Aftermarket Sprinter Camera Recommendation?

[Wildcamper]

I have just purchased a used 2017 Sprinter 314 LWB
I would like to fit an aftermarket dashboard mounted monitor & 3rd brake light camera
Also distance sensors to front and rear
It’s a long van and the first reversing accident could easily cost more than camera & sensors
There’s a bewildering number of options available
Does anyone recommend a particular brand that they have DIY fitted?
If you’re able to send a “ link” to the seller that would be great
I’m still trying to get to grips with searching this forum for topics relating ONLY to Sprinter
I’m a bit of a Luddite so any tips would be appreciated

 

[M80]

Consider installing an Android head unit. a good one at £350 will take what you want, aside from parking sensors.
from there a reverse camera is around £10,
a dash cam around £15.

You will have the usual tuner, music would be stored on its own memory. Sat Nav would be on a decent sized screen, 9" being common.
Phone connectivity no problem and what ever apps you have wish for.

Reverse parking sensors from around £8, but front sensors can be a nuisance unless factory fitted at new.

 

[M80]

Things are becoming more difficult to source but here is an example

Android 8.0 Car Stereo DAB+GPS Mercedes A/B Class Sprinter Vito Viano VW Crafter 687765845543 | eBay

Mini HD 1080P Dash Cam USB Car Camera Dash Cars Driving Recorder + ADAS ZW15 | eBay

This type requires fixing into....
360° HD CCD Night Car Rear View Reverse Backup Parking Camera Watertight Lens UK | eBay
or onto
Color Car Rear View Backup Night Vision Wide Angle Parking Reversing Camera 170° | eBay
Forget the ir illuminated. I've fitted hi output LED reverse lamps and put up with the dash alarm for the time I'm in reverse.

You can get more complicate with LED's, but it is more complex to mount that as it's best to see those in the reverse view mirror and most are then upside down / reversed.
Car Parking Rear Reversing Sensors Kit Buzzer Audio Alarm Parktronic LED Display | eBay

 

[Kev555]

I fitted a £12 camera to mine on a home made bracket as couldn't find any to suit back of van that wasn't overpriced. I did have a number plate one but it was messing with the can bus number plate light. I can post a photo if you want the idea
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Van-...=28367525422913bf76146fe24d88bbff9d4ea6d6fbbe

 

[M80]

I fitted a £12 camera to mine on a home made bracket as couldn't find any to suit back of van that wasn't overpriced. I did have a number plate one but it was messing with the can bus number plate light. I can post a photo if you want the idea

I've fitted a few of the 'fixing into' type below the hi level brake light.
There's some messing about aiming for the best image but when done it works well enough.

 

[Wildcamper]

Hello M80 & Kev555
Thanks for the quick responses

M80, the Android Monitor is a bit too expensive for me at <£500, I’ve spent all my pennies on the best van I can afford
Also it looks too complicated for me to install
I was thinking of a 7” monitor that is “stuck” to the top of the dashboard
There seems to be options of systems
4 pin cable that carries the power in the cable
2 pin cables that require power and earth at both ends
Wireless connection

The 3rd brake light camera would require no drilling?

Kev555
I’d be interested to see how/where you installed your camera
Good point, I forgot about possible can bus problems

I was disappointed to discover there is no CD player ( I should have looked closer)
I haven’t had a chance to read the destruction booklets yet
I assume I’ll have to get an SD card or USB stick ( whatever they are?)
There was nothing wrong with CD’s

 

[Blobcat]

My friend with a 2018 sprinter has a 7” screen just above where a rear view mirror would be. He looked at the integrated Mercedes system but it was ££££ so he just transferred the camera system from his previous sprinter. Simple metal bracket fitted to the roof at the back and the camera looking down at the tow ball.

 

[Kev555]

I installed my 4" screen between the interior light and windscreen about same position as rear view mirror. its out of the way there. it

 

[Kev555]

My camera is more to see the towbar when hooking on trailer as ive got painted bumpers that I dont want to scrape or mark them. my system was as cheap as chips. screen is Chinese, cant remember price but still going strong after nearly 2 years

 

[M80]

Hello M80 & Kev555
Thanks for the quick responses

M80, the Android Monitor is a bit too expensive for me at <£500, I’ve spent all my pennies on the best van I can afford
Also it looks too complicated for me to install
I was thinking of a 7” monitor that is “stuck” to the top of the dashboard
There seems to be options of systems
4 pin cable that carries the power in the cable
2 pin cables that require power and earth at both ends
Wireless connection

The 3rd brake light camera would require no drilling?

Kev555
I’d be interested to see how/where you installed your camera
Good point, I forgot about possible can bus problems

I was disappointed to discover there is no CD player ( I should have looked closer)
I haven’t had a chance to read the destruction booklets yet
I assume I’ll have to get an SD card or USB stick ( whatever they are?)
There was nothing wrong with CD’s

Personally I would wait and save up the pennies.
I'm more used to the unit I linked costing £250 ish, but had seen prices rising even before the lockdown. As things open up maybe prices will fall, I think it will for most things and the Chinese are always gagging for cash.
They are plug and play and easier than you think to install. But be sure to order a unit specified for a Sprinter, even if it specifies other mo mo's such as B Class and Vito.

Yes the 1st reverse cam needs a 19mm hole, hole saws are supplied. I treat the hole with primer and paint, being cautious to remove swarf that will rust inside.

More often these and others come with a coax with integral +ve feed. The HU can supply that feed for the cam, or pick it up at the reverse lights.

The internal memory on these can take all the music you need, and they will happily take an SD card, or play music from your phone.
If you go for a multi CD player for under the drivers seat don't forget the gramaphone for the drinks cabinet.

 

[Wildcamper]

Personally I would wait and save up the pennies.
I'm more used to the unit I linked costing £250 ish, but had seen prices rising even before the lockdown. As things open up maybe prices will fall, I think it will for most things and the Chinese are always gagging for cash.
They are plug and play and easier than you think to install. But be sure to order a unit specified for a Sprinter, even if it specifies other mo mo's such as B Class and Vito.

Yes the 1st reverse cam needs a 19mm hole, hole saws are supplied. I treat the hole with primer and paint, being cautious to remove swarf that will rust inside.

More often these and others come with a coax with integral +ve feed. The HU can supply that feed for the cam, or pick it up at the reverse lights.

The internal memory on these can take all the music you need, and they will happily take an SD card, or play music from your phone.
If you go for a multi CD player for under the drivers seat don't forget the gramaphone for the drinks cabinet.

 

[Wildcamper]

Nice photos Kev555, thanks
M80, I’m concerned that I have an accident reversing before I’ve saved my pennies for a super dooper monitor
I need a camera toot sweet while I’m compensating for the extra length
I’ve just traded in a Custom Limited, I had cameras fitted but the dealer hammered my trade in value, he reckoned I’d devalued the van by drilling holes
I had a “rear view” camera because of poor vision in my right eye, I would previously be startled by overtaking vehicles in my “ blind spot”
I also had a camera with “ Guide lines” for reverse parking
I’d like a similar set up for the Sprinter but no holes this time
I’m very grateful for all the input
I’ll study all the options on eBay, I think I’ll tailor a system using individual components all from the same seller to ensure compatibility
I’ve got another question about decreasing revs at the same motorway cruising speed, but I think I’d better create another topic
Cheers