Any options for upgraded backup camera?

The factory backup camera in my tailgate isn't very clear and I wanted to know if anyone knew of an upgraded camera that would fit in that same housing. Has anyone done any mods or adjustments to make the video clearer? Thanks.

 

Is it not clear enough only at night? Better back up lights helped with the nighttime clarity

 

It's more the resolution I'm looking to upgrade. I may have a damaged camera and that's why it looks the way it does. I'll post some pictures tonight of what it looks like.

 

I’ve been wondering the same thing. My picture is not as clear on my Kenwood 1037s as it was on my older Kenwood 9903s. I’ve never been quite pleased with the camera regardless.

 

Not an endorsement of the tech but more to showcase what is involved in replacing the rear camera system:
https://youtu.be/1htYn_wIu5o

 

Did some research, looks like the changed the camera in 2018 and are still using that one in 2021. Maybe @Roman can verify if the new one fits our older trucks?

 

I have not used these in the Toyota but their direct replacement for the GMs are much better than factory.
If my Tundra ever goes toasty I’ll give them a shot.
https://www.mastertailgaters.com/pr...dra-backup-camera?_pos=1&_sid=3d0914343&_ss=r

 

I think the resolution of the Factory Screen is also part of what limits the quality of the image with the factory camera and head unit combo.

I did replace my camera with one that mounts on the shell up high when I got rid of my tailgate and the quality was the same essentially,maybe not quite as good even as the stock camera.

There is lttle reason to spend money upgrading the cameras resolution if the screen will only resolve to the limit of what you already have.

 

This is true, I was planning on upgrading the head unit so maybe I'll do that first and see if the camera looks better on there.

 

This!
I swapped to a

$1,000 kenwood DMX1037s 10.1" high definition car stereo receiver with capacitive touch panel

kenwood DMX1037s that has a HD screen (720 i believe) and the rear view camera looks much better, and has a wider field of view.

 

A little late but I had to swap my 2015 tailgate with a full 2021 tailgate assembly (my whole tailgate was stolen). I can confirm the camera picture quality is much better on the 2021. I can assume this is because they refreshed the camera sometime after 2015.

 

Late to the game but in case anyone else has issue, here are some boxes to check off before you spend money. I'm thinking about image quality issues I have seen in industrial optics and if it were my money I'd try these in this order before paying for a new camera.

1. Clean the lens well and dry to confirm no residue on it.
2. Adjust brightness and resolution settings for both day and night mode.
3. If daytime image is fine but night lacks clarity, unplug tag lights and then check image. Might be getting a glare from tag lights. Brighter reverse lights may also help with night images.
4. Shine a flash light on the lens from different angles looking for swirls or light scratches or cloudiness on the lens. If any is seen, gently polish the lens using a headlight polish compound. Turtle has a good calm one. Toothpaste may work as a cheap alternative. Put a dab on dry soft cloth rag and keep rubbing in all directions til paste seems mostly gone. Then rub with soft wet rag then dry with a soft cloth.
5. Last is try new camera if above doesn't work and hope new camera is worth its price.

 

Ok now that you’ve had time to get used to the Kenwood rear view camera, how would you rank it? I recently bought a Tesla to with the Tundra and was shocked at just how poor the Tundra camera is in comparison. I guess we never know how bad they are until we see something completely different... I see many benefits to a better camera/screen now so wanted to do the upgrade on the Tundra but wondered if the 2021 Kenwood mentioned here was still the best way to go?

 

i didn't swap the camera, just the headunit and left the factory camera.

Not suprised that a tesla's backup camera is better than the tundras.