Digital (LCD) Rearview Mirror (Wolfbox G900 front and rear dash cams) installed - photos & review

[NedF]

Definitely the way I will go if I do this mod! Thanks!

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[OleFordGuy]

I think that is the most impressive dash cam setup i've ever seen. Zero bulk objects on the windshield/dash.

 

[arcnsparc]

@AUTiger83 and @Steve Stempel

Great post (Phil) and feedback options on internal camera (Steve).

I'm nearing my mid 50's and been fighting the need for glasses and know that fight is soon to be a lost cause. I've had some success in keeping the belly at bay for now. LOL.

Questions to you both and maybe to the greater audience....

I live in Minnesota and weather can impact my backup camera (rain, snow, sleet, excessive salted roads - somehow that puts a sheen on the backup cam, etc)...

I really like the 3rd light brake light mounted camera and the visibility you get from it. Is that a major worry or do you stop and wipe it off with a clean rag? I think both of you live in the South and snow is not a worry, but wondering about rainfall? My hunch is it's less of an issue with an inside mounted camera on the back window. Just a few thoughts before I purchase mine.

Great post!
I'm really enjoying the Maverick Club.

Chris

 

[AUTiger83]

@AUTiger83 and @Steve Stempel

Great post (Phil) and feedback options on internal camera (Steve).

I'm nearing my mid 50's and been fighting the need for glasses and know that fight is soon to be a lost cause. I've had some success in keeping the belly at bay for now. LOL.

Questions to you both and maybe to the greater audience....

I live in Minnesota and weather can impact my backup camera (rain, snow, sleet, excessive salted roads - somehow that puts a sheen on the backup cam, etc)...

I really like the 3rd light brake light mounted camera and the visibility you get from it. Is that a major worry or do you stop and wipe it off with a clean rag? I think both of you live in the South and snow is not a worry, but wondering about rainfall? My hunch is it's less of an issue with an inside mounted camera on the back window. Just a few thoughts before I purchase mine.

Great post!
I'm really enjoying the Maverick Club.

Chris

Great question. But I don't know the answer yet. I'll report back after a few weeks of usage.

I'm in the Florida panhandle, but was stuck in Northwest Alabama in 6 inches of snow and ice for 10 days in January. But that was before the camera, and I never ventured out while it snowed.

I'm hopeful the windstream over the truck cab is going to keep most rainfall off the lens while driving, similar to the backup camera. I do plan on keeping a microfiber towel in the truck to wipe it when needed.

 

[Steve Stempel]

@AUTiger83 and @Steve Stempel

Great post (Phil) and feedback options on internal camera (Steve).

I'm nearing my mid 50's and been fighting the need for glasses and know that fight is soon to be a lost cause. I've had some success in keeping the belly at bay for now. LOL.

Questions to you both and maybe to the greater audience....

I live in Minnesota and weather can impact my backup camera (rain, snow, sleet, excessive salted roads - somehow that puts a sheen on the backup cam, etc)...

I really like the 3rd light brake light mounted camera and the visibility you get from it. Is that a major worry or do you stop and wipe it off with a clean rag? I think both of you live in the South and snow is not a worry, but wondering about rainfall? My hunch is it's less of an issue with an inside mounted camera on the back window. Just a few thoughts before I purchase mine.

Great post!
I'm really enjoying the Maverick Club.

Chris

My Maverick is the second truck that I have had a Wolfbox mirror/cam installed on. Both were with the rear camera installed inside the glass. I did that to avoid issues with rain and even more so, car washes. I don’t want spinning brushes knocking it out of alignment or sending it flying away. I’m 100% satisfied with the interior installation.

 

[AUTiger83]

Video samples, front and rear. File sizes are limited, so a 5-second front clip @4k and a 20-second rear clip (downgraded from 2.5k to 1080p by my editing software).

Both cameras record continuously after the truck is switched on, unless you manually stop them. The files are arranged very logically in folders, with the date and time stamp as the name. Each MP4 file is one minute long.

I have the front camera recording in 4k (max setting). The rear camera is in 2.5k (max setting). The GPS coordinates, speed, and date/time stamp are embedded in the lower left of each video.

For those cringing at the automatic car wash, it was a first. I've handwashed for six weeks and know I can't sustain it (I'm old and grumpy). I was relieved the automatic car wash didn't move my rear camera position setting.

 

[arcnsparc]

that looks pretty good, I don't think you'd have to worry too much about dirty camera. maybe once in a while wipe it off.

 

[AUTiger83]

that looks pretty good, I don't think you'd have to worry too much about dirty camera. maybe once in a while wipe it off.

Yes, was concerned that when it rains, the rear camera might be defeated by a droplet of water. I feel a bit more optimistic now!

 

[ClarkAston]

I bought this unit and tried to install it last week but just got a bit intimidated about pulling all the panels off the pillars and everything. Can you show a bit of how you did the wiring to the fuse box and to the back of the cab? Or show the videos you mentioned about taking the panels off? I’m struggling to find a lot of resources.

 

[AUTiger83]

I bought this unit and tried to install it last week but just got a bit intimidated about pulling all the panels off the pillars and everything. Can you show a bit of how you did the wiring to the fuse box and to the back of the cab? Or show the videos you mentioned about taking the panels off? I’m struggling to find a lot of resources.

I didn't video myself doing the installation. Just the photos in the original post. Sorry.

The back camera install was just pulling the third brake light, and sticking the metal bracket onto the paint, so it is mostly covered by the foam gasket. The wire runs next to it under the foam gasket. The gasket is thick enough that it seems to seal well, so I didn't do anything special, except screw the brake light back in place.

The routing of the cables is tedious and a little nerve wracking to ensure you don't break any clips (two demerits for me ). Just search YouTube for things like, "rear speaker replacement Ford Maverick," to see how they removed a particular piece of trim. These videos and MANY OTHERS were helpful:





The hardwiring into the fuse panel was my biggest anxiety (needless, it's not very difficult after all). I watched a lot of videos first. The one I found most helpful was this one:



You will need one Micro3 add-a-tap (i.e., three prongs) (see photo) and one Micro2 add-a-tap (i.e., two prongs). You can get both off Amazon. Make sure you get a fuse for each.

I actually had the orange Wago wire connectors that he uses in the video, which most people will not. They are pricey, but worth every penny for ease of use (and are UL rated). I use them heavily in electrical projects I do. You can use a solder connector or crimp connector there instead. Also, Ideal now sells a very similar connector at the big box stores in the electrical department.

Good luck on your install. I worked on mine a couple of hours a day, for 3 days, to keep my frustration level down.

 

[Texasdevild]

This is where I ended up placing my rear view camera.

 

[AUTiger83]

This is where I ended up placing my rear view camera.

That looks great! If I had a spoiler, I'd consider doing the same thing.

 

[Dad]

Great job and congratulations for tackling this project despite being a self-admitted novice. Post was very clear and informative.

 

[arcnsparc]

Great job and congratulations for tackling this project despite being a self-admitted novice. Post was very clear and informative.

agreed

 

[dlhort1955]

Is it possible to install the rear camera inside the truck on the back window itself? I do not have a spoiler, so nothing to protect it from being broken off.

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