VR3 Reversing camera - any good?

[dvisor]

Hi - I see from previous posts that a few of you have VR3 wireless reversing cameras. I'm thinking of getting the 3.5" version from eBay, but have read mixed reviews on the web. Are they any good? Also, as the camera is typically fixed to the number plate do you get a good enough perception of distance when reversing? I would have thought mounting it higher and looking down would be better? Thanks.

[dvisor]

Just thought I'd try adding a post to bump it up the list to see if it elicits a response 'er indoors is pressurizing me to fit sensors or a camera, but I don't want to go down that route if it doesn't give much benefit.

[ronhud]

I bought a reversing sensor kit on ebay in Spring. Easily fitted with radio sender at rear of van. It has proved invaluable. There are 4 sensors in the back bumper and the display shows actual distance - the side sensors eahc show up on the display and the central ones with a distance to object. It's yet another beeping sound in the cab and sometimes just an incline in the road or a curb can set it off but I would rather have too many warings than none!
Ron

[g8dhe]

There are some reviews on the net;
http://tinyurl.com/3yx92j
http://tinyurl.com/5phva5
http://tinyurl.com/58s6vf
None of them are raving over the camera.
My own experience says it should have a wide angle of view which it does have, but should be mounted up high so that you can look down on the scene - this gives the depth perception that you can't get with a single view with the objects head-on that your trying to avoid. Mounting it up high on aBongo is very easy see this thread.
Take a look at other shops and see how the prices compare, I have used Henrys radio in the past, but I don't see a wireless system shown.
Also 3.5" screen is usable but only just, it is much better having as big a screen as possible 7" is loverly!

[dvisor]

Hi - Thanks for your replies. I thought about reversing sensors instead, but the ones I've seen only give readings down to 30cm. I actually want to get much closer than this when backing up to my other vehicle on the driveway. I want to be almost bumper to bumper. Other options are to bolt a "stop" down to my driveway, or to get some better reversing lights onto the back of the Bongo so I can use the rear mounted mirror easier at night. I saw a picture the other day of a Bongo with a VR3 camera mounted on the high brake light. This may be an option. Much like g8dhe's, but I want it to be less obvious on the rear. There's always going to be some passing scrote who'll think its a good idea to pull it off (had it happen to my car aerial the other day - whole street did - Police couldn't be bothered).

[g8dhe]

Could you not mount the VR3 camera inside the brake light housing and just have it looking out of a hole much like my cable hole ? Or even mounted inside the reversing mirror cover on the rear - not sure how the cover comes off however!