Rear view camera

[Stella Maris]

In order to make it safer and easier to see the looky loo's coming up behind us (that would be those folk's that may have never seen a Ranger Tug), we installed a rear view monitor. The Monitor was mounted above the windshield. Wiring was easy, loosen the screws on the windshield, tuck the wires in, lead to electrical box behind helm. The camera was mounted to an L-bracket and then mounted to a three inch pvc cap. The cap and camera were dropped into one of the two cup holders in the cockpit. The wiring was lead through the drain hole (which was enlarged) in the bottom. This camera is wireless so you do not need to pull wire to the dash.

 

[captd]

That sure is a good simple install. Mine is a color underwater type with a 100 ft. of cable. Works above or below water. It has reverse image. Stringing out the wire to the stern is the big problem. The drink holder idea will work for me. It will just have to be a temporary install when cruising.
Sure appreciate your postings and pictures. :mrgreen:
captd

 

[Auklet]

Solitude --- Your rear view camera rig is just what I need. Just like the one built into our Prius. What make is it and where did you buy it? We have a dinghy mounted on our swim step that makes a big blind spot. I was considering truck mirrors mounted on the bow pulpit. A camera rig mounted above the companionway would be perfect.

 

[captd]

Cary and Pat,
Yup, same problem. I even got the PVC and started to rig it. Then it dawned on me. The Pudgy will be in the way. Back to the drawing board.
I have got a streight up rod holder right in the stern center, next to the drink holders. I might be able to mount the camera on a 1 1/4 inch pvc and stick it in the rod holder.
captd

 

[Stella Maris]

I purchased the Camera at Sams Club. I am not sure of the brand, it was the only one they carry. The cost was around $110.00. The great thing about it is it is wireless! You don't have to pull wire. I mounted it on a 3" PVC cap and "dropped" it into the cup holder. The screen was mounted at the top of the windshield. The wire is tucked in behind the windshield frame and run into the electrical connections in the back of the helm.

For more ideas, see our websight: Rangertug25-Solitude.com

 

[henrym]

Unable to locate item at local Sam's Club. Would appreciate the make and model number of the Rear view camera system.
Henry

 

[IdleUp]

Super idea thanks!


By the way, I've seen these little camera set-ups in Auto Zone and other parts outlets.

 

[Stella Maris]

Unable to locate item at local Sam's Club. Would appreciate the make and model number of the Rear view camera system.
Henry

After looking at the Sam's Club internet shopping sight and not finding it, I went to my local store and looked. There it was, hundreds of them. They are made by Peak Performance, Safety View. The phone number is 800-477-5847. The retail is now $99.00. The Sam's item number is 320916. It is a "seasonal item" though.

If you can't locate this one, try to stick with a wireless model with at least a seven inch screen. The first one we purchased had a three and a half inch screen. Just couldn't see a thing.....

 

[Stella Maris]

Henry,
If you would like, I could pick one of these up for you and drop it in the mail. The retail is $99.00 plus the 7.75% sales tax and I would guess about ten dollars for shipping.
David

For that matter, anyone else that would like one of these and cannot locate it in your local Sam's, I would be willing to send one out.

 

[wynn 'n anniedear]

What do they say the range on these is? Could it be used in the truck while towing?

 

[henrym]

The camera was originally designed to be mounted on the rear license plate of a motor vehicle. Mounted inside the rear window of a R-25 you can easily see a boat 500' behind you.
Henry

 

[wynn 'n anniedear]

I wonder if the display was mounted in the tow vehicle the signal from the camera would be strong enough to display a view of what is following/waiting to pass.

 

[henrym]

The camera came with about 25' of wire between the camera and wireless transmitter, that in turn transmits to the display monitor.
Henry

 

[wynn 'n anniedear]

Very nice. That camera could do double duty. Thank you.

Wynn

 

[Ram]

This is really nice. Being Scottish, I have to mention a cheap alternative. I got a rectangular mirror mounted on a suction cup at my local chandlery ($30) and stuck it on the upper forward corner of the helm side window. I get a perfect view down that side of the boat to the stern, which is a real help when backing into a slip. I'm probably going to put one on the passenger side window as well.