Backup Camera, bad in snow/rain

[AK4RNR]

any ideas on how to keep them clean or a way to clean on the fly? :zoom:
It keeps getting covered in snow when driving.

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

Have someone sit in the cargo area. When it comes time, roll the back window down for them and have them wipe off the camera. Make sure they use a microfiber towel, dont want to scratch it.

 

[Raven]

Same here - next to useless in any kind of bad weather.
Low priority for me, but I plan to try various tube/collar arrangements to see if I can improve things. Might also try relocating the camera for better protection.
I was much happier with rear sonar.

 

[Donkey]

Same thing happens in "normal" climates. Eyeballs only until you can wipe it off, or get a trunk monkey. Tiny tear-offs?

 

[AK4RNR]

Same thing happens in "normal" climates. Eyeballs only until you can wipe it off, or get a trunk monkey. Tiny tear-offs?

Trunk monkey is the best I've heard yet!:faint:

 

[3wbdriver]

40 years of driving now and I am so used to not having one I still have to think to look at mine.

 

[Intruder]

I plan to try various tube/collar arrangements to see if I can improve things.

Probably won't work. It's a wide angle lens so you'd likely lose everything around the edges in the image.

 

[Saker]

I also thought of some kind of shield or protection, but also thought of losing some of the view.
Ok [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] or [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION]..... we need some help here! :lol:

The arrangement/location on my previous FJ was much better. No adverse effects from the rain because of the way it was located/protected.

 

[AK4RNR]

I also thought of some kind of shield or protection, but also thought of losing some of the view.
Ok [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] or [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION]..... we need some help here! :lol:

The arrangement/location on my previous FJ was much better. No adverse effects from the rain because of the way it was located/protected.

I hear VW is coming out with one that is behind the rear emblem. The emblem flips up when in reverse and goes back down when in drive/park. That way the camera is protected when you're not in reverse...interesting idea.

 

[1engineer]

I also thought of some kind of shield or protection, but also thought of losing some of the view.
Ok [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] or [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION]..... we need some help here! :lol:

The arrangement/location on my previous FJ was much better. No adverse effects from the rain because of the way it was located/protected.

My solution?
1. Put vehicle in reverse
2. Put right arm behind passenger seat
3. Rotate head about axis until visual target through back window is confirmed.
4. Slowly back vehicle up

Shield won't work. Guard such as tube won't work because lens must be at the end of shield or tube. The simplest solution would be an auxiliary washer tube tied into the rear window washer. Good luck.

 

[Jeremy556]

I hear VW is coming out with one that is behind the rear emblem. The emblem flips up when in reverse and goes back down when in drive/park. That way the camera is protected when you're not in reverse...interesting idea.

Except that, if VAG is designing/building it, it will only work 3 times (under ideal conditions), then you will have to replace the actuators for $1600, every 3 times.

BTDT: Every hose, weatherstrip, and anything else made of rubber on your car is meant to be biodegradable, so after 3 years it disintegrates, but it does last much longer than coil packs and window regulators.

 

[Antman]

Apply RainEx to the lense. Done.

 

[T.Rock]

I hear VW is coming out with one that is behind the rear emblem. The emblem flips up when in reverse and goes back down when in drive/park. That way the camera is protected when you're not in reverse...interesting idea.

They've had that for a couple of years already....

 

[ShAwTWiN]

Apply RainEx to the lense. Done.

^This!

 

[Raven]

Apply RainEx to the lense. Done.

Certainly worth a try!

 

[adam2562]

I 2nd the RainX idea.. i do that.. and it really helps.

 

[Joez60421]

I'll third the Rain-X. It helps, still not perfect bit it is better.

 

[High_Country]

I also, on occasion when I'm walking up to the truck in bad weather, will lick my thumb and gently wipe off any grime that's back there. If I have a leather glove or rag, I'll use that. I just kinda do it out of habit.

Helps with dust, rain, snow, general road grime.

Hitting it with rainx wouldn't take much effort. I'll try that as well next time I have it out.

 

[Intruder]

I also, on occasion when I'm walking up to the truck in bad weather, will lick my thumb and gently wipe off any grime that's back there. If I have a leather glove or rag, I'll use that. I just kinda do it out of habit.

Yeah, this is pretty much my method as well. These cameras are not so high definition that a couple swirls on the lens cover are going to make a difference.