Backup camera cover? Rain drops

[jt1998]

Has anyone found a way to prevent rain drops etc from covering the backup camera? It's always obscured during rain and makes it super difficult to use. I don't have a 3d printer nor am I smart enough to create one myself. Does this smart group have any ideas or suggestions?

 

[bbf2530]

Has anyone found a way to prevent rain drops etc from covering the backup camera? It's always obscured during rain and makes it super difficult to use. I don't have a 3d printer nor am I smart enough to create one myself. Does this smart group have any ideas or suggestions?

Hi jt1998. Due to the laws of aerodynamics, a cover/hood/shroud would work temporarily, but only until the vehicle has been driven at speed.

Due to those aerodynamics, even with some sort of cover/hood/shroud, there would still be an issue once you drive.
At speed, low pressure and high pressure areas will still pull water, rain, mist, dirt, dust and other road contamination towards and onto the back of the vehicle. Therefore, even after all the work of designing and fitting a cover, we would still have the same problem once we drive at road speeds.

For example, here in the winter where I live, the lens becomes coated with a film of road salt. And that only occurs after driving, due to the aerodynamics described above. I can clean it in my driveway, and it will have a film of road salt and water drops after only a few miles of driving. Even if it is not actively raining/snowing. It’s simply unavoidable.

In fact, due to the dead/stagnant air space a cover or shroud would likely create around the lens, it may wind up being worse.

A tiny little washer/wiper system is what would be the solution, but I wouldn’t even want to think about designing and implementing that.

Not trying to talk you out of trying, just pointing out the issues due to aerodynamic realities.

I’m sure others will jump in with more help, so keep us updated and good luck.

PS- Perhaps as a verification test, try taping a piece of cardboard or some other material easily shaped as a cover/hood/shroud, around the lens. Then drive for awhile in inclement weather to see how it would work?

 

[jt1998]

Hi jt1998. Due to the laws of aerodynamics, a cover/hood/shroud would work temporarily, but only until the vehicle has been driven at speed.

Due to those aerodynamics, even with some sort of cover/hood/shroud, there would still be an issue once you drive.
At speed, low pressure and high pressure areas will still pull water, rain, mist, dirt, dust and other road contamination towards and onto the back of the vehicle. Therefore, even after all the work of designing and fitting a cover, we would still have the same problem once we drive at road speeds.

For example, here in the winter where I live, the lens becomes coated with a film of road salt. And that only occurs after driving, due to the aerodynamics described above. I can clean it in my driveway, and it will have a film of road salt and water drops after only a few miles of driving. Even if it is not actively raining/snowing. It’s simply unavoidable.

In fact, due to the dead/stagnant air space a cover or shroud would likely create around the lens, it may wind up being worse.

A tiny little washer/wiper system is what would be the solution, but I wouldn’t even want to think about designing and implementing that.

Not trying to talk you out of trying, just pointing out the issues due to aerodynamic realities.

I’m sure others will jump in with more help, so keep us updated and good luck.

PS- Perhaps as a verification test, try taping a piece of cardboard or some other material easily shaped as a cover/hood/shroud, around the lens. Then drive for awhile in inclement weather to see how it would work?

Wow. Thanks for the detailed explanation! You're much wiser than I am. I was thinking about trying the experiment with a small amount of plastic or something but trying to adhere it to that area and not ruin the paint or look too awful ..now that is the question lol.

 

[bbf2530]

H

Wow. Thanks for the detailed explanation! You're much wiser than I am. I was thinking about trying the experiment with a small amount of plastic or something but trying to adhere it to that area and not ruin the paint or look too awful ..now that is the question lol.

Hi jt1998. My wife would argue the wise part.
However, you are certainly very welcome!

Concerning your thoughts: A piece of flexible plastic cut and shaped to size would work great!

Also, some duct tape or similar adhesive will not damage or ruin the paint. Even if left on over a few days.

And if you remove it and any residue remains, simply wash and re-wax the area after you remove it.
Stubborn residue? Use a clean, soft cloth and some automotive tar remover, WD-40, Goop etc. to remove it. Then just wash and re-wax the area. There won’t be any paint damage.

Concerning how it would look while performing the test? My personal opinion is…it’s a test…who cares what anyone else thinks.

I’m sure others will jump in with more help and ideas, so keep us updated and good luck.

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[Macsterguy]

Try rain X, works for me.

 

[jt1998]

Try rain X, works for me.

Tried that. Doesn't work well enough. Still see enough drops etc so it makes it hard to backup. Maybe I need to try more...

 

[MattMacMan]

The best bet would be to install a nozzle and hose and tap into the rear hatch line with a T fitting so that when you activate the rear wiper washer it will spray the camera too. Thats how the factory models have it. Might even be able to borrow a setup from another vehicle. My Nautilus has both front and rear camera washers.

 

[jt1998]

The best bet would be to install a nozzle and hose and tap into the rear hatch line with a T fitting so that when you activate the rear wiper washer it will spray the camera too. Thats how the factory models have it. Might even be able to borrow a setup from another vehicle. My Nautilus has both front and rear camera washers.

If I was handy maybe. I'm looking at a piece of plastic and tryingto figure out how to adhere it to the vehicle and not be too unsightly LOL

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[MattMacMan]

If I was handy maybe. I'm looking at a piece of plastic and tryingto figure out how to adhere it to the vehicle and not be too unsightly LOL

I think the best would be to carry a spray bottle with like window cleaner or windshield wiper fluid in it. Just spray it when you get out lol

 

[jt1998]

I think the best would be to carry a spray bottle with like window cleaner or windshield wiper fluid in it. Just spray it when you get out lol

Now you're speaking my language

 

[bbf2530]

I think the best would be to carry a spray bottle with like window cleaner or windshield wiper fluid in it. Just spray it when you get out lol

Hi gang. That’s pretty much what I do, keeping a clean, soft cloth under my driver seat and wiping the camera lens when I need to.
Ideal? No…but it’s the best I can do.

Good luck.