In our new Tried & Tested segment, Lisa Potter takes a look at the rearview170 camera – a wireless solar unit designed for easy attachment to vehicles and RVs.
Unlike many traditional reversing cameras, the rearview170 doesn’t require the vehicle to be in reverse to be engaged. It can operate fulltime as a rear-view camera offering 170-degree views. It is also designed for DIY installation.
Test Time
To provide some relevant background, I must start with a shameful admission. I once backed straight into a large concrete pillar in an outdoor carpark. Not so terrible – accidents happen. But at the time my vehicle was equipped with a rear camera.
In my defence, literally everything in that particular camera view looked like murky misty shadows. It was a constant guessing game and on this day I guessed wrong. It was also early days of rear camera technology and let’s just say that I got what I paid for. Plus, it cost me an insurance claim. And an eyesight test (I thought it prudent).
So, the opportunity to test drive the rearview170 was met with equal parts trepidation and hope. While most modern vehicles now come with camera technology inbuilt, not everyone has a late model car, so the option to add what is marketed as a quick and easy rear-view camera was definitely worth a try.
Also given my prior experience and the low-cost point of this camera, I was sceptical to be honest. Spoiler alert: It worked a charm.
Having decided to ignore my usual route with anything technological (i.e. get the more tech-minded male of the house to set it up) and have a go myself. I kept thinking I had misread the instructions, or some were missing, as it was far simpler than anticipated.
Step 1: Take everything out of its packaging
Step 2: Charge all units and plug camera into cigarette lighter of vehicle
Step 3: Attached slimline camera to the rear of vehicle
Step 4: Drive and go
No wiring required, no complex syncing, or apps, or 100-page catalogues. It really was this straightforward. The screen can be attached at the front of your vehicle by suction cup or to one of your vents (attachments are supplied). Another advantage is being able to transfer the system onto another vehicle in about 15 minutes – you can transfer the camera from your work vehicle to your RV when going on holiday.
Verdict
A definite 10/10 for simplicity of attachment and set up. Far sharper and higher quality 5-inch high-definition screen display than expected. Having 170-degree vision is the closest thing you’ll find to being able to see around corners! The camera has been on my vehicle for a month now and I haven’t had a single issue (other than enjoying far more confidence in tight reversing spaces).
Under normal use the solar panel will keep your camera unit charged (but if it’s unused and your vehicle sits unused in a dark garage for several months, it would pay to recharge the unit with the DC charging port). If you’re towing a caravan, trailer or boat, you can leave the camera operating until you’ve fully navigated any tricky spaces. (Consecutive viewing time is up to two hours. For continued viewing just push the button again). The camera is also the perfect guide for easy hookup to your tow ball.
About RearView170
The brainchild and business of Australian-based Ian and Judy Hall, rearview170 is the couple’s post-retirement project. With a long history of showcasing products in the RV solar business space (Ian was one of the first wave of SEIA 2004 qualified installers), the couple are also keen RVers. It was their own personal experience of noticing how many people seemed to have difficulty reversing their caravans or motorhomes that led to the development of rearview170. Their research revealed that cost, complex installation and ease of use were all barriers to people installing rearview cameras, so using their solar experience they helped design their own completely wireless solar-operated system. Almost two years later, rearview170 was born and has gone on to successfully fill a niche in the market.
“The whole thing can be installed in less than 10 minutes, and the DIY nature of installation plus the low cost of the unit means we can offer a more affordable solution to a big problem than people may expect,” says Ian.
Costing approximately NZ$320 delivered, it’s a small price for peace of mind and for putting an end to the angst of partner-guided backing situations.
