Reversing Camera on a D4 (moved from FAQ thread)

[Robertjbruce]

Hi,

Is a reversing camera necessary for a D4. Should I go factory (at huge cost) or aftermarket. Thanks (and apologies if this is in the wrong spot I am a newby)

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Robert,
Welcome!

A reversing camera is NEVER necessary, but can be very useful. As for cost, that is a personal decision.

I am in the process of fitting a D4 reversing camera (which fits to the tailgate handle) to my D3. There are other choices available, but I like the neatness of this approach.

Best Wishes,
Peter

[eddomak]

I have a D4 on order without it since $5000 was just too much to spend - what are the options?

a) Any way of fitting a camera that outputs to the non-touchscreen factory screen?

b) Anyone with experience of a good aftermarket one? I see a lot on eBay, but am wary of the quality, and also where to mount it?

c) Anyway of having the screen switch on/off in relation to reverse gear? I know the camera is hooked up to the reverse light, but as for the screen - do you need to switch it on every time manually and/or face a blue screen?

[sniegy]

I have seen the Hema Navigator 5 with an aftermarket camera fitted to a vehicle without the SatNav. The Hema Nav 5 allows for an aftermarket camera to be plugged in, the fitment was neat & all worked very well.
The Hema unit just suction cupped to the W/screen & was removable if required.
Cheers HTH.

[B-A-S]

The reverse camera when i got my car was about 225GBP, i thought the cost was very minimal for what i got.

The picture is very clear and you can actually just see the tow ball so when putting trailer on it does help.

Pete

[3toes]

Was at the NEC for the caravan show late last week. Land Rover had a display with the D4 demonstrating a new reversing camera. This camera which is to be available later this year projects two lines on the internal rear view mirror: one line to show where the car is going, the other line the trailer. The lines move in real time with the movement of the vehicle. By projecting where both the vehicle and trailer were going to go it appeared to make reversing a trailer a lot easier for those who only do this occasionally.

Also on offer was a more basic system called Trailer air. This involved a camera on the back which also showed some lines on the internal rear view mirror to make make hitching up easier. Included in this was a tyre pressure monitoring system for both car and trailer which also displayed on the internal rear view mirror.

Price was not mentioned

[camel_landy]

The reversing camera on the D4 is more than "Just a camera"... Especially with the trailer assist programs.

When maneuvering, it'll overlay a double line, which is the predicted path of your wheels. i.e. when you turn the steering wheel, the lines on the display move to show you where you're going to go.

It's also brilliant for hitching up trailers. Select a couple of options and the double line turns into a single line with a red dot for a target. The red dot is where your tow ball is and the single line is the predicted path for the tow ball. Turn the wheel, line up the line with the tow hitch and BINGO! As you reverse, not only will it guide you in but it can also zoom in on the hitch for pin-point accuracy.

Finally, with the trailer hitched, tell the car the dimensions of the trailer (which can be saved as profiles) and when you pop it into reverse, not only will it show you where the car is going to go but it'll show you the path for the trailer too.

I've had it described to me as a "Marriage saver"...

M

[djhampson]

I am in the process of fitting a D4 reversing camera (which fits to the tailgate handle) to my D3. There are other choices available, but I like the neatness of this approach.

Where did you get the D4 reversing camera from and what was the rough cost?

Cheers,

[Bushwanderer]

Hi dj,
I suggest that you see the below link:
DISCO3.CO.UK • View topic - Fitting D4 tailgate handle with camera

I bought the handle (with camera) from Simon (Slimer). He was great to deal with.

The cost, including delivery, was about 260GBP (I also bought the Fakra connector from him).

[rmp]

Heartily second all that by CL.

It has robbed me of a favourite pastime, watching married couples work together to hook trailers up.