Rear Car Camera Without Hardwire: Is It Possible?

Rear-view cameras, also known as backup cameras, are now standard in many new car models. However, if your car didn't come with one, you can add a rear-view camera to your vehicle. There are two main types of rear-view cameras: those that mount onto or behind your license plate, and those that are placed inside the car, usually on the rear windshield. Some rear-view cameras are wireless, but most use cables to transmit video and power. If you don't want to hardwire your rear-view camera, you can connect it to your car's 12V socket (also known as a cigarette lighter socket) or USB port. However, keep in mind that using a 12V socket or USB port may not provide constant power to your camera, and you'll need to deal with dangling wires. Another option is to use an external battery pack, but you'll need to remember to charge it regularly.

Two-channel dash cams

Two-channel dash cam systems can be powered in several ways. They can be powered by a single cable attached to the front camera and your car’s 12v lighter socket, or by a hardwiring kit that draws power from the vehicle’s fuse box. Some two- or three-channel dash cams are powered by the car’s OBD port, which is a more accessible means of delivering constant power.

• The Thinkware U1000 dash cam records footage in UHD 4K at 30fps or 2K 1440p at 60fps. It has a discreet and compact design and includes features such as GPS, speed-camera detection, and average speed warnings.
• The Cobra SC 400D is a front/rear dash cam that records in 4K for the front camera and Full HD for the rear camera. It also includes GPS and Alexa integration.
• The Miofive S1 Ultra is a budget-friendly option that offers twin 4K cameras for both the front and rear. It includes a 3-inch LCD screen and can record onto a microSD card or send recordings to your phone.
• The Nextbase iQ is a premium option that offers 4K video capture for the front camera and Full HD for the rear. It also includes a constant power supply via the OBD cable and advanced features such as live video streaming and SmartSense Parking.
• The Viofo A129 Pro Duo is a good value option that offers 4K video capture for the front camera and Full HD for the rear. It also includes useful modes such as Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and Super Night Vision.
• The Garmin Dash Cam 67W is a compact option that can be used as a regular front-facing or dual dash cam. It records in 1440p at 60fps and has a wide 180-degree lens. It can be paired with a second camera, such as the Garmin Mini 2, to create a two-camera system.

Hardwiring kits

When hardwiring your dash cam, you will need to locate your vehicle's fuse box, which is usually found under the steering wheel, in the glove box, or in the front footwell. You will then need to determine which fuse slots to use, ensuring you don't interfere with fuses controlling safety features like airbags and stability control programs. The next step is to connect the wires from your hardwiring kit to the fuse slots, typically using add-a-fuses and fuse-taps for a more secure and professional installation. Finally, you will need to ground the hardwiring kit by attaching the ground wire to a metal bolt or screw in your vehicle.

There are a variety of hardwiring kits available on the market, such as the BlackVue 3-Wire Hardwiring Kit, Thinkware Hardwiring Kit, and VIOFO Type-C HK5 Hardwire Kit. These kits are designed to be compatible with specific dash cam models, so it's important to ensure you select the correct kit for your device. Additionally, some kits may require additional tools or expertise for installation.

Overall, hardwiring kits offer a reliable and discreet way to power your dash cam, ensuring you have peace of mind while driving or parking your vehicle.

Dash cams with parking mode

Parking mode in a dash cam offers continuous surveillance of your vehicle even when it is stationary. This feature is typically activated through motion detection or impact detection via motion sensors or G-force sensors. When the dash cam is in parking mode and an impact is detected, it will ""wake up" and start recording, capturing valuable video evidence that can be crucial in resolving incidents.

Some advantages of using a dash cam with parking mode include:

• 24/7 surveillance of your vehicle, providing peace of mind
• Automatic alerts sent to your device if an impact is detected
• Remote access to a live stream of your dash cam footage
• Clear and crisp footage, day or night

There are a few things to consider when using a dash cam with parking mode. Firstly, you will need to ensure that the dash cam is charged and has a continuous power source. This can be achieved by driving your vehicle regularly, using a hardwiring kit, or utilizing an external battery pack. Additionally, some dash cams with parking mode may require an ongoing service subscription, which can incur additional costs.

• Nexar One 4K Dash Cam: This dash cam hibernates when you are away and uses sensors to detect impact. It will send you real-time alerts and record a 30-second clip of any incidents.
• Vantrue N4 Dash Cam: A 4K dash cam with a 24-hour parking monitor. It offers three parking detection modes: motion detection, automatic collision detection, and energy-saving mode.
• BlackVue DR900X Plus: A 4K dual-camera system that automatically switches to parking mode when your vehicle is parked. It detects motions and impacts, and you can set "detection regions" to avoid unnecessary recordings.
• Thinkware U1000: This dash cam records in UHD 4K at 30fps or 2K 1440p at 60fps. It has a compact and discreet design, and additional features like GPS and speed camera detection.
• Garmin Dash Cam 67W: A compact and magnetic dash cam that records in 1440p at 60fps. It has a wide 180-degree lens and can be paired with another Garmin dash cam to create a dual-camera system.

Wireless transmitters

The Beastron 12V/2.4GHz Wireless Video Transmitter and Receiver for Vehicle Backup Camera/Front Car Camera (ZBC-101) is a wireless RCA video transmitter and receiver kit for car rear view cameras. It has a frequency of 2370MHz and a signal range of 15-20m. It is easy to install, with the receiver connecting to the monitor and the transmitter connecting to the rear camera. It currently has a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

The Safesight RCVSH-C167 Wireless Transmitter and Wireless Receiver can turn any backup camera system into a wireless backup camera system. It operates on the standard 2.4GHz. It has received 2 reviews and has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

The Accelevision RVCWL Wireless Transmitter and Wireless Receiver can turn any monitor and camera into a wireless system. It has easy installation and connections, and a 2.4 GHz transmission for extended length and minimal interference.

The Boyo VTX-3600 3.6-inch Digital Wireless Monitor and Wireless Transmitter Module is a digital wireless technology that is not subject to common interference and static. It has a universal transmitter for use with any camera and suction cup mounting. It has received 1 review and has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

The Boyo VTX300D Digital Wireless Transmitter and Digital Wireless Receiver includes wireless transmitter and receiver boxes. It is a 2.4GHz digital wireless rear view system that is compatible with any camera and monitor with RCA jacks. It has an interference-free digital signal.

Reversing cameras

Type of Camera

Image Quality

Look for a reversing camera with high-definition (HD) or full high-definition (FHD) resolution. This will ensure a clear and detailed image, even in low-light conditions. Some cameras also offer infrared night vision, which can be helpful for driving in complete darkness.

Field of View

A wider field of view will give you a better sense of your surroundings. Look for a camera with a field of view of at least 120 degrees, but preferably closer to 180 degrees. This will reduce blind spots and make it easier to navigate in tight spaces.

Installation

Most reversing cameras can be installed by following the included instructions. However, for a more seamless and professional installation, it may be worth considering a mechanic or specialist. This is especially true for wired cameras, which may require drilling and running cables through your vehicle's interior.

Additional Features

Some reversing cameras offer additional features such as parking assist guidelines, motion detection, or even the ability to record footage. While not necessary, these features can enhance the functionality and usefulness of your reversing camera system.

• Oricom WRC001 Wireless Reversing Camera: This wireless reversing camera offers a clear image with infrared night vision and a waterproof design. It has a flexible mounting system and can be easily viewed on your smartphone or tablet through a free app.
• ECCO Back-Up Camera Systems: ECCO offers a range of wired and wireless back-up camera systems with high-definition displays. Their cameras are weatherproof and suitable for various vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and industrial equipment.
• Whistler Backup Camera: This solar-charging backup camera features a 4.3-inch LCD monitor and is weather-resistant. It offers a wide rear view with LED lights and backup assist grid lines for easier parking.
• AUTO-VOX Solar Wireless Backup Camera: This solar-powered wireless backup camera system includes a 5-inch HD monitor and is easy to install. The camera is waterproof and has a stable digital signal transmission.
• PixelMan Backup Camera: The PixelMan backup camera offers a 1080P resolution with a 170-degree wide-angle lens. It has clear night vision and is IP69K waterproof, making it suitable for various vehicles.

Frequently asked questions