[Msquared]

I have a trailer hitch on my 2020 1SS 1LE. The car has the backup camera but not the rear-view mirror camera (I think that's 2SS only, right?). My cargo carrier (or a small tire trailer if I go that route) is not visible through the rear-view mirror while I drive, thanks to the deck height and my factory spoiler. If my car had the rear-view mirror cam, that might enable the view I need; but that seems to be really expensive to install (over $2k from Gen5DIY). When I have the carrier installed and I put the car in Reverse, I can see the carrier and cargo well enough to at least see that it's all still there and in good shape. But that doesn't help me while I'm driving merrily down the highway, of course.

Question:
In order to keep periodically check on my cargo/trailer, is there any way to turn the backup camera on while driving forward? Even just a 5-second glimpse would be plenty, then I'd return the infotainment screen back to audio or carplay or whatever.

[SOFO]

Why don't you get a battery powered wireless camera which displays the camera image onto your phone?

[clyde]

Originally Posted by Msquared

I have a trailer hitch on my 2020 1SS 1LE. The car has the backup camera but not the rear-view mirror camera (I think that's 2SS only, right?). My cargo carrier (or a small tire trailer if I go that route) is not visible through the rear-view mirror while I drive, thanks to the deck height and my factory spoiler. If my car had the rear-view mirror cam, that might enable the view I need; but that seems to be really expensive to install (over $2k from Gen5DIY). When I have the carrier installed and I put the car in Reverse, I can see the carrier and cargo well enough to at least see that it's all still there and in good shape. But that doesn't help me while I'm driving merrily down the highway, of course.

Question:
In order to keep periodically check on my cargo/trailer, is there any way to turn the backup camera on while driving forward? Even just a 5-second glimpse would be plenty, then I'd return the infotainment screen back to audio or carplay or whatever.

I have a 2SS with the sharkfin camera that displays in the mirror. It won't show what you want. I can only see the top of the rear half of the box on mine. The green line is about the bottom of the field of view.

I tried experimenting with a camera in the rear window, but it couldn't get an angle either. If there's no way to use the built in back up camera, I think the only choice is to mount another camera next to the backup camera or in the spoiler.

[SOFO]

I would get something like this and put the camera on the highest point of the trailer:

https://www.amazon.com/Vardsafe-Wire.../dp/B08MTS6WWC

[Msquared]

Originally Posted by clyde

I have a 2SS with the sharkfin camera that displays in the mirror. It won't show what you want. I can only see the top of the rear half of the box on mine. The green line is about the bottom of the field of view.

I tried experimenting with a camera in the rear window, but it couldn't get an angle either. If there's no way to use the built in back up camera, I think the only choice is to mount another camera next to the backup camera or in the spoiler.

Thanks for that data. That's two solutions I don't have to wonder about anymore! I might ask Gen5DIY if they can figure out a cheap way to hijack the backup camera. Otherwise, I'll probably just do a temp backup camera like SOFO suggested.

[ctrlz]

I looked through the repair manual. From what I can see the gear position data goes out on the serial LAN bus.
What I notice in my driveway is there is a few seconds lag where you still see the camera display even after you shift out of reverse into a forward gear. So I was thinking trick the car to think it's in reverse while you are driving with maybe a flick of a switch, and that might grab you 3-5 seconds of a rear camera view. Doesn't seem like it's feasible.

[Msquared]

Originally Posted by ctrlz

I looked through the repair manual. From what I can see the gear position data goes out on the serial LAN bus.
What I notice in my driveway is there is a few seconds lag where you still see the camera display even after you shift out of reverse into a forward gear. So I was thinking trick the car to think it's in reverse while you are driving with maybe a flick of a switch, and that might grab you 3-5 seconds of a rear camera view. Doesn't seem like it's feasible.

I was thinking along the same lines. My only concern would be what if tricking the car into thinking it's in reverse causes it to do something else unwanted? I can't think of what that would be, though, but some kind of alarm or ABS/TC craziness perhaps.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by Msquared

I was thinking along the same lines. My only concern would be what if tricking the car into thinking it's in reverse causes it to do something else unwanted? I can't think of what that would be, though, but some kind of alarm or ABS/TC craziness perhaps.

A long shot, but have you considered something like this: https://catalog.pac-audio.com/catalo...tion/mci-gm51? It adds support for multiple (up to 4) cameras, so you can also build two blind spot cams into your side mirrors if you want, for example.

[Msquared]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

A long shot, but have you considered something like this: https://catalog.pac-audio.com/catalo...tion/mci-gm51? It adds support for multiple (up to 4) cameras, so you can also build two blind spot cams into your side mirrors if you want, for example.

While pricey, that's pretty interesting. Sadly, I don't think they have one that will work with 2019+ Camaros (my system is IOS, not IO5/6).

[ctrlz]

Originally Posted by SOFO

Why don't you get a battery powered wireless camera which displays the camera image onto your phone?

This looks like a viable option, and entry/test price can be cheap. Glancing at your phone is just as distracting as looking at the car's screen:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/27517956893...yABEgJFfPD_BwE

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by Msquared

While pricey, that's pretty interesting. Sadly, I don't think they have one that will work with 2019+ Camaros (my system is IOS, not IO5/6).

Ah, you're right, it seems they weren't able or willing to migrate to the new 2019+ architecture. Sorry about the false start, I forgot for a second that you upgraded.

[ctrlz]

Ebay seems to be full of bluetooth/wifi minicams. You could either use magnets (maybe replace stock magnets with stronger ones), or come up with some other way to attach. If you have an old cell phone or tablet you might even be able to rig up a permanent display. Get two cams and do a split screen! We're talkin' 10-15 bucks a pop here.