Would like some help / advise ...
Looking to buy a backup video camera for aligning a trailer to the tow hitch. (License plate mount)
Ideally, a lighted unit would work best for me, when early or late evening hookups are required.
Just wondering what the pros and cons are before I buy or custom make one.
Thanks for your input ~dokdok

laffin. But I needed you to hold the coffees!
 
For me and my truck its a necessity. I can back right up and not have to move the trailer, just lower the trailer down onto the ball.
 
Pro's: fairly simple to install, ties into your reverse lights for power, so its only on when you're backing up. I have the wireless model unit where the wired sending unit is placed as close to the front of the truck as possible and sends a signal to the camera in the cab. No need for drilling holes or fitting cords in through to the cab. Picture is pretty decent and even bright enough at night to use. Don't forget the reverse lights are on and provide light plus these cameras are sensitive enough in the dark and use those special IR(?) lights you dont even see.
 
Con's: from time to time you'll sometimes pick up other camera signals and have it displayed on your screen. Not a big deal but might be slightly distracting. And its always fun to sit in front of a store and watch the store clerk behind the counter (many surveillance cams are transmitting on the same frequency). The mounting may or may not suit you, I picked up a beanbag style mount designed to sit on your dash and that works well down on the floor in front of the console.
The warranty isnt the best, and there are special provisions if you buy it at Canadian Tire that you cant return it there (I guess too many were coming back?). But watch for them on sale or check the discount stores like Factory Direct for them. And understand the return policy if you're not happy with it.

I took some pics of mine for ya..
1: camera sitting on the license plate bracket, It easily mounts there and only 1 wire to snake up underneath
2: close up of th ecam, you can see the 6 IR lights around the lens.
3: the sending unit in the bed of the truck. It's tucked up high and out of the way with double sided tape. notice the small antena on top.
4: the monitor as it sits in my truck on the floor.
5: using it as I back up. notice the trailer ball down and center, and the graduated lines to help you gauge your distance.
 
 
 
 

Well I have to tell you it does make a difference.It wasnt working for a few weeks, after the dealer had been fixing something else on the truck.. so I just traced all my connections and made sure nothing was loose, and replugged in the two connections at the sending unit and it was fine after that. But I tried backing up to my one trailer without it and it was a difficult spot/angle.. I had to get in and out 4 times to double check and correct.. what a pain! the trailer was too weighted down to move it to the truck so I had no choice but to get it spot on.

Well, you just saved me a lot of headaches ... thanks again!
You'd think the auto industry would work on the price of a factory unit ... definitely a safety feature that should be classed as a mandatory safety requirement on vehicles factory built with trailer packages.
They need to use the KISS theory to keep the costs down, especially in this economy. I worked in automotive design and engineering for years and feel that this is no optional item, it should be mandatory. Too many accidents occur when the shifter goes into reverse and could be prevented with this technology.
Just my thoughts ~dokdok

  Good explanation on backup cameras  Mike. I didn't realize how they were connected.   

Thx for the heads up Mike ... I'll be heading that way soon!