Will a Ball Mount and Ball Make the Alert Sound on Hopkins Rear View Camera with Backup Sensors

Updated 05/21/2012 | Published 05/19/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Rear View Camera with Backup Sensors - 2-1/2" LCD

(34)

$216.08

Swift Hitch Wireless Hitch Alignment Camera and Monitor - Night Vision - 4-Hour Camera Battery

(152)

$205.51

Question:

I have a 2012 Ford F-150 with a hitch that rises 4inch above the receiver. This places the hitch ball 10 inches behind the license plate and 4 inches below the top license plate bracket. Two questions: Will the ball cause the proximity alarm to sound continuously since it will be in the cameras field of view? Will the image of the ball and the trailer hitch be in focus at such close range, that is, ten inches or closer? My only use for a backup camera is to align my hitch with my trailer. Thanks.

asked by: George S

Expert Reply:

The alert will most likely sound with a ball mount that close to the sensors in the Hopkins Rear View Camera with Backup Sensors, # HM60195VA. You can adjust the sensors up a little but there is still a good chance it will sound the alert. The ball mount and ball should not have an adverse effect on the focus of the image.

You could remove the ball mount before backing up so that the alert will not sound or try mounting the unit in an alternate location.

What I recommend is the Swift Hitch Trailer Hitch Aligner Portable Wireless Camera System, # 04928. The camera on this unit has a magnetic base that you can stick to the tailgate of the truck just like in the pictures on the product page. Take a look at the video review I have linked for you.

expert reply by: Michael H