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Prius v backup camera upgrade

Discussion in 'Prius v Accessories and Modifications' started by toy4speed, Dec 27, 2019.

  1. toy4speed

    toy4speed Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2018
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    Location:
    Fremont, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    As many have noted, the Prius v backup camera does not have the colored gridlines to indicate distance (mine is a 2012). Not a big deal for some folks, but I have some back issues and find it convenient and safer to have a good camera with gridlines too. Found this product by PYvideo, includes a new camera, wiring to reach the front dash, adapter harness/plugs to "T" off the current plug into the back of the radio. The online videos are helpful for install, really nothing complicated, just getting panels off the rear hatch, side luggage, door sills, remove the trim around radio, and radio.

    Toyota vehicles

    About $100 for the kit. I'm very happy with the results. Immediately noticed a brighter and sharper image. The new camera gives a wider view so backing up I now see more of the side areas too, more like most of the newer cars. Of course the grid lines are very useful. The red line is about 1.5 ft away from the car, so with a few tests, I get a good idea of the approximate distances. I will also be adding rear backup distance sensors soon. As I get older, figure all the technology I can utilize to help me is a good thing. Will post that when available.

    I mounted the new camera beside the existing camera (left old camera in, just to keep hole sealed). New camera slightly closer to center of the car, so that helps a bit in picture angles. Ran the camera wire along the hatch door, up to the rubber connector to the roof, fed wire into the inner side of roof, down driver side luggage panel (attached ground wire inside side panel, existing bolt), down to rear driver side sill covers, driver door sill cover, up under dash to radio. Lots of ways to skin this cat, but it worked for me. The kit itself is well organized and works flawless. Backing up is almost fun again! IMG_2384.jpg IMG_2385.jpg IMG_2386.jpg
     
    djasonw, Tim Jones and scona like this.
  2. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2012
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    Sanford, NC
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
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    Limited
    Does it have the lines to indicate the direction the car is going to go as a result of your steering input? That is what I find useful in my Rav4h.
     
  3. toy4speed

    toy4speed Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2018
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    Location:
    Fremont, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Nope, really wish it could do that though! We have that in our newer cars, find it very useful, but I think it must be electronically linked to steering somehow. This camera upgrade only has the straight lines going back from the car. The wider view of the new camera does make it easier to back up in a turn since more of the sides are now visible. I find that very helpful.
     
  4. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    Jul 17, 2018
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    Location:
    SE Texas
    Vehicle:
    2011 Nissan LEAF
    Model:
    ----USA----
    I wonder if you could splice that in and replace the factory camera all at the tailgate.
     
  5. toy4speed

    toy4speed Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2018
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    Location:
    Fremont, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Seems like it could be possible. New camera still pulls power from the radio connector. I had a ground wire from the new camera, but there must be a ground coming from the stock camera harness too. The hole for the stock camera is very large, otherwise I might have tried mounting the new camera there. So left old camera mounted just to cover hole.
     
    Tim Jones likes this.
  6. Will N

    Will N Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2015
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    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    I measured 40+" from my fence on the right, and 40+"from the left side where a corner of the garage is tightest on my parking slot. At these distances on both sides I staked 1.25" white PVC pipes (ripped in half on a table saw). So long as I keep the center line in between the pipes I'm good. It works exceptionally well. I also staked a white 5" diameter circle (yogurt container lid) in the best spot for loading my kayak. If I'm close to that spot in my back up camera I can load my kayak without any problems.
    I also figured out that while the camera is off center (2015 Prius V), at about 4 feet and farther, the center line in the monitor is effectively aligned with the center of the car. Until you try this system you can't believe how effective it is.