They took away the backup camera for '08

The backup camera that was standard last year for the RTL w/NAV is now a very expensive option. I found an inexpensive place online to buy the kit but I'm wondering if anyone knows if by chance the video cable is pre-run. I know, that's probably wishful thinking right?

The backup camera has always been an accessory.

Are you lumping the backup camera with the NAV as being "optional?" I'm saying that the backup camera came "standard" with the NAV package. I'm basing this on what the guy at the dealer said, "The '07 RTL w/NAV comes standard with a backup camera." He even showed it to me on an '07 RTL w/NAV there on the lot. Was this just a ploy to try to get me to buy the '07 rather than the '08?

Are you lumping the backup camera with the NAV as being "optional?" I'm saying that the backup camera came "standard" with the NAV package. I'm basing this on what the guy at the dealer said, "The '07 RTL w/NAV comes standard with a backup camera." He even showed it to me on an '07 RTL w/NAV there on the lot. Was this just a ploy to try to get me to buy the '07 rather than the '08?

I think you had a salesman that either didn't know what he was talking about, or trying to sell you the '07. But it's been an option since the truck first came out.

In that case, the accessory was dealer installed on the '07. The backup camera has never been factory standard equipment. The salesman probably didn't know any better. It amazes me that a lot of salesmen (Honda or otherwise, car or otherwise) don't know very much about what they're selling.

The video cable is not pre-run, IIRC.

Thanks for the quick reply and the good information.

Sorry I'm new here, what's IIRC?

Hm, it seems odd that it wouldn't be part of the factory wiring harness... it needs power and video to run 2/3 the way across the vehicle.

Thanks for the quick reply and the good information.

I'm still wondering though if by chance the video cable and power feed is pre-run as part of the standard wiring harness or if I have to disassemble half the truck to feed cables through holes and slots and under carpets?

Yes you have to run the video & power cables. They are not pre-installed. Installation is a lot of work. The instructions can be downloaded off the H&A website. Basically, you take off the drivers side inside panel & the front panel from the bed, the back seat & a bunch of interior trim pieces.

It's an expensive option, but one you will appreciate every time you drive your truck. Go for NAV and get the camera!

There are some less expensive after market options too, but they don't feed into the NAV screen. Use search and you will find lots of information about back up cameras.

Sorry I'm new here, what's IIRC?


If I Recall Correctly

The backup cam has never been standard. Your dealer may have installed them on all nav models on the lot, but it was never standard from the factory.

Standard if it was standard I would not have been using nasty words when I first heard the price.

I have an 06 with Nav. Never got the back up but after wifey got a new Tahoe and with I have thought about getting the cam now. The camera is 400-500 and they will try to rip you for 600 or so in labor. If you get it, it is one of the option I gues you need to get upfront. I like it but not going to pay 1000-1100 for it myself.

The video cable is not pre-run, IIRC.

Sorry I'm new here but what's IIRC mean?

Thanks.

If I Recall Correctly.

Sorry I'm new here but what's IIRC mean?

Thanks.

I answered that 3 posts up.

I answered that 3 posts up.

Ha, that's funny. Yes I guess you did indeed, but I read your post as if it said:
"If I Recall Correctly the backup cam has never been standard." You were answering my question and I took it as part of a new statement.

Rather than being so literal I'll have to learn to be looking for shorthand in everything I read here. :)

Thanks for your patience.

If you are at all handy you can purchase an excellent camera for $130 and install it yourself in about two hours. I did it and it was really easy. Some may not like my camera install but for me it's functional and easy to remove if needed.

You can see more info at the following link. My install is described in post #34

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17513&page=4

No problem, wabwab. I thought maybe you were reading the forum through nontraditional means and missed it.

I just spent 5 hrs at my dealer having a back up camera installed on my 08 RTL with Nav.[with tax 932.43]. My wife's o7 toyota prius had BU camera and i really like it. Hate spending that much but if you get the nav u need the OEM camera. If you don't have Nav like my friend who has a 07 Rtl he is getting one at Circuit City for about $400.

Hate spending that much but if you get the nav u need the OEM camera. If you don't have Nav like my friend who has a 07 Rtl he is getting one at Circuit City for about $400.

My non-OEM camera works just great with my OEM Nav. ;)

I installed the Walmart special in 20 minutes.

Bestbuy has a nice one that clips over your rearview mirror. I think it is 300 or 400.

The OEM is a rip at that price.

I had a aftermarket BU camera installed which works very well with my Navi. It has a chrome bezel, in mounted on the tailgate in line with the emblems and directly below the tailgate handle. The picture on it is better than that on my wife's Acura TL. You can see the camera at: avelectronic.com. It is the flush mount unit and is just over 1" in diameter. It kind of looks like a key hole.

I had a aftermarket BU camera installed which works very well with my Navi. It has a chrome bezel, in mounted on the tailgate in line with the emblems and directly below the tailgate handle. The picture on it is better than that on my wife's Acura TL. You can see the camera at: avelectronic.com. It is the flush mount unit and is just over 1" in diameter. It kind of looks like a key hole.

That's just like the one I had on my Tundra and that's exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks. Did the camera come with the wiring you needed or is there some other kit I need to get?

I just purchased a 2008 Ridgeline RTL with the Navi system a few weeks ago. I wanted to get the backup camera but at $1,100 I decided to search the aftermarket. Has anyone had good luck with getting a backup camera installed as an aftermarket purchase? If yes, what did you purchase, where did you get it and did you have it installed or did you do it yourself?

Thanks for any help,
glenwlind

I installed a Boyo VTE100 camera. Boyo makes several models which all seem to use the same camera while providing different mounting options. The light sensitivity for these cameras is excellent compared to others I tried. The VTE100 was about $130 including shipping.

I went with the surface mount because I wanted to create my own braket which was easliy removable if needed.

You can find more information at the following post http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=250098&postcount=34

I just bought a 2007 RTL-NAV and had the camera installed as an option--after my family convinced me that it was a necessary safety item. I love it and appreciate it so much for backing up to connect to my trailers. I like it so much that I wish it could be viewed anytime (not just when the truck is shifted into reverse). Kinda like those outside cameras in the Discovery Channel "Cash Cab" show.

BTW, I was able to get dealer to come down to $700 on the camera and installation. Don't pay the $1100 list price!

Hey, and the NAV is really, really handy. (I'm a retired cartographer and I initially was sold on the NAV only because it was the way to get a backup camera--I thought that I had all the spatial info via maps and my head). Now I'm very happy that I have this navigation tool. Fascinating to get all this map information realtime on the road. Sure will help cut down the number of maps I always needed to carry.

It's an expensive option, but one you will appreciate every time you drive your truck. Go for NAV and get the camera!