Rear Back-up Camera or Not?

[Steve R]

Hey gang,

There's been some talk about these back-up cameras, the units that mount on the rear of the vehicle and have a display so that you can see what's behind you. The popluar model mounts in your rear-hitch receiver and has a small 2" LCD display mounted inside the cab. Cost for the camera is about $300. No idea if that includes the screen?

Here's my thought: a back-up sensor (found on many Ford products) does the trick just fine. Drivers who have these back-up sensors love 'em and I think it's a great alternative. My hunch is that these things cost about $40-$80. The nice thing is that you don't have to mount some kind of monitor on the dash.

In light of the recent MAC-attack on a Mercedes.....perhaps it's time to address this issue. If it can happen to MAC, it could happen to any of us! I myself must admit that I backed-up in a parking lot and nearly ran over a little Miata: it crept up behind me and I just could not see it (you should have seen the look on the ladies face!!!).