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Re: How to keep the backup camera cleaner?

The place to start is if the dirt is coming from the top of the camera, or coming from under the camera. Once we figure out the direction, a small shield could be made, to place the lens in the shadow of the dirt.
 
Re: How to keep the backup camera cleaner?

on my CC trip I had to clean it ofte. It is the areodynamic of the truck, air tends to get sucked into that tailgate area of the tailgate. The only things I can suggest and when you polish thetailgate, I polish the lens. Works pretty well so far, I use Zaino Bros polish
 
I loved on my Volkswagen gti that the reverse camera is integrated in the rear emblem, and only flips up to reveal the camera when the vehicle is in reverse. Worked great and always clean. Don’t know if aftermarket cameras like that exist or could be retrofitted.
I wonder if someone could engineer a mechanical cover, like a SLR camera shutter, that could be wired to the reverse sensing wire and open the camera lens only when in reverse. Bring on the DYIers!
 
Re: How to keep the backup camera cleaner?

A good wax/buff would be the first thing I'd try, making sure not to scratch the glass. Same thing with all of the sensors. Rain-X is essentially a wax, but there may be better alternatives out there. I would try Plexus first, then Pledge, then Novus before I'd use Rain-X. I've had good luck with Plexus on my Gold Wing windscreen. If you have something like Mother's plastic polish laying around in the garage, that would be worth a try. Apply with a soft cloth!!!

If that wasn't enough, I'd try some temporary barriers to determine where they are needed. If they block the view somewhat, final version will have to be transparent.

Many newer trucks have a lip on the tailgate. I assumed that was just for aerodynamics, but I wonder if it would keep the camera clean, also?

Finally, many cameras are mounted near the license plate. I wonder if that would be a cleaner location? However, it would totally mess up the guiding lines on the oem camera.
 
Re: How to keep the backup camera cleaner?

You could also try the RainX spray to keep the lens more repellent of dust. On my G1, aftermarket camera, I usually wipe it every time I have the time.
On my '16 Civic, the stock camera rarely gets dirty and rain dont seem to affect it much. Only on heavy downpours do the droplets hang around the lens
 
Re: How to keep the backup camera cleaner?

Interesting. Have had my truck for 8 months now, and have never noticed an issue. I clean it when I wash my truck, but that’s only been about 3 times thus far. Will take a peek at the camera when I get home. But other than a slightly blurry view when it’s raining, I haven’t had any issues thus far.
 
Re: How to keep the backup camera cleaner?

I keep an old micro-fiber bag from some sunglasses in the truck. I give it a touch with the squeege when I gas up. It's super dirty here due to the typical winter weather we get. Slushy snow and dirt for months.
 
Discussion starter · #33 ·
Re: How to keep the backup camera cleaner?

I put some Aquapel on just under a week ago. Hasn't rained since (that I have been out driving in).
Hopefully that will work but since the wind won't be hitting it, it may not work as well.
Worked great on the front windshield and the side windows though.

I have my detailing shop giving it a try as well (I bought a 12pk on ebay and gave them 1).
Already had them put it on my wife's Highlander when it was in getting washed/waxed. Did it to my own windshield as I wasn't getting a wash yet.
 
Rear camera is nearly useless when it rains. How to fix?

The rear camera is almost useless when it gets wet during and after a rainstorm. Has anyone else noticed this? I have other cars with rear cameras and the image doesn't get blocked by water droplets as much as the Ridgeline camera does, maybe because it's located much higher and at a bad angle.

I'm curious as to what kind of treatment, maybe Rain-X, can be applied to alleviate this problem. It seems to be caused by water droplets that form on the camera lens.
 
Re: Rear camera is nearly useless when it rains. How to fix?

The rear camera is almost useless when it gets wet during and after a rainstorm. Has anyone else noticed this? I have other cars with rear cameras and the image doesn't get blocked by water droplets as much as the Ridgeline camera does, maybe because it's located much higher and at a bad angle.

I'm curious as to what kind of treatment, maybe Rain-X, can be applied to alleviate this problem. It seems to be caused by water droplets that form on the camera lens.
I have the same issue. I'll just go wipe it off, thats really the best I can do. But i'd be interested to see what, if anything, other people have done.
 
Re: Rear camera is nearly useless when it rains. How to fix?

My wife's Audi has the rear camera lens more protected under the trunk lid lip than the Ridgeline and that has the same problem. Don't even need rain just the morning dew causes condensation to form on the lens.

As mentioned above, I just walk behind the vehicle and give a finger wipe or try to remember to carry a paper towel. Not too inconvenient when getting into the car, more of an issue after a drive and needing the camera while parking.

Any cover would have the same issue. I can see a future with a micro wiper blade on the lens and a washer solvent squirter. :nerd:
 
Re: Rear camera is nearly useless when it rains. How to fix?

The rear camera is almost useless when it gets wet during and after a rainstorm. Has anyone else noticed this? I have other cars with rear cameras and the image doesn't get blocked by water droplets as much as the Ridgeline camera does, maybe because it's located much higher and at a bad angle.

I'm curious as to what kind of treatment, maybe Rain-X, can be applied to alleviate this problem. It seems to be caused by water droplets that form on the camera lens.
RainX helps, but does not completely fix, the issue at least on my wife's Audi wagon.

Give that a try.
 
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