Choosing where to install a rear view camera is not just a matter of convenience, but a critical aspect of safety. An incorrectly positioned camera can turn a useful gadget into a source of irritation: blinding glare from headlights, a distorted picture due to dirt, or even complete failure in winter. Moreover, even the most expensive model Pioneer ND-BC8 or BlackVue DR770G will not save if it is installed in an area of constant pollution or vibration.

In this article we will look at 7 Most Effective Mounting Locations, compare their pros and cons taking into account the body type (sedan, hatchback, SUV), and also reveal three little-known nuances that camera manufacturers never mention in their instructions. For example, why is the installation above the license plate on some models Toyota RAV4 leads to quick failure of the camera, or how to lay the cable correctly so as not to damage the standard electronics.

Most drivers choose camera installation above or below the license plate - and there is a logical explanation for this. Firstly, there is minimal risk of damage when parking (unlike the bumper). Secondly, many cameras, e.g. Rear View Safety RVS-062713, are supplied with fastenings specifically for this location. However, this solution has hidden pitfalls.

The main problem is lens contamination. Road dust, wheel splashes and even condensation in winter accumulate on the sign frame. If the camera does not have a hydrophobic coating (like models Boyo VTL375), the picture will be constantly blurred. In addition, on some vehicles (for example, Hyundai Tucson 2018+) the frame of the sign is located too low - the camera “looks” directly at the asphalt, and not at the road.

  • ✅ Pros: easy installation, minimal risk of mechanical damage, universality for most cars.
  • ❌ Cons: rapid contamination of the lens, possible glare from the headlights of cars behind, limited viewing angle on tall cars.
  • 🔧 Technical nuance: if the sign frame is metal, you will need anti-corrosion treatment attachment points.
⚠️ Attention: On vehicles with LED license plate illumination (for example, Audi A4 B9) the camera can detect stray light. The solution is to use a model with WDR technology (high dynamic range).

2. Bumper: ideal for SUVs, but dangerous for sedans

Camera Installation in the bumper (usually in a standard hole for a parking sensor or in a cut-out window) gives the widest possible view, especially on tall cars like Nissan X-Trail or Mitsubishi Outlander. Here the camera gets less dirty, and the shooting angle allows you to see not only the space directly behind the car, but also the “blind spot” areas.

However, for sedans (e.g. Skoda Octavia or Volkswagen Passat) such installation is fraught with problems:

  1. A low bumper height increases the risk of damage to the camera when hitting a curb.
  2. On some models the bumper has double structure (external plastic + internal amplifier), which complicates cable laying.
  3. In cold weather, the plastic of the bumper may become deformed, which will lead to the displacement of the camera.
Vehicle type Optimal place on the bumper Recommended camera model
SUV/SUV Top of the bumper, next to the license plate Rear View Safety RVS-770613 (viewing angle 170°)
Crossover Standard hole for parking sensor Boyo VTL425 (IP69K waterproof)
Sedan/station wagon Subject to availability only protective grille on the bumper Pyle PLCM7500 (shockproof housing)
📊 Where is your rear view camera installed?
On the license plate frame
In the bumper
On the trunk lid
Elsewhere
Not installed yet

3. Trunk lid: best choice for hatchbacks and station wagons

For vehicles with vertical rear door (hatchbacks, station wagons, minivans) the optimal solution would be to install a camera on the trunk lid. Here it is protected from splashes, and the viewing angle allows you to see not only the space behind, but also the loading area. For example, on Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus A camera installed next to the lock gives a perfect picture without distortion.

Key benefits:

  • 🚗 Maximum protection against dirt — the camera is located above the line of the wheels.
  • 🔄 Easy access for lens cleaning (as opposed to a bumper).
  • 📏 Ideal height — there are no problems with the camera “diving” into the asphalt.

But there are also nuances:

  1. On some models (for example, Renault Kangoo) the trunk lid has stiffening ribsthat interfere with fastening.
  2. Laying the cable requires removing the trunk trim - without experience, it is better to entrust this to professionals.
  3. When opening the door, the cable may bend, which will eventually lead to a break.
💡

If you are installing the camera on the trunk lid, use silicone sealant to protect connectors from moisture. This will extend the life of the camera by 30-40%.

4. Rear door glass: a non-standard but effective solution

Few people know, but the camera can be installed on the inside of the rear window, next to the heating. This method is popular among owners Mercedes V-Class or Volkswagen Transporter, where traditional installation methods are difficult. Benefits:

  • 🔒 100% protection against vandalism and damage.
  • 🌧️ No problems with dirt or condensation (camera inside the cabin).
  • 📺 Clear picture without glare (if the glass is tinted).

However, there are serious limitations:

  1. Requires camera with infrared illumination (for example, Rear View Safety RVS-625013), otherwise the view at night will be zero.
  2. The viewing angle is limited by the glass frame - the area directly under the bumper is not visible.
  3. On some vehicles (for example, Peugeot Boxer) glass has heating with metallized coating, which blocks the signal.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the camera on glass it's impossible use regular double-sided tape - it will fall off due to vibration. Need to apply 3M VHB automotive adhesive or special mounts with a vacuum suction cup.

5. Spare tire carrier: for SUVs and pickups

Owners Toyota Land Cruiser 200, Nissan Patrol or Ford Ranger often mount the camera on spare wheel bracket. This offers several unique benefits:

  • 🏔️ Maximum viewing height — even high obstacles are visible.
  • 🛡️ Protection from dirt and shock (the wheel acts as a shield).
  • 🔧 Easy installation - no need to drill the body.

But there are also disadvantages:

  1. On some models (for example, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport) the bracket vibrates off-road, which leads to “shaking” of the picture.
  2. The cable has to be routed through the trunk, which requires dismantling the trim.
  3. If the spare wheel is positioned horizontally (as in Jeep Wrangler), the camera will “look” at the sky.
How to avoid camera shake on the bracket?

Use shock absorbing pads from porous polyurethane (for example, Sorbothane). They dampen vibrations by 70-80%. You can also attach the camera not directly to the bracket, but through flexible adapter (sold in car audio stores).

6. Tripod on the trunk: temporary solution for rented cars

If you are renting a car or do not want to drill the body, you can use portable tripod with suction cup. Such devices (for example, Rear View Safety RVS-082713) are attached to the trunk lid or glass in seconds. This is ideal for:

  • 🚐 Rental cars (no risk of losing the deposit).
  • 🔄 Test drives before purchasing a camera.
  • 🌍 Travel (can be transferred to another car).

However, temporary solutions have disadvantages:

  1. The suction cup may fall off at high speed (especially in winter).
  2. The cable will have to be laid through a slightly open door or window.
  3. The viewing angle often requires manual adjustment before each ride.

Make sure the surface is clean and free of grease

Check the suction cup for pull-out force (pull down)

Attach the backup safety line

Use anti-vibration pads-->

7. Hidden installation: how to hide the camera without losing functionality

Some drivers prefer mask the camera under body parts. For example:

  • 🔳 In the trunk seal rubber (suitable for BMW 5 Series).
  • 🚪 In the plastic cover above the number (as in Lexus RX).
  • 🔦 In the rear light housing (needs improvement).

Advantages of hidden installation:

  1. The aesthetics of the car are preserved.
  2. Minimal risk of vandalism.
  3. The camera gets dirty less (if hidden under the cover).

But there are also risks:

  1. Difficult to maintain - to clean the lens you will have to disassemble part of the body.
  2. Limited selection of models - needed ultra-compact cameras (for example, Rear View Safety RVS-6513).
  3. There may be problems with the viewing angle if the camera is installed too deep.
💡

Hidden installation is justified only if the camera has automatic distortion correction (function Dewarp). Otherwise, the picture will not be suitable for parking.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

🔍 Is it possible to install a rear view camera yourself if you have no experience?

Yes, but only in simple places (license frame, tripod with suction cup). For installation in a bumper or trunk lid you will need:

  • Removing the trim (risk of breaking the clips).
  • Cable routing through regular channels (otherwise it will dangle).
  • Connection to reversing light (you need to know the electronics circuit).

If in doubt, it is better to contact a car service - errors during connection can damage it. body control unit (for example, on Mercedes or BMW).

❄️ How to protect your camera from icing in winter?

The problem of icing is relevant for cameras installed on the bumper or license plate frame. Solutions:

  • Use models with built-in heating (for example, BlackVue DR770G).
  • Apply hydrophobic coating (for example, Rain-X) to the lens.
  • Install additional heater 12V (sold in car audio stores).

⚠️ Do not use alcohol-containing liquids for cleaning - they damage the plastic of the lens.

📶 How long should the cable be to connect the camera?

The cable length depends on the installation location:

Installation location Recommended cable length (m)
License plate frame (sedan) 3–4
Bumper (SUV) 5–6
Trunk lid (hatchback) 4–5
Rear door glass 2–3

Important: If the cable is too long, don't roll it into a coil - this creates interference. It is better to carefully lay it along the body and secure it plastic ties.

🔌 Is it possible to connect a camera to a radio without a reverse light?

Yes, but there are nuances:

  1. If the radio supports constant food (for example, Pioneer AVH-Z5200BT), the camera will always work, but this will drain the battery.
  2. You can connect to ignition (the camera turns on when you turn the key), but this is inconvenient for parking.
  3. The best option is to use time relay, which turns off the camera 10–15 minutes after turning off the ignition.

⚠️ On some vehicles (for example, Kia Sportage) such a connection may cause an error CAN buses. Please check compatibility before installation!

🎥 What camera resolution is enough for comfortable parking?

Minimum requirements:

  • 720p (HD) - enough for parking during the day, but at night the picture will be “soapy”.
  • 1080p (Full HD) - the best option for most conditions.
  • 1296p or 4K - redundant for parking, but useful for recording accidents (for example, Thinkware Q800 Pro).

More important than permission - lens quality and availability WDR (for shooting against the sun). For example, camera Rear View Safety RVS-770613 with a resolution of 720p will give a clearer picture than a cheap 1080p model without WDR.