Camera kit in mirror with homelink for Prius IV

I am in the process of purchasing a Prius IV. I want the camera but I'm not interested in the Navigation, so the dealer has offered to install an aftermarket rear view mirrow which will include a camera, the homelink and a compass. Any thoughts on putting these kind of aftermarket options on the Prius? And if so are there any brands you recommend. In addition to the camera, it must also include a homelink. Thanks ahead of time for any opinions.

 

No responses yet? Is there a different forum that I should be posting this question in?

 

Paul58- Thanks for your response. The dealer said they can't use the Toyota OEM one, because it doesn't have the Hmelink. True/false? The Prius IV has a homelink in the mirror and I don't want to lose it; so they are contracting a company to install an aftermarket one. They haven't told me the brand yet, but it sounds like it could be the Gentek one. It also has a homelink and a compass. They say it's a nicer mirror than the Toyota OEM one. I'm hoping they are correct.

My only hesitation is that putting this kind aftermarket stuff on the Prius might cause electrical problems... and possible void the warranty. Any thoughts on that?

 

Paul, Thanks again for your information.

I'm not sure. I just know that the model number of the aftermarket mirror camera/homelink is 50-GenK3545 and the manufacturer is Mito. I went ahead and purchased the vehicle, so I'll know more about it when they install it this Thursday.

If you don't mind me asking, what are "HID's"?

 

To Paul59 or anyone, Can you recommend a particular camera that would work with the 50-genk3545 mirror? I had the mirror installed yesterday; and I'm not pleased with the aftermarket camera they installed on the back. The main problem with the camera they installed is that it looks very crude with the brackets and wire exposed. There are also minor distortions in the image. The tech that did the install says the "Toyota OEM camera will not work." Not sure if this is true, so I need to do a little research on the matter. Meanwhile, the Toyota dealer did assure me he'd resolve this to my satisfaction. Thanks ahead of time for your advice.

R.

 

Thank you for the list. Very interesting stuff. However, I'm leaving it up to the Toyota dealer to correct or replace the aftermarket camera, since he's the one that had it installed.

It turns out the technician installed it right on top of the Camera plug (instead of removing the plug and intalling it up inside the hole), so the metal brace and wires are exposed and it looks very tacky. Also, all the guts (wires and plug) can be seen up front where it meets the windshield, because the black cover doesn't quite fit over everything.

I showed it to a couple people at the dealership and they all agreed it was just a sloppy installation. They also believe it could probably be corrected by repositioning stuff.... Let's hope.

PS: I did find out the Camera they installed is the Audiovox CAM330. Any opinions on that brand and model? Here's a pdf I found on it: http://www.voxxsupport.com/images/User%20Manuals%20-%20FAQ's/CAM330.pdf

 

Thought I'd post an update on this matter. The dealer had the installation redone; he replaced the audovox cam330 with a chrome finished Boyo VTL400 camera. It's attaches the top side of part of the license plate. The installation now looks very professional. No wires are sticking out anywhere... and everything is working great.

 

Here are some photos:

50Genk3545 Rear View Mirror with 3.5" Camera monitor, 3 homelink buttons and a compass:



Close up of 3.5" camera monitor:


I think the 3.5 camera monitor is a decent size; it's very easy to see everything.... It was a little overcast and foggy when I took these, so the photos may not do it justice. Also, I couldn't figure out how to get the reflection of my photo camera out of the photo.

Boyo VTL400 Chrome Bar Camera:


The chrome camera bar also serves to attach the lic plate to the vehicle. It can also be attached on top of a flat lic plate frame; however I like the simplicity of it without a frame. The wiring is completely concealed underneath the lic plate. I replaced the screws it came with.. with locking screws. The screws also sink into little holes in the bar, so I was able to cover them with some chrome tape that blends in perfectly with the chrome on the bar.

 

You're welcome. Yes, the camera is adjustable.

 

The camera came separately from the mirror, so I don't see any reason why you couldn't put this mirror together with a wider angle lens camera if that's what you want. This one has a 130 degree lens; when backing out of parking spots, I've had no problems seeing vehicles off to the side.... Keep in mind, my vehicle is not as wide as the road in the photo, and the camera encompasses quite a bit of the road's width. I also took this photo when I parked on the side of the road, so the angle appears to be a little off... when it's not.