I’m looking for a backup camera solution for an XLT with a 4.2” screen. (I do not believe it to be pre-wired, but I will confirm.) I think I understand what my options are, but I’m wondering if anyone has any insight that I’m missing.

Here's what I believe are the four options:

1) Have a dealer or stereo/video shop do it turnkey. No work, high price.

2) Buy and install “plug and play” camera that comes with an OBD2 programmer/module, such as below. Lower price, slightly more work.
Link for Option 2:: https://camera-source.com/automotive...-2-screen.html

3) Buy and install just the camera assembly, and then utiltize FORSCAN to enable it. Even lower price, more work (due to forscan programming).
Link for Option 3:: https://camera-source.com/ford-f150-...ay-s-2089.html

4) Do nothing at all and just keeping purchasing new tricycles each subsequent time I back over one
Link for Option 4::

I’m leaning towards Option 3 (camera assembly and then FORSCAN program it myself) because I come out ahead costwise even after I buy a tablet to do the forscan programming. Plus I get to roll over the cost of the tablet in lieu of purchasing a speedometer recalibrator (which I also need).

Has anyone tried Option 3 that can opine on the level of difficulty or complexity? Or should I just pay the extra bucks and go with Option 2?

 

This might seem like a crazy idea but if you are destroying as many tricycles as you are implying then you could walk to the back of your truck and look for obstacles prior to getting in.

 

Let's make that Option #5....

 

Option 2 doesn't state that it comes with the ODB2 programmer, are you certain it does?

 

Thanks for the useless response.

 

It’s actually more common sense than it is a useless response. If someone keeps backing over obstacles that they can’t see in their mirrors then they should do a perimeter check of the vehicle before getting in. For those that think this is a useless response then all I can say is that common sense isn’t common to everyone.

No offense to the OP.

 

Just confirmed with Camera Source (I'm in the same boat as you, looking for a backup camera) that it doesn't come with a programmer. But then they pushed me to https://camera-source.com/2015-f150-...display-s.html which is $150 more and was told i wouldn't have to worry about tracking down a pesky power source for the camera and there was no need to for a programmer.

 

I will confirm with Camera Source, but the link on Option 2 says it includes "OBD2 Programming module for 4.2" factory radio screens - turn on the factory camera function in minutes without having to take your truck to the dealer!"

I think i may have confused some folks with the way the links were laid out. I will edit to tie the link to the correct option number.

 

Or you purchase this camera and monitor combination.

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/produ...ref=prd2039662


Short of walking around back to check what's there (no cost), it's inexpensive (cheap) and the easiest to install and use.

 

I used the kit from camera source. I've had it for 3 years and it's worked flawlessly. It's a really simple install. It's all plug and play. Running the wiring and taking some dash panels off takes the most time.