Backup/ Rearview Cameras

[StreamGlider]

Looking to buy a backup camera for the F-250. Don't want to spend a lot on it, just want something to simplify hooking up the hitch to the trailer. Especially when I have a motorcycle in the bed.

I want a quality unit with a clear in cab monitor that will last but it doesn't need to have a bunch of whistles and bells.

If there's one out there that also has a rear view camera for the back of the trailer that links in to the unit, that would be great too.

Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance,

[AWCHIEF]

Have you checked your local Ford dealership? I had the Ford OEM camera in my 150. Nice unit.

[The Ice Man]

Try the Swift Hitch https://www.swifthitch.com/
Also known as the marriage saver
Good quality, inexpensive, good picture and I also use it for positioning on (and off) the leveling blocks by moving the camera to the step brackets or WH access door (it is a magnetic mount) to view the tires. Company owned by a couple of brothers who are very helpful and answer the phone personally.

[CRH]

The two tennis ball looking things on telescoping shafts work fine for my hitching up needs.

[silverlabs]

Does your F250 have the built in Nav System and screen? If so, might try looking up Lock Pick for a Ford and see some of the options that come up for a backup camera. The Lock Pick does several things that are kind of neat in that it allows video in motion, opens up Nav entry while on move and adding extra feeds such as a camera to the screen. I looked into adding to my Shelby and it is a fairly simple add. Rear camera can basically be added near license plate lamp, or elsewhere depending how involve of an install you want. Overall system around $200 but you gain the other benefits of no extra monitor needed and the video in motion plus.

Chuck

[McDave]

I bought a 2015 F-250 XLT that doesn't come standard with a BU camera. I negotiated one from Ford as a part of the deal where the screen is built into the rear view mirror. It actually works much better as a hitch camera than a BU camera, since the lens is wide angle and focused more or less on the ball. In fact, it freaked me out when I first got it and was backing up at night. I thought I was about to back over some little ET creature, which turned out to be the ball and the arms of the equalizer hitch. Anyway, once I got the hang of it I can get within 1/2" of where I want to be to drop the hitch receiver on the ball on the first try. One or two more adjustments and I'm good to go. I have a separate rear view camera for the trailer, which works well as a substitute rear view mirror when I'm driving, but I haven't found to be that helpful in backing the trailer into parking spots. I have better luck just using my regular extended side mirrors and a wife outside who screams whenever I'm about to back into something.

[StreamGlider]

Thanks for the suggestions.

My truck is an '02. It's a Lariat but doesn't have any nav systems or cameras or a screen. The 8 track player does still work, though LMAO!

I'll look in to the Swift Hitch.

[ajcannon]

If you want something a little less expensive (about $35 total), check these out:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005CF...236_SY340_QL65

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GSF...236_SY340_QL65

I have these installed in my Yukon and my Chevy Traverse. It makes hitching up a breeze. I've been extremely happy with this combo.

[gator.bigfoot]

Originally Posted by CRH

The two tennis ball looking things on telescoping shafts work fine for my hitching up needs.

I have these and they work ok on flat ground. But when the TV is on a different angle then the trailer then all bets are off.