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I Installed a front bumper camera :)

Discussion in 'Prime Accessories and Modifications' started by MJ2k, Jul 31, 2022.

  1. MJ2k

    MJ2k New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2022
    3
    8
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    Location:
    Los Gatos, CA
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    I recently installed a Wireless Solar Camera for the front bumper. I got tired of not knowing how close the front end against obstacles (concrete parking blocks, walls, curbs, etc.) so I purchased a Wireless Solar backup camera that didn't require any drilling or wires.

    Materials and Tools:
    1) Parkvision Solar Wireless Backup Camera on Amazon (I ordered the version that has the solar panels facing upward and forward facing in one whole assembly.) It also has removable lithium battery.
    2) Scoche MS2i Magic Mount Magic mount phone holder
    3) Screw driver
    4) Optional: black electrical tape (just to keep the power cable neat and tidy
    5) Optional: additional mounting plate with sticky backing to hold the monitor

    I went a further by adding a mounting plate with sticky backing just underneath the shifter. Doing this allows me to hide the monitor when not in use.

    See pictures below.
    Happy installation!
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Rocketboy235

    Rocketboy235 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2017
    34
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    0
    Location:
    MA, USA
    Vehicle:
    2022 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    Pretty cool! I am wondering what the reliability is like with the unit you bought now that it has been several months and how long the battery will last during the winter time. I'm seriously thinking about installing a front bumper camera for my car and would love to do a painless install.
     
  3. MJ2k

    MJ2k New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2022
    3
    8
    0
    Location:
    Los Gatos, CA
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    =≠=====≠==================================≠====≠=======≠==========≠=

    The battery is still on it's original charge since early July 2022. Prior to my installation, the unit was charged for several hours using a portable power bank. Until to this day (December 2022), the unit never needed an external charge. It is still showing Full charge from the original charge way back in July 2022. Your results may vary (sun exposure, temperature, etc.) that can affect the solar panels and battery. I live in the suburbs of San Francisco Bay Area with lots of trees around my neighborhood. Also, I don't drive the Prius Prime often enough to give the solar panels some juice. Despite that, the battery is still showing full.
    As far as reliability, it hasn't given me any issues so far. It just works perfectly whenever I need parking guidance. I have taken the unit to a self car wash using a high pressure wand without any problems and I was careful not to aim water directly to it. The only unknown is the unit's long term durability if it were exposed and driven on Interstate speeds on a regular basis. With that unknown issue, I'm thinking about getting a small glass protector to shield the glass lens from road debris.
    I highly recommend it!
     
    Rocketboy235 likes this.
  4. Coots

    Coots Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2020
    62
    25
    0
    Location:
    Hailing from parts unknown, Iowa
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Awesome job! I'm trying to figure this out for my Gen 3 2010