Back up camera

How useful is this item and Is it worth the doe?

Thanks in advance.

How useful is this item and Is it worth the doe?

Thanks in advance.
Most people who did it agree upon its usefulness and the fact that it is well worth the effort.

I installed with the help of a friend. It was a lot of work and it's useful, but I haven't driven a truck with the backup sensors so I still wonder if those wouldn't be just as useful. The issue with the camera is that in bright light you can't see the screen. It also takes some getting used to in tight spaces because you still have to use your mirrors. You can't just rely on the camera.

Does anyone know how hard it is to hook up an OEM camera without using the NAV? I'm thinking of putting on my RTS.

I've had mine for about 1.5 years and I love it. I have a small dog and a child. Enough said. Also great for hooking up to a trailer and backing into tight, shopping center parking spots. Mine was an aftermarket install.

Does anyone know how hard it is to hook up an OEM camera without using the NAV? I'm thinking of putting on my RTS.

You can't use the OEM camera without Navigation. Your only option is an after-market camera.

If you've already sprung for NAVI, the camera is a must have (IMHO). Very useful backing up to the boat trailer/hitch. Our Ody has backup sensors which I like more for backing up close to things (how close am I to the wall?) but not so much that I would put both sensors and the backup camera in the RL. Biggest issue with it so far is that in bright cross lighting the screen in general can get washed out making it difficult to see the backup image.

If you're not getting NAVI, you have to go aftermarket anyway, so it's a mute point.

That said, the NAVI + Backup Camera combination is not cost effective for what you can get aftermarket, but it is nicely integrated and covered by my HondaCare policy. Of course, the first time I don't run over my 3 year old becasue I can see hiim in the camera the cost of the camera will be meaningless, right?

Also fun to put the RL in reverse with the tailgate down and look under the RL... :)

You can't use the OEM camera without Navigation. Your only option is an after-market camera.

That's not entirely true :)
Here's what I've been looking for: http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4771

I got it, and its great for pulling into spots and seeing how close you really are, also it helps when towing as well. I use it all the time.

I backed into a 2006 Jetta last weekend doing a ten point turn in a tight parking lot, and did $900 worth of damage to the Jetta. Hardly a scratch on the Ridgeline. I thought I had another inch but I didn't. I knew it was there but I could not see the fender.

The camera is part of the install I'm working on. This truck can really use one.

I am probably going to get a portable wireless handheld camera. I'd like to use it for more than just the Ridgeline, plus I don't want it smashed or stolen. So something that is portable makes more sense to me. Also, I figure I can put it on the back of the trailer (or on a fender) and help me avoid obstacles with the trailer. You could monitor inside a trailer, watch your cargo, or even use it as a baby monitor.

http://www.swifthitch.net/