Our Ford F-150’s factory backup camera suddenly quit working on us one day. After visiting the Ford dealer we learned that the required part (lens) was on backorder, with no ETA given. This unfortunate turn of events just happened to coincide with the folks at Auto-Vox asking us if we’d like to review their new solar-powered backup camera with a 5″ HD monitor.
We went ahead and installed the unit as a backup camera and it worked perfectly. But, since we ended up getting the part we needed to fix our Ford’s factory camera sooner than expected, we decided to repurpose it. We put it to use as a front-mounted, rear-looking under vehicle camera that we use to check under the vehicle before backing out, and for use when driving off-road (to view obstacles).
Key Features of The Foxpark Solar Powered HD Backup Camera
- Easy Installation
- Supports two Cameras (extra one sold separately.
- 3350 mAh battery and built-in solar panel
- 5″ monitor with 1080P resolution
- Camera is waterproof and rated to work at temperatures of 4°F~149°F.
- Adjustable parking backup lines displayed
- Adjustable “on” time up to 90 seconds
- Works up to 33′
- 12 month warranty
An Unexpected Use of a Solar Powered Backup Camera
This unexpected re-purposing of the Foxpark Solar Wireless backup camera now serves us very well as a “spotter cam” to check our wheel placement when traveling off-road, and to check for animals, such as our neighbor’s cat, which sometimes sleeps under our truck. While backup cameras mounted at the rear of the vehicle are a great safety feature, they can’t show you if something or someone is under your vehicle. Now we’ve got a visual on both the rear and underside of our vehicle before backing up.
Installing the Foxpark Solar Wireless Backup Camera
The camera system comes with a 5″ 1080P monitor, power cord with cigarette lighter plug, USB charging cable, a strip of double-sided tape, suction cup mount and the solar powered camera.
As per the manufacturer’s instructions, we charged up the camera before installing.
Installation on the rear of the vehicle only took about 4 minutes and involved loosening the screws holding our license plate on and inserting the camera bracket inside and re-tightening. The camera was already paired with the receiver and as soon as we turned on the ignition switch we had a crisp, clear image on the screen.
(Note that the camera does not sense backing up, like a factory install, but instead comes on for 90 seconds when the cigarette lighter plug is powered on.) If your cigarette lighter is constantly powered, or if the display has gone off after 90 seconds, all you have to do is push the button on the side of the camera, or on the cigarette lighter plug to activate it.
How We Use The Foxpark Solar Backup Camera
Front Bumper Install – In the photo below, the stuffed animal is seven feet behind the front bumper and the camera is pointed back towards the skid plate. With the current mount, (although it’s not perfect), we can see about halfway along the underside of the vehicle. A lower mount would no doubt offer a better view, but would put the camera in danger of being struck by objects, and wouldn’t gather as much power from the sun.
Using Our Front-Mounted Foxpark Solar Backup Camera Off-Road
With the Foxpark wireless solar backup camera installed under the front bumper, we can see what our front wheels are doing in relation to drop-off’s and rocks, (although there’s nothing that will ever replace a good human spotter). Without re-mounting, the camera can also be swiveled all the way around to face forward, if we ever want a view in that position, which could be useful when for monitoring the use of our front-mounted winch.
Bottom Line – Worth it Or Not?
So far the Foxpark solar wireless backup camera is working well and we would recommend it, ether for its intended use, or for the one we chose to use it for.
It’s been about a month since we installed the Foxpark Solar HD backup camera and it seems to be getting enough power from the solar panel to stay charged. The manufacturer does indicate that in wintertime, or for areas without much sunlight, additional charging via a USB cord and power bank may be necessary, but so far it’s worked well without recharging. For off-road and overlanding this camera would work great a variety of uses, including viewing behind an overlanding trailer, or for the purpose we chose to use it for – seeing under our vehicle.
Full Disclosure – We did receive our Foxpark Solar Backup Camera free of charge from Auto-Vox. If you’d like to purchase one, you can find them here on Amazon. (affiliate link)
