1-1&keywords=wifi+backup

I'm also in the DC area and have numerous friends running them. They all seem to have this model. The quality is surprisingly good, both in terms of video and audio.

Or buy one with a 40% bigger screen for under $70.

https://www.amazon.com/Peak-PKC0RB-3-5-Inch-Wireless-Back-Up/dp/B001W6LGGS

Great i did more searching and found this https://www.amazon.com/AUTO-VOX-Mirror-Backup-Reverse-Recorder/dp/B078YNW5R5/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1537078499&sr=8-15&keywords=rear+view+mirror+screen

I use this one and couldn't be happier.

http://www.amazon.com/PowerUCC-Panorama2S-DashCam-Panorama-International/dp/B00JFUU5OM/ref=sr_1_4?s=car&ie=UTF8&qid=1407353584&sr=1-4&keywords=dash+camera

Amazing resolution, works at night, holds up to 128GB SD card, video doesn't vibrate over bumps, and the CMOS sensor is outstanding.

I use this for my motorcycle since it will record both front and back:

http://www.amazon.com/BlackVue-Wi-Fi-Channel-DR550GW-2CH-Recorder/dp/B00FKA04HY/ref=pd_sim_auto_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=05RT5MWTJ3CZDGE6KVYB

This is something of a hack solution, but since I had two OEM trunk actuators break on me, I decided to attempt and find a different solution. I bought a power door lock motor, and wired it to the trunk switch. To mount the actuator, I just expanded the hole on the included railing, and secures it into place with the tail light nut/bolt. It's lasted me about a year without any problems, it was only $15, and the motor fits under the trunk panel, so unless you remove the cover, nothing seems out of place.

You could use a auto electric door lock. See https://www.amazon.com/Install-Essentials-524N-Power-Motor/dp/B0009SWLE6 Likely you would need to modify the internal clutch to be always be engaged if you want push and pull power. See http://auto.howstuffworks.com/power-door-lock3.htm

What about something like this? Should keep things well away from the car's cameras.

Something like this replaces your rear view mirror and adds a backup camera built into the mirror.

I recommend this one : Amazon

The nice thing is that it is very compact, and the GPS logger/windshield mount makes it super easy to unmount and mount without having to mess with the USB cable, which in turn turns into a very clean looking install.

Blackvue DR650GW 2-Channel - $400 though (pricey)

Blackvue DR550GW 2-Channel - $300 (still pricey)

Both those are two most recommended 2-channel systems right now that have the most positive feedback.

There is a more budget 2-channel called the BlackSys CF-100 - going for $90 right now.

Also, check out Dashcamtalk. They have a lot of info that you can read up on. Included the pros and cons to all 3 systems I linked. Lot's of great info there and in their forums.

Hope this helps.

You could most likely splice in a new camera. Only thing coming out of that one is a component cable, so it's just two conductors. You could grab pretty much any camera floating around eBay or something.

Edit: something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XNM7GNS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Si-0AbCQS4FQ8

The stock radio it had wasn't a touch screen, but I bought the PAC RPK5-GM4101 to keep the OEM feel/look while still being able to add an aftermarket double-DIN head unit.

Seconded. Picked up from Amazon and hard-wired into my car (but you can plug into the cigarette lighter too).

I've been using this for about a week and its great for the price, has all the functions I could need for a dash cam and its cheap. Get the 32GB card and you are covered all day whilst driving.

I may just add one of these over the present screen.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078YNW5R5/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B078YNW5R5&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=a54d13fc-b8a1-4ce8-b285-d77489a09cf6&pf_rd_r=7FWCX3XSHVMPPZTNNFVZ&pd_rd_wg=PxPMw&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_w=Gxmoz&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pd_rd_r=37c988ec-b05a-11e8-9f1d-0fdf2b561195

It's [a cheapo cam I got on Amazon](E-Kylin Auto Vehicle Automobile Car Front View Camera Forward Cam with No Grid Lines Non Mirror Image 12V Waterproof Safety Driving No Blind Spot https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017GC4GTA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FelRCb3XZX8T1). It just plugs into the yellow front camera RCA jack so I didn't think the camera type mattered.

I do want the cam, I use it for a clear front view when off-roading, but it's annoying to have it come on when I'm around town and frequently slowing down in traffic or stopping at red lights. I'd prefer to only have it come on when I press the cam button on the head unit (which I thought was the default behavior).

I'll poke around on the Maestro website and see if that lends any clues.

I'm in the same position with the rig I just got, as someone who has ran a ton of analog cameras for residential I'm already comfortable with all the concepts of them.

I was looking on amazon and came across THIS LISTING and in the reviews someone mentioned that it has leads to put real physical switches to select each input.

the ability to install four switches/buttons on my dash to rapidly switch/momentarily use inputs would be awesome, instead of fiddling with the buttons on the screen.

I haven't had the chance to read into the cheaper units, nor have I hooked my existing cameras up to a modern display to see how good they are. this is basically the results of a quick google.