SBM Sprinter Backup Camera Replacement

[RMH-SMB]

I want to replace the backup camera on my 2016 SMB Sprinter 2500 for one with higher resolution than the original install. Also, the lense is crazed, so direct sunlight kills the image. I may first try to polish the lense.

Any suggestions as to camera make and model? There seems to be a lot of disappointed purchasers of after-market cameras.

 

[eddyturn]

try using some headlight polish on the lens to see if that works. Worked for me.

 

[Fitz2]

I'm looking to do the same, I'll watch this thread for developments and post anything I find.
Amazon list some replacements, but none with what I consider good reviews.

 

[Vndlfsn]

Any luck here? I’m looking to install a sprinter third brake light with built in camera to replace the old camera there now- it’s allowing water into the van.

 

[RMH-SMB]

So far no good suggestions for a replacement backup-light/camera.

I had to replace the light's gasket. Mine was also leaking. The foam gasket had turned to dust. I bought some thin gasket material at a local auto parts store, removed the light to trace the pattern on to the gasket sheet, cut the new gasket and coated it with silicone sealant before reinstalling. That solved the leaking problem.

I still need to try polishing the camera lens with windshield polish to see if that improves camera image quality.

 

[Vndlfsn]

I’m in the middle of addressing an unfortunate situation myself.

When the Kenwood rear facing camera was installed, they cut a slot vertically at the top of the opening for the third brake light in order to feed the cable through and it has leaked off and on ever since.

I have a new third brake light on order but I’m not exactly sure how I’m going to improve on this.

I thought I could go with an aftermarket third brake light with rear camera built-in but I don’t want to have to feed new cable from the back of the van all the way up to the head unit.

 

[Jeffrey-SMB]

I installed the WolfBox 900. It's fabulous. Game over.

 

[Vndlfsn]

In a sprinter? How and where did you mount the camera?

 

[N147JK]

I don’t want to have to feed new cable from the back of the van all the way up to the head unit.

Might take the camera off and see what's behind there. Mine came with a pigtail sort of lead that plugs into the cable running through the van - no need to run a new cable. It makes changing the camera easy - just plug the camera into the existing cable.

 

[Jeffrey-SMB]

In a sprinter? How and where did you mount the camera?

Here, next to the stock rear camera :

 

[Vndlfsn]

Here, next to the stock rear camera :

Thanks for the picture!

How did you run the cable?

 

[Vndlfsn]

Thanks for that picture!

 

[Vndlfsn]

I’m getting a dashboard message that my third brake lamp is not working now.

I ordered an integrated rearview camera and third brake lamp yet the lighting element is actually not included?

How on earth do you get just a new lighting unit?

 

[1der]

I installed the WolfBox 900. It's fabulous. Game over.

I second this. Put one in Otter and it has been mind bendingly great. Next is getting one for Beastie.

The windshield mounting bracket is highly recommended. And for a longer than standard van the extended wire run option would likely be needed.

Camera install would present the same issues as any wired camera, there needs to be a weather-tight pass through to the cab.

 

[WhitH]

Question about the Wolfbox, does there appear to be a way to add another front camera? Is there another hookup? I don’t really care as much about the dash cam but something to see how close my bumper is when parking is helpful.

 

[1der]

Question about the Wolfbox, does there appear to be a way to add another front camera? Is there another hookup? I don’t really care as much about the dash cam but something to see how close my bumper is when parking is helpful.

Does not look like there is input on the WolfBox 900 of 900Pro for a "third" camera.

We are considering adding one or two cameras connected to the Pioneer head unit display. These would be positioned low rear bumper and low front bumper/grill and specifically used for tight parking. The mirror covers front distance and rear distance, and the rear camera can be set to automatically look down when in reverse. The rear box and spare block a better view of straight down and behind which is why we would add a camera on the bottom of the box.

So between the mirror display and head unit display we would be pretty well covered except sides. I have not found an aftermarket 360 deg bird's eye view setup that I feel is worthy and will not break the bank.

 

[WhitH]

Thanks Ray. Yea I have front and rear in my Pioneer head unit but I’m nit thrilled with the resolution. Particularly in front.

 

[1der]

Thanks Ray. Yea I have front and rear in my Pioneer head unit but I’m nit thrilled with the resolution. Particularly in front.

Whit, I broke down and got the Pioneer ND10 - camera, it has great resolution vs the cheaper units that would last about a year or so. BUT that being said, any outside camera, rear and especially front is going to get dirt and spray on it which will render them marginal to unusable. At least the Pioneer ND10 is robust enough to survive!

 

[WhitH]

Thanks Ray, yea I’ve considered that one. I have a one of the randomly chosen combination of letters brands from Amazon that has actually always worked but just not with the resolution I’d like. I may break down and just get the Pioneer one. Still considering the Wolfbox…didn’t know if I could tackle two at once.