To minimize the need of a spotter I have been experimenting with a camera mounted on the rear axle with the front axle in view. At first I tried a GoPro, but the video was laggy, over exposed (light and dark at same time), and and sometimes cut out. So then I thought I would try a cheap eBay back up camera system.

​​​​​​A 7" screen was used for best visibility and it was integrated into the visor in order to not only save room but also allow the driver to see forward and the video at the same time. The monitor has two inputs (DVD and back up camera) so the thought is at some point I would add another camera and mount it on the front axle facing the rear. I'm not sure if a backup camera can be hooked up to the DVD input or if only the camera backup connection will support it. If you happen to know please let me know. If not, I left the connector exposed so I can swap plugs between them. The system cost about 35 bux.

 

BTW, a different option I was considering was the installation of a double din radio that you could hook up backup camera to. I discovered the cavity will only support a single din however if I cut maybe a quarter inch into the vents just below the radio that would be enough room to support a double din. I might do that at a later date but at this time I was not interested in partially losing the events and also all the work it requires.

 

Metra now makes a double din dash kit, looks like it works pretty well. There is a little bit of cutting still involved but definitely adds flavor to these old XJ's. It's about 60 bucks. There are a couple of fairly new YouTube videos out on the install for it. Love your idea of the undercarriage camera. Gonna have to give some serious thought to stealing your idea.

 

I saw those, the XJs have a different dash than the ZJs making soming like this more do-able. for the ZJs and based on my measurements this requires some cutting into the vents in order to make room for a double din stereo. On Amazon you can find a cheap Chinese radio with the ability to view a camera and ideally that's where I was headed. Those cheap cameras are only about 2 inches thick but it's the height that makes it a problem. Thank you for your suggestion, I checked out Metra's web site.

 

If I was doing thlis, and I am in the process of mounting a back up camera on my tow rig I would mount one on the front and one on the back. Reason being is that the angles the cameras cover, 140 degrees in my case is too great for a camera in the back to give any useful images. It needs to be up a little so you can gain perspective on what you see, but not too high. Just my 2 cents

 

Wait, that's brilliant. I want to see some shots of it in action.

 

Another option I was looking at was a single din that has a deployable screen. Of course, it would not work because the zj has an overhanging dash.

 

Thanks! Hope to test it out this weekend and if I do will post some shots and a quick review of it.

 

The camera was helpful as I was able to adjust the line in order to get the tires on a rock or to avoid them. It was a little difficult seeing the screen unless it's straight down, which blocks the view out the front window. Having a camera with a light helps with the light and dark areas under the Jeep.