Rear spoiler backup camera mounts?

[MrEMan]

So after almost 14 years of listening to my stock head unit, I've finally replaced it with a Pioneer MVH-2400NEX (and love it, can't imagine why I waited so long). With the nice display, I've become intrigued with the idea of a backup camera and have been doing some research. I like the idea of mounting the camera in my rear spoiler for a couple of reasons ... first, I think it would look cleaner, less obtrusive, and second, I intend to install a rear bumper with a swing out tire carrier at some point in the future and believe that a spoiler mounted camera would give me a more unobstructed view.

I have a couple of questions though ...

1. Am I correct that a swing out tire carrier would obstruct a more traditional mount?
2. And any recommendations for lip mount cameras for the rear spoiler?

I've seen a couple of write-ups that are several years old, and seen several other folks indicate they were interested in doing the same. Just wondering what folks experience has been with spoiler mounted cameras ...

 

[ZebRuaj]

I had my amazon Esky rear camera (one of those $20 license plate mounted ones) 3m taped to the underside of the spoiler for about a year. Went thru 2 of em due to build quality (water and ice got in). I liked the camera view from up top. Definitely gave me a wider, usable angle and saw the hitch for the times I needed to hook up the trailer.

This past winter, I moved the replacement camera inside behind the hatch glass. Just bolted it up on the headliner. Camera view is a bit narrower now, but at least I wont have to warranty it every 6 mo's. And the lens isn't coated in salt and dirt, just the hatch glass now.

 

[TenTwelve]

I just received one of these...

https://www.amazon.com/BRAUTO-Rever...argid=aud-465161895813:pla-588842203430&psc=1

... I haven't had time to install it yet, but I like the factory look.

 

[MrEMan]

I had my amazon Esky rear camera (one of those $20 license plate mounted ones) 3m taped to the underside of the spoiler for about a year. Went thru 2 of em due to build quality (water and ice got in). I liked the camera view from up top. Definitely gave me a wider, usable angle and saw the hitch for the times I needed to hook up the trailer.

This past winter, I moved the replacement camera inside behind the hatch glass. Just bolted it up on the headliner. Camera view is a bit narrower now, but at least I wont have to warranty it every 6 mo's. And the lens isn't coated in salt and dirt, just the hatch glass now.

Thanks ... so do you think the salt and dirt issue is due to the spoiler location? Or would it be an issue regardless for any external mounted camera?

 

[MrEMan]

I just received one of these...

https://www.amazon.com/BRAUTO-Rever...argid=aud-465161895813:pla-588842203430&psc=1

... I haven't had time to install it yet, but I like the factory look.

I like the factory look as well, but I'm pretty sure that a tire carrier would obstruct that location?

 

[TenTwelve]

I like the factory look as well, but I'm pretty sure that a tire carrier would obstruct that location?

Yeah, quite possibly. I'm not familiar with the carriers.

 

[wc11]

I hate having to wipe the camera lens when covered by dirt or snow so I put my licence plate style inside.
Wiper cleans the window and if need be, I just roll down the window.

 

[ZebRuaj]

Thanks ... so do you think the salt and dirt issue is due to the spoiler location? Or would it be an issue regardless for any external mounted camera?

My rear hatch and spoiler is always dirtier than the rest of the car. Physics. Low air pressure and the likes. Or I tell myself.

I think its every vehicle. Think its just worse on SUV's and trucks due to the big flat rear ends. My other vehicles, always have to run my thumb over the lens to clean em off before going anywhere.

 

[MrEMan]

Interesting ... that's two that have moved their license plate mount inside. I'm assuming that it narrows your field of view some ... how noticeable is it? And do you see reduced low light capability looking out through the tinted rear window?

 

[ZebRuaj]

I compare the view as another "fish eye". You do see less side to side as the body of the vehicle is in frame now. And its not as clear as mounted outside as you now have 1 more lens to filter thru (the rear glass). Night vision isn't the best. But these camera's aren't the best at night anyways. I do have LED reverse pods mounted on the bumper so that helps. (Reminds me, I need to cover up the LED's on the camera for night vision. They just glare and reflect on the rear glass when used).

 

[Whytey]

Nice work on upgrading the head unit. I recently did that with a pioneer and it's a world of difference.
I purchased a camera for this unit as well but I've been waiting until I get a spoiler and install that. I'm not the biggest fan of the lower traditional mounting spot (by the license plate) as objects typically just get larger but you have no distance gauge. My solution was to mount it up high so you get a clearer view of the bumper to object distance.
I think with a rear tire carrier either the traditional spot or spoiler are going to be rendered pretty useless. The tire usually sits up quite high and you definitely won't clear the tire so it will be a pretty obscured view. I have seen some kits that actually mount into the center of your spare tire giving you an unimpeded view backwards. Won't get that high angle look but honestly probably your best solution.

I have been a little concerned with the spoiler mounted camera getting filthy but if I put it inside the vehicle I'll have to roll the window down every time I back up. Plus might not get a view of the actually bumper.

I'll let you know my results when I get around to testing this out.

 

[MrEMan]

Nice work on upgrading the head unit. I recently did that with a pioneer and it's a world of difference.
I purchased a camera for this unit as well but I've been waiting until I get a spoiler and install that. I'm not the biggest fan of the lower traditional mounting spot (by the license plate) as objects typically just get larger but you have no distance gauge. My solution was to mount it up high so you get a clearer view of the bumper to object distance.
I think with a rear tire carrier either the traditional spot or spoiler are going to be rendered pretty useless. The tire usually sits up quite high and you definitely won't clear the tire so it will be a pretty obscured view. I have seen some kits that actually mount into the center of your spare tire giving you an unimpeded view backwards. Won't get that high angle look but honestly probably your best solution.

I have been a little concerned with the spoiler mounted camera getting filthy but if I put it inside the vehicle I'll have to roll the window down every time I back up. Plus might not get a view of the actually bumper.

I'll let you know my results when I get around to testing this out.

Fair point about the tire carrier obstructing the view ... I think it'll obstruct the view, in one way or another, regardless of where I might put camera but was hoping someone might have some direct experience. I'll be interested to hear how your install goes ...

 

[MrEMan]

I compare the view as another "fish eye". You do see less side to side as the body of the vehicle is in frame now. And its not as clear as mounted outside as you now have 1 more lens to filter thru (the rear glass). Night vision isn't the best. But these camera's aren't the best at night anyways. I do have LED reverse pods mounted on the bumper so that helps. (Reminds me, I need to cover up the LED's on the camera for night vision. They just glare and reflect on the rear glass when used).

Hmmm ... it's backing up in low light that I'm most interested in, so this might not be the best solution for me.

 

[Ausumm]

I hate having to wipe the camera lens when covered by dirt or snow so I put my licence plate style inside.
Wiper cleans the window and if need be, I just roll down the window.

OMG That's perfect!
I've had a license plate style backup camera for more than a year but never installed it!
I didn't have the time to run the wires thru the hatch.
But this is easier in so many ways.
I may try this!

 

[Deb Mac]

I have an '06 SR5 with no backup cam & I like the idea of inside the hatch. I have a Garmin backup cam that has a transmitter to the GPS unit up front (no direct wiring). I would like to wire that transmitter into the reverse light wiring at the tail light. Just have to run the wiring down from the top of the rear bay to the tail light and then done.

Does anyone know what colour wires are going into the "harness" (where the tail light bulb is seated) at the tail light? I saw yellow on a Tacoma forum thread, but I think I saw yellow/red here somewhere.

Thanks for the assist.

 

[Tironeous]

When you get the new bumper or tire carrier don’t you need to relocate your license plate and run lighting to it? I would just place a bar style camera there.


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[TheNorseman559]

I hate having to wipe the camera lens when covered by dirt or snow so I put my licence plate style inside.
Wiper cleans the window and if need be, I just roll down the window.

This is genius! I have been trying to find bullet cameras to install in the spoiler, I only found one that looks worthy, the COOLINT CT-106S. But after seeing your install I'm leaning a little more to an interior install for ease of maintenance and replacement when need to. Just need to weigh the pros and cons I guess. Obstructed view of the hitch, better outward angle, eventually a tire carrier swing arm, etc...

 

[T4r.Chris]

I went with the Natika backup camera paired with the Pioneer deck. Works great in all light conditions which I like. Benefit of this camera though is it’s small and sleek and can be truly mounted anywhere and look fine.

https://a.co/d/9yWY6Xv

Only problem I didn’t like is running that wiring. It’s a tight squeeze if you’re trying to run it through the OEM rubber wire channel at the top of the hatch, which you’d have to do running it from the spoiler.

The white variant is pretty close to the OEM white on my 4R. I think it’d easily fit near the brake light on the spoiler and look fairly OEM. It comes with different angle pieces to really dial in how “down” you want your camera pointing

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[TheNorseman559]

Yo that's a pretty cool setup as well. I am currently looking at them to mount from my spoiler. There are so many to choose from. The down fall I'm finding is that needs a nut so might not work with the spoiler. Options are slim except a bullet camera, some kits even come with a circular bit. Lil' worried about the angle although I have found one or two videos of folks installing them without problem. I plan on a rear bumper and tire carrier, but my 5'1'' old lady needs a camera because the poor woman cant see behind her out the windows.

Found this video from [MENTION=73851]007Tacoma[/MENTION]

Q&A - Rear Camera in Spoiler of 5th Gen 4Runner (2015) Install, Using, and the all important WHY???? - YouTube

 

[007Tacoma]

Thanks!

Yo that's a pretty cool setup as well. I am currently looking at them to mount from my spoiler. There are so many to choose from. The down fall I'm finding is that needs a nut so might not work with the spoiler. Options are slim except a bullet camera, some kits even come with a circular bit. Lil' worried about the angle although I have found one or two videos of folks installing them without problem. I plan on a rear bumper and tire carrier, but my 5'1'' old lady needs a camera because the poor woman cant see behind her out the windows.

Found this video from [MENTION=73851]007Tacoma[/MENTION]

Thanks for the shout out!

I have been using that same camera and head unit combo since 2021. Still super helpful - especially when I am towing my camp trailer, and I haven't had any problems. It also seems to stay cleaner than the stock setup/location as it is further up and away from road grime and debris.

Even right now as my 4Runner has the swingarms removed for daily driving, the camera positioning is perfect for my needs.

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