Retrofit parking camera

phoenix7_2

Hi, can anyone advise if I can get a retrospective fit parking camera for my 2013 meriva? The problem being that it does not have the big sat nav screen, just the normal sized radio/clock type screen.
Not sure if a larger screen could be fitted but maybe someone on here would know the options, if any.
many thanks

forgotmyname

Anythings possible. Depends if you want a factory type install which will be expensive or happy with an aftermarket fitment which will be cheaper.

Dont forget your insurance may not like the install so worth asking them before you procede, especially if its the one that asked me if my car had any factory fitted options.

WellKnownSid

To replicate the factory fit for most vehicles it's cheaper to part ex the vehicle and get one with the right equipment.

Wiring looms may not be identical - it's rarely a case of just plugging in the parts because there are too many bits missing (e.g. Nav requires different aerial / amplifier arrangements, re-programming then needed to get the rest of the car to recognise what you've just added in e.g. turning on the camera when you select reverse, disabled when towing).

phoenix7_2

WellKnownSid wrote: »

To replicate the factory fit for most vehicles it's cheaper to part ex the vehicle and get one with the right equipment.

QUOTE]
Thanks but that's easier said than done. The only way to get a meriva with camera fitted is to buy a brand new one and specify that as an extra. As the SE model is a ridiculous £22,000 and will lose most of that on driving off the forecourt I will stick to a used one of 1 or 2 years.
I want to exchange my 2013 for a later model but to find one with automatic & petrol is like looking for unicorn poo.

scotsbob

Try asking on the owners forum. I am sure someone must have tried it and be able to offer advice


http://www.vodc.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=20

alderpoint

There are various people around who advertise such things, e.g. https://www.car-vision.co.uk/89-reversing-colour-camera-s (not a recommendation and just one of the hits from google).

Strider590

Surely if you feel you need a reversing camera in one of those things, then maybe driving lessons would be a cheaper option?

phoenix7_2

Surely if you can only reply in a sarcastic manner it would be better not to reply at all.
One of those things, as you call it, is a superb little vehicle for my needs and it's only failing is the poor visibility at the back as anyone who has sat in the driving seat will tell you. I can manage perfectly well under normal circumstances but when trying to reverse out of supermarket parking it is the idiot public who walk straight across I am trying to avoid.
Thank you to everyone else who has had the decency to reply in the friendly & helpful manner this forum is known for, what a shame you felt you had to spoil things.

daveyjp

Not a problem with camera or screen being fitted. Camper vans have them fitted and the screen fits over or replaces the rear view mirror so it is used all the time. Easier than cabling the car so it only activates when in reverse.

I have one as standard on my car and it is far better than reversing sensors ever were. Being able to reverse to the point of the rear bumper almost touching a wall is useful in tight multi storey car parks and my drive which isn't the longest.

phoenix7_2

thank you for that info. Can I ask if you fitted yours yourself or had it done by a garage, also, is it wireless.
One more question if I may, as the camera is most likely down by the number plate do you find the image you receive in your rear view mirror is vastly different than the one you would normally get from a standard rear view mirror looking straight out the back window when you are in normal drive mode?

daveyjp

Sorry, mine is one which only activates in reverse. The camera is by the rear number plate and shows the rear bumper and a wide angle view similar to rear view mirror.

I have no problem just using the camera when reversing 20-30m into my drive.