To install your Rexing rear camera, you should start by choosing the best mounting spot on your rear windshield, typically high up and centered, or near the license plate for backup camera models. Then, clean the area thoroughly before applying the adhesive mount. Route the camera cable neatly along your car’s headliner and A-pillars to the front dash cam unit, tucking it behind trim pieces. Finally, connect the cable to the rear camera port on your main Rexing dash cam and test the setup. It’s a must for your driving peace of mind, offering undeniable evidence in case of an incident, and giving you an extra set of eyes on the road.
Alright, let’s be real – the thought of installing electronics in your car can feel a bit daunting, right? Especially when you’re talking about running cables from the front all the way to the back. But trust me, adding a Rexing rear camera to your setup is totally worth it, and it’s something you can absolutely do yourself. Having a rear dash cam is like having a reliable witness who never blinks, providing crucial footage in those “whoops, what just happened?” moments, like rear-end collisions or hit-and-runs. Plus, it offers an incredible sense of peace of mind, knowing you’ve got comprehensive coverage around your vehicle. Experts often highlight that a dual dash cam setup, with both front and rear cameras, gives you nearly 360-degree protection, making it harder for fraudulent claims to stick and even deterring theft when your car is parked.
Our goal here is to make this process feel straightforward and achievable, even if you don’t consider yourself a tech wizard. We’ll walk through everything, from picking the perfect spot to tucking away those cables like a pro. Whether you’ve got a Rexing V33, a V1P, an M2, or a CPDuo, the core steps for installing the rear camera are pretty similar across the board. So, let’s get your Rexing rear camera up and running, giving you that extra layer of security on every journey.
Understanding Your Rexing Rear Camera Setup
Before you even think about grabbing your tools, let’s quickly chat about what you’re likely working with.
What’s Usually in the Box?
When you unbox your Rexing dash cam with a rear camera, you’ll typically find:
- The rear camera unit itself.
- A rear camera cable, which connects the rear camera to the main front dash cam.
- An adhesive mount for the rear camera.
- Sometimes, an extension cable if the standard one isn’t quite long enough for your vehicle.
- And, of course, the user manual – which, let’s be honest, we usually look at after we’ve tried figuring it out ourselves!
Types of Rear Camera Connectivity
Most Rexing rear cameras fall into two main categories when it comes to how they connect and function:
- Standard Dash Cam Integration: This is the most common setup. The rear camera simply plugs into a dedicated “rear camera” or “AV-IN” port on your main front dash cam unit. Its primary job is to record what’s happening behind your vehicle, just like the front camera records what’s in front. The footage is usually viewed and managed through the main dash cam’s screen or companion app.
- Backup Camera Functionality Optional: Some Rexing rear cameras, especially those designed for mirror dash cams or specific models, offer an additional “backup camera” feature. This means that when you shift your car into reverse, the display on your main unit or even a mirror dash cam screen will automatically switch to a live, full-screen view from the rear camera. To enable this, there’s usually an extra red wire extending from the rear camera cable. This red wire needs to be connected to your car’s reverse light power source. We’ll get into that a bit later if it applies to your setup!
Knowing which type you have helps manage expectations and guides your installation process.
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Essential Tools and Preparation
Getting the right tools ready makes the installation process so much smoother. It’s like having the right ingredients before you start cooking!
Tools You’ll Definitely Appreciate Having
- Plastic Trim Removal Tools Pry Tools: Seriously, these are your best friends. They help you gently pop open interior trim pieces without scratching or damaging anything. You can usually grab a set for pretty cheap online.
- Microfiber Cloth & Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes: For cleaning surfaces where your camera mounts will stick. You want a super clean surface for the adhesive to grab onto.
- Zip Ties or Cable Clips: For neat cable management. Keeping those wires tidy isn’t just about looks. it prevents them from getting caught or becoming a distraction.
- Multimeter Optional, but Handy for Hardwiring: If you’re going for a hardwire kit installation for features like parking mode, a multimeter helps you identify constant and accessory power sources in your fuse box.
Your Pre-Installation Checklist
Before you start tearing into your car’s interior, take a few minutes for these crucial steps:
- Test the Camera Before Installation: This is a big one! Plug everything in while it’s still outside your car or just loosely placed. Make sure both the front and rear cameras power on and display video. You don’t want to run all those cables only to find out there’s a faulty unit.
- Clean Windshield/Mounting Surfaces: I can’t stress this enough. A clean surface ensures a strong, long-lasting bond for the adhesive mounts. Use the alcohol wipes to get rid of any grime or residue.
- Familiarize Yourself with Your Car’s Interior Trim: Take a quick look around. Gently pull on some trim pieces to see how they’re attached. This helps you understand where you can tuck cables. Most cars have gaps in the headliner, A-pillars, and door sills that are perfect for hiding wires.
- Plan Your Cable Route: Visualize how the cable will go from the rear camera, through the interior, and up to the front dash cam. Having a clear path in mind saves a lot of time and frustration. Think about avoiding airbags and moving parts.
Step-by-Step Rexing Rear Camera Installation
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff – installing that rear camera!
1. Choosing the Perfect Spot for Your Rear Camera
This first step is pretty important because it dictates your field of view and how discreet the camera will be. Cracking the Code: How to Make Restaurant-Quality Eggs at Home
- Rear Windshield Placement: For most Rexing dash cam rear cameras, the ideal spot is high up on your rear windshield, as centered as possible. This gives you a clear, unobstructed view of the traffic behind you. Try to place it where it won’t be in the direct path of your rear wiper blade, if you have one, or obstruct your view out the back.
- License Plate Area for backup cameras: If your Rexing rear camera is specifically for backup functionality like with some mirror dash cams or the CPDuo, you might mount it near your license plate. This location is fantastic for reversing, giving you a wide view of what’s directly behind your vehicle.
- Considerations: Think about any window tint that might affect video quality, and always make sure the camera’s lens is horizontally aligned with the ground for the best perspective.
2. Mounting the Rear Camera
Once you’ve settled on the perfect spot, it’s time to secure the camera.
- Clean, Clean, Clean: Grab that microfiber cloth and some isopropyl alcohol wipes. Thoroughly clean the area where the adhesive mount will go. Any dust or grease will weaken the bond.
- Apply the Mount: Carefully peel off the protective backing from the adhesive on your camera’s mount. Firmly press the mount onto the glass for about 30 seconds. Apply consistent pressure to ensure it really sticks.
- Pro Tip: Most Rexing manuals suggest letting the adhesive “cure” for about 20 minutes some even say longer! before you attach the actual camera unit to the mount. This gives the adhesive time to form a strong bond, preventing your camera from falling off later. Don’t rush this part!
3. Routing the Rear Camera Cable – The Clean Way
This is where those plastic trim tools really shine. The goal is to hide the cable as much as possible, making for a professional-looking installation that won’t distract you or get in the way.
- Starting from the Rear:
- Headliner: Begin by tucking the rear camera cable into the gap between your car’s headliner the fabric ceiling and the rear windshield. You can gently pull down on the headliner edge to create a small opening.
- C-Pillar/D-Pillar: Guide the cable down along the side pillars C-pillar for most sedans, D-pillar for SUVs/wagons. Use your plastic trim tool to carefully pry open the edge of the pillar trim and tuck the cable inside.
- Door Sills/Floorboards: Once you reach the bottom of the pillar, you can often run the cable under the door sills or along the edge of the floorboards, lifting the carpet slightly.
- B-Pillar and A-Pillar: Continue routing the cable forward, up the B-pillar the one between your front and rear doors and then up the A-pillar the one next to your windshield. Always be mindful of side airbags! You want to route the cable behind the airbag, not in front of it, to ensure it doesn’t impede deployment.
- Reaching the Front Dash Cam:
- Once you’re at the top of the A-pillar, guide the cable across the headliner above the front windshield, heading towards your main dash cam unit, which is typically mounted behind your rearview mirror.
- Cable Management Tips:
- Take your time. Rushing leads to frustration and potentially damaged trim.
- Use your plastic pry tools to create small gaps and gently push the cable in.
- For any areas where the cable might be visible or could sag, use those small adhesive cable clips or zip ties to secure it tightly.
- The goal is to have the cable virtually disappear into your car’s interior, running along existing seams and behind trim.
4. Connecting to the Main Dash Cam Unit
You’re almost there! Once your cable is neatly routed to the front, it’s time for the final connection.
- Locate the Port: Find the “rear camera” or “AV-IN” port on your front Rexing dash cam. It’s usually a small mini-USB or a specific 4-pin/5-pin connector.
- Plug It In: Firmly plug the rear camera cable into this port. Make sure it’s fully seated.
- Compatibility Note: Just a quick heads-up: dash cam cables aren’t always universal. Rexing offers specific extension cables for models like the V1P Gen3 and V1P Pro, so make sure you’re using the right one for your device. Using a cable that isn’t compatible, or one that’s too long, could sometimes lead to signal instability.
5. Optional Wiring for Backup Camera Functionality
If your Rexing rear camera is designed to act as a backup camera and you want that automatic display switch when reversing, you’ve got one extra step.
- Identify the Red Wire: Look closely at the rear camera cable. If it supports backup functionality, you’ll see a thinner red wire extending from the main cable, usually near the rear camera end. This wire is your “trigger” wire.
- Locate Reverse Light Power: You’ll need to find the positive power wire for your car’s reverse lights. The easiest way to do this is to access your vehicle’s taillight assembly. You might need to consult your car’s manual or look up a vehicle-specific guide online to identify which wire is which.
- Connection: Once you’ve found the correct reverse light wire, use a wire tap connector also known as a “T-tap” or “scotchlok” connector to safely connect the red wire from your Rexing rear camera to this positive power wire. This allows the camera to detect when your reverse lights are on.
- Test: With everything connected, turn on your car don’t forget the parking brake! and put it into reverse. Your main Rexing dash cam screen should automatically switch to a live view from the rear camera. If it does, you’ve nailed it!
6. Powering and Testing Your Setup
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- Power Up: Plug your main Rexing dash cam into your car’s 12V power outlet cigarette lighter or connect your hardwire kit, if you’re using one.
- Start Your Car: Turn on your car’s ignition. Most Rexing dash cams are designed to power on automatically when your vehicle starts.
- Verify Footage: Check the main dash cam screen. You should see both the front and rear camera views displayed, or an option to switch between them. Ensure both are actively recording.
- Adjust Angle: Take a moment to adjust the rear camera’s angle for optimal coverage. Some cameras let you fine-tune the angle on the mount itself.
Troubleshooting Common Rexing Rear Camera Issues
Even the best DIY projects can hit a snag. If your Rexing rear camera isn’t playing nice, here are some common issues and how to tackle them:
- “Rear Camera Not Working” or Black Screen: This is probably the most frequent complaint.
- Check Connections First: I know, I know, but seriously, give all the cable connections a firm push. Make sure the cable is securely plugged into both the rear camera and the main dash cam. Sometimes a loose connection is all it takes.
- Inspect for Cable Damage: As you were routing, did the cable get pinched in a door frame or under a tight trim piece? Carefully inspect the entire length for any kinks, cuts, or obvious damage. A damaged cable often means a replacement is needed.
- Dash Cam Settings: Believe it or not, some resolution settings on the main dash cam can actually disable the rear camera. For instance, some Rexing V1P models might disable the rear camera when certain single-channel front-only high-resolution modes like UHD are selected. Dive into your dash cam’s menu and check the camera or recording settings.
- Firmware Frustrations: Outdated or corrupted firmware is a sneaky culprit for many tech problems. If your rear camera suddenly stops working, or you’re getting strange errors, visit Rexing’s official support website. Look for the latest firmware specific to your dash cam model e.g., Rexing V33 firmware, Rexing V1P firmware and follow their update instructions meticulously. Using incorrect firmware versions can definitely cause features like the rear camera to malfunction.
- Power Supply Issues: An unstable power supply to the main dash cam can sometimes affect the rear camera’s operation. Ensure your dash cam is receiving consistent power, especially if it’s connected to the car’s 12V outlet.
- Memory Card Mayhem: An incompatible, full, or corrupted SD card can cause recording issues for both cameras, even if the front one seems okay. Rexing strongly recommends using a Class 10/UHS-3 or higher Micro SD card and formatting it regularly within the dash cam itself. Some popular brands like SanDisk Ultra have even been reported to be unreliable with Rexing cameras by other users, so choosing a robust card like a Kingston Canvas Go Plus is often preferred.
- “Red Wire” Confusion for Hardwiring: If you’re hardwiring and dealing with the red ACC and yellow constant wires, some Reddit users have pointed out that Rexing’s wiring diagrams occasionally seem to reverse the standard convention. If you’re encountering issues with parking mode or the camera not powering correctly, it’s a good idea to use a multimeter to verify which fuse slot provides constant power and which provides accessory power, rather than solely relying on wire color.
Why Bother with a Rear Dash Cam? Benefits & Statistics
If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably already convinced, but let’s quickly recap why that extra effort for a rear dash cam is genuinely worthwhile.
- Undeniable Evidence: This is the big one. Imagine a fender bender where someone backs into you, or a hit-and-run at a stoplight. A rear dash cam captures critical footage that can prove you weren’t at fault, especially in rear-end collisions, which are among the most common types of accidents. Having that video evidence can save you a huge headache with insurance claims.
- Protection Against Fraud: Unfortunately, some unscrupulous individuals try to stage accidents to make fraudulent insurance claims. A dash cam, both front and rear, acts as a powerful deterrent and provides the concrete proof needed to combat these scams.
- Parking Monitoring: Many Rexing dash cams offer a “parking mode” feature. This means your rear camera can continue to record any bumps, scrapes, or even vandalism when your car is parked and you’re away. It’s like having a security guard for your vehicle.
- Deterrence: Simply having visible cameras on your vehicle can discourage potential thieves and vandals. Criminals are less likely to target a car they know is being recorded.
- Comprehensive Coverage: With both a front and rear camera, you’re getting a nearly 360-degree view around your vehicle. This eliminates blind spots and ensures that almost any incident involving your car, no matter the direction, is captured.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a reliable, unbiased witness constantly recording your journeys and even when parked is truly invaluable. It reduces stress and provides a sense of security, which is priceless on today’s busy roads.
So, whether you’re looking for iron-clad accident evidence, protection against scams, or just that calming feeling of having your vehicle monitored, installing a Rexing rear camera is a smart move. Getting Help with Your Rexing Dash Cam: Contact Numbers, Support, and More
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Rexing rear camera installation usually take?
Typically, a standard Rexing rear camera installation, including cable routing, can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for someone new to it, especially if you’re being careful with cable management. If you’re opting for hardwiring to the fuse box for parking mode, that might add a bit more time, perhaps pushing it to 1-3 hours, depending on your experience with car electronics.
Do all Rexing dash cams support a rear camera?
No, not all Rexing dash cams are dual-channel, meaning they don’t all support a rear camera. You need to check your specific Rexing model to confirm it has a dedicated “rear camera” or “AV-IN” port. Popular models like the V33, V1P, V5, M2, and CPDuo usually do, but it’s always best to confirm by checking your device’s user manual or the product specifications online.
Can I connect my Rexing rear camera to my car’s existing screen for a backup camera view?
Most standard Rexing dash cam rear cameras are designed to feed video directly to the main Rexing dash cam unit’s screen. If you’re hoping for a dedicated backup camera view on your car’s existing infotainment screen, you would typically need a separate backup camera system or a Rexing mirror dash cam that is specifically designed for this functionality. These mirror dash cams usually include the necessary wiring often a red wire to trigger the view when reversing to integrate with your car’s reverse lights and display on the mirror screen.
What kind of memory card should I use with my Rexing dash cam and rear camera?
Rexing generally recommends using a Class 10/UHS-3 or higher Micro SD memory card. The maximum capacity will depend on your specific model. for instance, the V33 supports up to 512GB, and the CPDuo Pro up to 256GB. It’s super important to format the card within the dash cam itself before you use it for the first time and then regularly afterwards. This helps prevent frustrating issues like recording failures or corrupted files. Also, a heads-up: some users and even Rexing support have noted that certain memory card brands, like SanDisk Ultra, can be unreliable, so opting for higher performance cards like Kingston Canvas Go Plus is often a safer bet. Rexing P2 Review: Your Ultimate Guide to This Compact Body Camera
My Rexing rear camera isn’t showing video. What should I do?
First things first, check all your cable connections at both the rear camera and the main dash cam unit to make sure everything is plugged in firmly. If the connections look good, try restarting your main dash cam. Next, dive into your dash cam’s settings menu. sometimes, choosing a very high-resolution mode like UHD for the front camera only can unintentionally disable the rear camera. It’s also a good idea to check Rexing’s official website for any firmware updates for your specific dash cam model, as outdated firmware can often cause compatibility or functionality issues. If none of these steps work, it’s possible you might have a faulty cable or camera unit, and reaching out to Rexing customer support would be your next best move.
Do I need a special extension cable for my Rexing rear camera?
Sometimes, the cable that comes with your Rexing rear camera might not be quite long enough, especially if you have a larger vehicle like an SUV or truck and you’re aiming for a super clean, hidden cable route. Rexing does offer specific extension cables for various models, like the V1P Gen3 and V1P Pro, which can be 33ft long. It’s always best to go with a Rexing-approved or compatible extension cable to make sure you maintain proper functionality and a stable video signal. Generally, shorter cables tend to offer more stable signals, so only use an extension if you truly need the extra length.
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