Hopkins Towing Solutions 50002 Smart Hitch Backup Camera and Sensor System

After several holes in my bumper from hitting the trailer hitch, I decided I needed a backup camera. I tried a wireless backup camera. I liked the ease of installation. It didn't work. After a lot of frustration, I gave up. I decided not to try wireless again. I'm very pleased with the Hopkins Smart Hitch. It is powered by a backup light, so you have to run some wires. I had to drill a hole to get the wire into the passenger compartment. The wire that leads to the camera is sturdy with a connector that doesn't require a large hole to get through. It seems to be reasonably waterproof. I was careful to avoid places where the wire could be pinched by suspension components. I was able to mostly hide the wire once it was inside by tucking it under plastic or carpet, but it is visible in spots. The screen is a little small, about the size of a cell phone display. I can live with it. The display is sharp and updates rapidly in real time. It makes hitching a trailer a snap. The field of view is limited, so the camera is only useful when you get close to the trailer. It has sensors that beep a lot. They aren't really useful to me because I can see the hitch fine. They might be useful in low light. I don't need it for anything but hitching trailers. The small field of view limits its usefulness for anything else. I haven't used it a lot yet, so I don't know how it will hold up to harsh weather conditions. However, at this time I am very pleased with it and would recommend it highly to anyone who doesn't have a factory camera. And doesn't mind running the wires.Update: I gave the impression that the field of view was limited. That isn't true. If you adjust the camera properly, you can actually see the hitch and also see what is behind the vehicle. And the sensors will warn you if you are going to hit something. In its initial configuration, the camera was aimed very low. I continue to highly recommend it.

I bought one of these for my truck, and my wife liked it so much she asked if I would put one in her car. My truck install was no issue, but my wife's 2013 VW Beetle wasn't so easy. I pulled the taillight assembly to figure out which wires to tap. I installed everything loosely and tested. Worked great, so I reassembled everything. When done, the camera would come on in reverse, but the screen was solid blue. Some internet research showed the likely cause to be low voltage to the camera/display. Her car uses 921 bulbs for the backup lights, which draw 18 watts each. My initial test had the left rear light assembly unplugged, so the missing bulb gave enough power to run the camera/display. Plugging everything in dropped the voltage too low. I was considering a relay at first, but then I decided to try an LED version of the reverse light bulb, since they draw less power. That worked great, and I only had to change a bulb. I bought the cheapest ones available, because the more expensive ones have resistors built into them to mimic the current draw of an incandescent bulb. Some cars throw an error code if the current draw is off, and the more expensive LED bulbs try to prevent that. In my case I needed lower current draw to leave enough power for the camera/screen. Hopefully this helps if someone else runs into the same problem. One last thing - the cheap LED bulbs only work when installed one way. For bayonette style bulbs like 921's or 194's, you can plug them in 2 ways. If they don't work at first, just pop them out and flip them around.I love the camera, monitor, and sensors. Great design as others have already mentioned.

As advertised, it is very easy to install. And as in other reviews, if you have a pickup truck or larger SUV, etc... you will need the extension cable for the monitor. After contacting Hopkins, they sent me one free of charge with no hassle at all. I am not giving this product a fifth star as the two optional scales (one for hitching your trailer, and one for everyday backing) do not appear on the monitor and the sensors do not appear to be working either. I have contacted Hopkins for advice or a possible trade, but unlike my first experience, I cannot get anyone to return either phone messages or emails. Obviously I will continue to make contact to resolve the problem, but am frustrated with the lack of interest in a customers problem with their product. The monitor has a very clear picture and I like the ability to adjust color, contrast, brightness to suit my preference. Hopefully I will hear something soon.update 11/30/14: After finally hearing from the folks at Hopkins (they are actually VERY polite by-the-way), I was sent a replacement unit with no questions asked. I am assuming that with a systemic problem in these units that they have stopped asking and are just sending replacements. The problem with that is the replacement(s) will almost certainly have the same issues as the original. They are just sending out units until you get one that works properly. My replacement is installed and it works better than the first one but only intermittently. I am too busy to put a third on the truck right now but will try again after the holidays and let you know what happens. I just hope that they fix the software issue by than.