I installed a backup camera last year but never really completed the project because I can't find a display screen solution for it.
I also did not want to go full double din because the cost of the console, the bracket, and the loss of the center tray. I am also aware due to the slop of our console, the screen is washed out unless the DD unit has reverse tilt, which are pretty rare and expensive. I also try to avoid in dash navi as they are not as easy to update as portable navigation devices.
I bought one of those rear view mirrors with built-in LCD, but the screen was too small and I soon abandoned that idea too.
Finally, I discovered the new 7" Garmin's (RV760LMT, DEZL760LMT, and 2798LMT) have rear camera input! Since I was in the market of getting a navigation they sound like a good solution.
I bought a RV760LMT after I read somewhere (which I can no longer verify) that the DEZL and the 2798 can only use the Garmin camera. I finally installed everything.
Installation steps:
1. Installed backup camera - I tapped into the backup bulb for power, route the video cable from the trunk all the way to the center console per FAQ.
2. Power - I have to use the garmin power cable that goes into the cig socket since the traffic antenna is built into the cable and I want to retain the traffic functionality. I ended up running a power lead from the fuse box and added a cig socket. I plugged the stock garmin power cable into this cig socket and hid it behind the console.
3. Mount - I removed the clock, trim and bend a piece of aluminum so that it will mount into the two screw holes of the center vent piece, gorilla glued a large suction plate on to the aluminum mount, and mount my RAM suction cup mount onto it.
4. backup camera to garmin connection - The backup camera ends with a RCA male plug and Garmin has a 3.5mm female input. I went to radio shack and bought a female-female RCA coupler and a stereo male -> 2 RCA male mono adaptor (red/white).
backup camera - RCA male -> female-female -> red RCA male - 3.5mm stereo male -> Garmin
I ended up with this...
Backup camera - I mounted under the license plate.
Ready to Navigate!
Rear view - it will switch to the rear view camera automatically if you tap the rear view camera power to the back up bulb. One sucky part is that rear view won't turn on unless you accept the Garmin boot-up disclaimer.
Trip computer
Look closer - it's a NSX!
View from front and top...
I will zip-tie those cables together later.
So far I love it! The screen the big and bright, the unit is fast, and the camera works perfectly. I also have lifetime map and traffic which comes with the unit. The RAM mount for the Garmin RV760 is not designed well but it does place the unit close enough to me that I don't have to reach for it.
Cost breakdown
Garmin RV760LMT - $399
RAM mount - $60
Backup camera - $15
3.5mm to RCA cable - $12
Female to female coupler - $2
Aluminium plate + suction plate - $10
Misc wires, power tap, zip ties - $free
It came a hair under $500. It's not as clean as an in-dash install but I am willing to trade that for lifetime map and traffic.
:smile:
I also did not want to go full double din because the cost of the console, the bracket, and the loss of the center tray. I am also aware due to the slop of our console, the screen is washed out unless the DD unit has reverse tilt, which are pretty rare and expensive. I also try to avoid in dash navi as they are not as easy to update as portable navigation devices.
I bought one of those rear view mirrors with built-in LCD, but the screen was too small and I soon abandoned that idea too.
Finally, I discovered the new 7" Garmin's (RV760LMT, DEZL760LMT, and 2798LMT) have rear camera input! Since I was in the market of getting a navigation they sound like a good solution.
I bought a RV760LMT after I read somewhere (which I can no longer verify) that the DEZL and the 2798 can only use the Garmin camera. I finally installed everything.
Installation steps:
1. Installed backup camera - I tapped into the backup bulb for power, route the video cable from the trunk all the way to the center console per FAQ.
2. Power - I have to use the garmin power cable that goes into the cig socket since the traffic antenna is built into the cable and I want to retain the traffic functionality. I ended up running a power lead from the fuse box and added a cig socket. I plugged the stock garmin power cable into this cig socket and hid it behind the console.
3. Mount - I removed the clock, trim and bend a piece of aluminum so that it will mount into the two screw holes of the center vent piece, gorilla glued a large suction plate on to the aluminum mount, and mount my RAM suction cup mount onto it.
4. backup camera to garmin connection - The backup camera ends with a RCA male plug and Garmin has a 3.5mm female input. I went to radio shack and bought a female-female RCA coupler and a stereo male -> 2 RCA male mono adaptor (red/white).
backup camera - RCA male -> female-female -> red RCA male - 3.5mm stereo male -> Garmin
I ended up with this...
Backup camera - I mounted under the license plate.
Ready to Navigate!
Rear view - it will switch to the rear view camera automatically if you tap the rear view camera power to the back up bulb. One sucky part is that rear view won't turn on unless you accept the Garmin boot-up disclaimer.
Trip computer
Look closer - it's a NSX!
View from front and top...
I will zip-tie those cables together later.
So far I love it! The screen the big and bright, the unit is fast, and the camera works perfectly. I also have lifetime map and traffic which comes with the unit. The RAM mount for the Garmin RV760 is not designed well but it does place the unit close enough to me that I don't have to reach for it.
Cost breakdown
Garmin RV760LMT - $399
RAM mount - $60
Backup camera - $15
3.5mm to RCA cable - $12
Female to female coupler - $2
Aluminium plate + suction plate - $10
Misc wires, power tap, zip ties - $free
It came a hair under $500. It's not as clean as an in-dash install but I am willing to trade that for lifetime map and traffic.
:smile:
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