netcam replied on 23/03/2022 11:22
Posted on 23/03/2022 11:22
Hello,
Our new Suzuki Vitara 1.4 Mild Hybrid Auto is going to ready with the dealer to collect next week. The spec was supposed to include a rear view camera, but because of Infotainment system supply issues, if we went for an automatic, it would not include a factory fitted rear view camera. It would come with a Sat Nav instead, which we were not particularly bothered about as we have a decent Tom Tom with lifetime traffic, so the dealer agreed to fit a free Rear Parking sensor as part of the deal too.
We had test driven both the auto and manual and preferred the auto so went with that. One feature we loved on the test drive cars was the rear view camera, maybe because we had never used one before, but it seemed useful both potentially for hitching up and also for reversing into or out of our drive where there are often parked cars.
We have now been told by the dealer that they can fit a rear view camera for £300, as they have more information about the Infotainment system supplied and have found it is compatible. However, I understand it is attached to a rear light so will not be completely central, which might not be ideal for hitching up.
We are wondering if it might be better to spend £460 on a Garmin Camper with rear view camera instead (or Avtex equivalent), so the camera could be fitted to a number plate attachment in the centre and also could be transferred to the back of the caravan when towing if we got a 2nd numberplate attachment. Our caravan total length (which we don't have yet) is 4.42 metres, so the range of 13m should be fine.
This would give us both a Caravan compatible Sat Nav and a more useful camera for towing, but obviously means when not towing, if we want to use the camera, we would have to set up the Sat Nav and camera, which I think we would be unlikely to do in reality on a day to day basis for short journeys and so it might not end up being used for going in and out of our drive, although we would have the rear parking sensors for that.
https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/677369
This is the camera included in the package:
https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/591686
Or we were also wondering if it might be better to keep the Tom Tom for Sat Nav and get a dashcam like this with rearview camera. Could this be used for hitching up and also for security on our new car? Or would it not work like that?
https://www.nextbase.com/en-gb/dash-cams/622gw-dash-cam/
Any views would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Annette
netcam
Caravanner