Navigation system& backup camera (non-factory option)

schooner44 · March 13, 2017

My truck has the 4.2" i04 radio. I really wished it had the backup camera when I bought it but it didn't. I promptly started looking around for options and came across these forums. All I could find was info about adding the factory setup which included a $300 camera purchase and $150-$200 programming of the radio (which is ridiculous) so basically I was at $500 to add a backup camera. If I wanted to upgrade to the i06 so I could have the standalone nav system as well, then I was looking at $1000+ which is way too much money, IMO.

I had already accepted the fact that I would need to use my Garmin Nuvi or phone for GPS which is fine (especially since i already owned the Garmin). In looking around I wondered if there was a way to wire a backup camera to my Garmin so I wouldn't have to add a 3rd screen for a backup camera...from there it took me about 10 seconds through Google to find out that Garmin makes a wireless backup camera (BC 30) that ties directly into most of their GPS units. Picked it up at the local Best Buy for $150, installed it in about an hour (would've been about 20 minutes if it wasn't in the dark and I had an extra set of hands to help). It works great. I installed the transmitter under the truck a little in front of the spare tire towards the driver side. I have my Garmin on, put the truck in reverse, it activates the camera on the screen and goes back to the map when I switch out of reverse. I have seen people complain about the picture quality of these cameras but it works fine for me...It's good enough see what's behind me which is exactly what I wanted it for.

This is not a knock on the factory systems or MVI (who I understand does outstanding work) but I just couldn't justify that kind of money for these options. I thought someone might find this info useful.

Musclelogic · April 5, 2017

I know this isn't exact to what you're looking to do, but I did the I04 to I06 for quite a bit less than what you're thinking.

I used http://www.car-part.comto find a local salvage yard that had a truck with the 8" touchscreen and I06 HMI module. Then went from there.

8" Touchscreen + I06 HMI Module: $140 shipped

HMI programming + nav antenna (Digital Dash Solutions): $170 shipped

Backup camera harness from front to rear (MVI): $65

Backup camera to mount into the tailgate handle: $28

(The OEM camera SUCKS hardcore, so I opted for an aftermarket camera with better resolution)

If I did it all again, i'd go to MVI for everything as the after-sales support from Digital Dash BLOWS.

srttotruck26 · April 5, 2017

My truck has the 4.2" i04 radio. I really wished it had the backup camera when I bought it but it didn't. I promptly started looking around for options and came across these forums. All I could find was info about adding the factory setup which included a $300 camera purchase and $150-$200 programming of the radio (which is ridiculous) so basically I was at $500 to add a backup camera. If I wanted to upgrade to the i06 so I could have the standalone nav system as well, then I was looking at $1000+ which is way too much money, IMO.

I had already accepted the fact that I would need to use my Garmin Nuvi or phone for GPS which is fine (especially since i already owned the Garmin). In looking around I wondered if there was a way to wire a backup camera to my Garmin so I wouldn't have to add a 3rd screen for a backup camera...from there it took me about 10 seconds through Google to find out that Garmin makes a wireless backup camera (BC 30) that ties directly into most of their GPS units. Picked it up at the local Best Buy for $150, installed it in about an hour (would've been about 20 minutes if it wasn't in the dark and I had an extra set of hands to help). It works great. I installed the transmitter under the truck a little in front of the spare tire towards the driver side. I have my Garmin on, put the truck in reverse, it activates the camera on the screen and goes back to the map when I switch out of reverse. I have seen people complain about the picture quality of these cameras but it works fine for me...It's good enough see what's behind me which is exactly what I wanted it for.

This is not a knock on the factory systems or MVI (who I understand does outstanding work) but I just couldn't justify that kind of money for these options. I thought someone might find this info useful.

I went this route and for me it worked perfectly. I have io3 and everything is plug and play. One downside is that it takes around 38 seconds to boot up and 5 seconds to use the backup camera. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWPG4AD/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

schooner44 · April 5, 2017

I went this route and for me it worked perfectly. I have io3 and everything is plug and play. One downside is that it takes around 38 seconds to boot up and 5 seconds to use the backup camera. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWPG4AD/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If I had known about that, I probably would've gone that route. In hindsight I'm glad I did what I did. I love the Garmin GPS features. Also my backup camera has about a 1 second delay which is very good. Some people complained about the quality of the Garmin camera but I don't see an issue with it at all except when it get wet and the I see the little water marks on it but I'm assuming that's standard.

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