Dashcams, Cameras, and Radios

[Maria80386]

The front end work on my baby is not as cash-killing as expected, so I have funds to get a backup camera, dashcam (front and rear), and a new stereo head. I enjoy the Monsoon speakers so will stay with the factory ones. I primarily use my iPhone or SD MP3 for music.

Any suggestions for a backup camera that will mount higher than the license plate frame and a stereo head that will display it? How about for a dashcam that won’t drain the H3 battery but can capture someone backing into her while she sits in an airport parking lot for weeks at a time? Any of these support USB C charging for the iphone?

 

[Jeepwalker]

IDK about the dashcam.

What radio does your H3 have now? Is it the GM LCD map radio? Or the one with actual buttons and a fluorescent display?

Some people have installed JVC stereos (do a search) in the past which I guess worked fine, sounded great. You'll lose a few controls if you have the LCD radio, unless they have that figured out aftermarket now, on the newer radios. Ther were a few guys who uploaded an H3 logo to their radios too. But you gain newer maps and features like integrated backup cams, etc with a newer aftermarket stereo. Unfortunately I haven't kept up on them in the last 5-6 years, so maybe someone else will chime in with first hand knowledge. But definitely do a search.

My H3 has the large LCD GM map stereo which was a dealer option back in '07. The radio itself is great. One negative is the maps are via a DVD behind the LCD and there haven't been any map updates for several years. I have the latest version. Unless there's a aftermarket ebay DVD update that'll work. I mean, the roads don't change at all around here where I live. And honestly, down low on the dash like it is, it's of limited value anyway. Google maps & Nav is far superior and I can just 'talk' it in...much better way to go. But the stereo itself is great. What the owner before me did was hooked a 1/8" jack interface into the XM1 part of the radio. Honestly I never took it apart so see how he did it. But he kind of showed me, the device is stuffed back behind it in a crack on the driver's side above the carpet. I know there are a number of devices you can buy to do this. I was going to do the same on another stereo I have (different vehicle).

The one he installed in my H3 is a hard-wire 1/8" device where you connect with a cable -- the old school way. He installed a jack down on the dash below the radio in one of the spots where a button might go. It looks almost factory. If my phone is connected first before turning on the XM1, then it activates the device (which is behind the center console), and my phone takes priority and plays through the stereo via XM1. Works great, sounds great. If my phone isn't playing, and I toggle to XM1, then it will work per normal. I don't have XM right now so that isn't a problem anyway. He hooked it to XM because it was the least likely one he would use. They also make bluetooth adapters which work the same way and be more convenient. I would go that way if I were doing it today. I asked him at the time why he didn't go with Bluetooth and he said he kind of shrugged his shoulders. Said he would have installed B/T but he went with 1/8" because he didn't want to risk sound degradation. But he said he went back n fourth which way to go. This was quite a while ago back when all phones still had 1/8" jacks. If it were today I'm sure he'd have installed B/T. If you search out on youtube there are a bunch of videos how to do things like this with GM radios. It's been a while since I last looked into it, and there's always something new out. Try to focus on newer videos & devices b/c like I say, they're always improving and the newer ones have the switching capabilities which don't drain the battery when not in use. The interfaces are really inexpensive. Sooooo... weather you want to do something like that IDK, just letting you know it's an option.

I had a dash cam that worked great for a while which did front/rear and I can't remember if it has an inside cam option or not. Plus it had an alarm. But the SOB died after a few weeks. Actually it just froze up permenant. I bought a replacement but I haven't installed it. It was nice while it lasted. I installed the cam on top of the receiver hitch. The front cam was via the forward-facing cam on the unit (mounted on the dash). I made a sturdy custom bracket out of metal which I placed it in the lower L of the top of the dash by the bottom of the L. A-pillar. It clipped into the crack of the dash where it meets the windshield so I didn't have to use any 2-side tape, screws or anything like that. And also, I didn't want anything which would obscure my vision. That's why I put it where I did. The unit looked 'something' like the link below. I'm sure there are newer and better units out now. The technology is always improving on dash cams. Mine was probably just a fluke because the reviews were pretty good at the time. Like I say, I bought a replacement but since Covid we don't drive as much as we used to and i never installed the new one. Maybe one of these days. It's literally sitting here by my desk!!....

https://www.amazon.com/SPADE-Camera-Parking-Notification-Detection/dp/B0BY8KYSNC/ref=sr_1_49_sspa?crid=1SS7NW8P10M8D&keywords=dash+cam+rear+camera+front&qid=1688432216&sprefix=dash+cam+rear+camera+fron%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-49-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGZfbmV4dA&psc=1

 

[Jeepwalker]

Another option is to see if the Colorado guys have figured out how to go with newer GM map radios with back-up cam (~2012 or so), and maybe integrated streaming. It might be another option, and look stock. When I was looking into it some years ago that was something some guys were trying to figure out how to do, or program the newer (better) GM radios to work with Colorados (probably then work with H3's). There's a lot of braintrust in the Colorado forums. Check youtube too.

 

[Nikal]

I installed the Kenwood DNX577S unit. What I like about it is it has Apple CarPlay, android and has Garmin maps built in. So you have satellite mapping if not in cell coverage. You can update the maps via Garmin and you can add your own aftermarket mapping like trail systems that support Garmin.

It also offers the potential to add 4 cameras. I have front & back. The back has the grid and alerts. I have a mount that slides over the spare tire studs and the mount & camera poke out between the wheel spokes at the top side of the rim. The front does not have the grids lines, but is great for spotting if you’re on a trail. It’s mounted in the center opening of the grill, so not noticed and protected.

There are much cheaper stereos you could choose, but I liked that this Kenwood used Garmin maps, has the mini SD card slot for updates or aftermarket mapping. CD player, Sirius radio and CarPlay. There are a few quarks I’m not a fan of, but I’m also used to a simpler user friendly Pioneer in my Silverado, but to get the Garmin mapping I had to buy the Kenwood.

 

[dfee]

I’m going to share my research so far, as I’m in a similar position.

Stereo: considering both a floating and integrated panel. For the latter: Sony XAV-AX6000. Yes, it has USB-C out. Also, wireless AirPlay. For floating, I’m not sure - they’re more expensive, though bigger! Hoping to hear / see recommendations.

Back-up camera: actually, I stumbled across some folks who installed a camera in their trailer hitch. This seems to offer the best view! Though, I’m not sure how to get the wiring into the truck.

Microphone: I’m hoping to re-use the OnStar microphone, and found a kit to do so here.

USB-C: I found some folks who’d wired it into the two unused holes next to the cigarette lighter, but also found this to replace the cigarette lighter (the AX6000 has both USB and HDMI out). I think I’d actually like to wire it into the center console, though. That way I can stow away my phone (charging) and not have the temptation to play with it while at a light.

Hope my research was useful, and folks can share their thoughts on these half baked notions! Ultimately, I’d love to do this work myself, but my wife is telling me to just pay someone. If everything shakes out and I gain enough confidence through feedback here, I’ll definitely do it myself.

Cheers!

 

[Nikal]

I’m going to share my research so far, as I’m in a similar position.

Stereo: considering both a floating and integrated panel. For the latter: Sony XAV-AX6000. Yes, it has USB-C out. Also, wireless AirPlay. For floating, I’m not sure - they’re more expensive, though bigger! Hoping to hear / see recommendations.

Back-up camera: actually, I stumbled across some folks who installed a camera in their trailer hitch. This seems to offer the best view! Though, I’m not sure how to get the wiring into the truck.

Microphone: I’m hoping to re-use the OnStar microphone, and found a kit to do so here.

USB-C: I found some folks who’d wired it into the two unused holes next to the cigarette lighter, but also found this to replace the cigarette lighter (the AX6000 has both USB and HDMI out). I think I’d actually like to wire it into the center console, though. That way I can stow away my phone (charging) and not have the temptation to play with it while at a light.

Hope my research was useful, and folks can share their thoughts on these half baked notions! Ultimately, I’d love to do this work myself, but my wife is telling me to just pay someone. If everything shakes out and I gain enough confidence through feedback here, I’ll definitely do it myself.

Cheers!

I paid the stereo shop to do my install. $225 and worth it imo. They had a full day to mount the radio, install the USB in one of the cigarette dash ports, run two cameras and mount the satellite antenna. BTW we originally mounted the antenna on the center of the dash next to the windshield. Typically this is fine and keeps from having to mount it on your roof. But with the vertical windshield it was restricting a direct view to the sky. When traveling north I noticed the satellite channel would cut out or pause. So I took it back and they remounted the satellite antenna on the roof.

 

[dfee]

I paid the stereo shop to do my install. $225 and worth it imo. They had a full day to mount the radio, install the USB in one of the cigarette dash ports, run two cameras and mount the satellite antenna. BTW we originally mounted the antenna on the center of the dash next to the windshield. Typically this is fine and keeps from having to mount it on your roof. But with the vertical windshield it was restricting a direct view to the sky. When traveling north I noticed the satellite channel would cut out or pause. So I took it back and they remounted the satellite antenna on the roof.

Awesome recommendation to pay for the install (and ballpark pricing).

How’d you end up doing the Bluetooth speaker? Did you keep the OnStar speaker / service? (I’ve had a few GMs and never touched OnStar…)

And the backup camera: where’d you mount? The tire mount I saw seemed to have a little bit of blockage which was annoying, and as I have bigger/custom wheels, I’m not really able to mount immediately underneath the spare tire either.

I don’t care about XM stereo, so maybe I wouldn’t need the additional antenna mounted?

 

[Jeepwalker]

Yeah, I zip-tied my rear camera to the top of the receiver hitch. Can't hardly see it, doesn't get in the way. Good location IMO. Not blocked by the spare tire (my spare has a cover over it). Getting the wire in wasn't a big deal, but, yeah, you have to remove some of the lower plastic to get under the carpet up to the front. I agree with others that the short vertical windshield doesn't leave much room for extra devices w/o blocking some vision.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Before I forget ....Note, I've never used this before, but gives you an idea

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805391126007.html

 

[Exodus]

go to crutchfield.com create an acct and plug your rig in.. it will tell what can fit and lots of options for cams

 

[Nikal]

Awesome recommendation to pay for the install (and ballpark pricing).

How’d you end up doing the Bluetooth speaker? Did you keep the OnStar speaker / service? (I’ve had a few GMs and never touched OnStar…)

And the backup camera: where’d you mount? The tire mount I saw seemed to have a little bit of blockage which was annoying, and as I have bigger/custom wheels, I’m not really able to mount immediately underneath the spare tire either.

I don’t care about XM stereo, so maybe I wouldn’t need the additional antenna mounted?

The Bluetooth mic is just a small mic clipped on to the top of the A pillar trim cover. I wanted to use the Swartzee Onstar mic conversion, but the stereo guy did not want to use something he did not know about as he was installing and warranting it all.

As far as the rear camera. It’s a metal ring that slips over the wheel studs on the spare tire mount. The kit has a few extension mounts that the camera mounts too. I need to adjust mine back more into the wheel to look a little cleaner. If I had aftermarket wheels with a bigger offer this would be perfect. I like the camera up higher as I can get a more broad view? which when off roading on a trail can be helpful. I’ll look up the brand of mount I got later tonight and post it up.

Rear camera

Front camera

 

[Maria80386]

I like your front camera placement. I went with the basic Kenwood. Turns out they have a special cable for the backup cam that was not in the kit. Back to Crutchfield for the WTF and another application of cash.

Lowered the H3 looks so much better. Also managed to snag a door seal and moonroof seal. Not many new, old stock left on the dealer shelves.

 

[dfee]

Figured it’s time for an update from me:
- added the Sony stereo XAV-6000
- added the OnStar mic conversion (http://schwarttzy.com/)
- replaced the cigarette lighter socket with one that’s a HDMI/USB port (https://a.co/d/epoB3Nt)

Haven’t yet set up the back-up camera, though that’ll be the last piece for my stereo. How am I going to get the wire in the vehicle if I hook it up to the tailgate?

Also, the adapter I received for the stereo was the PAC RP5-GM11. I initially set it up using the connection for cars with an amp (I have the monsoon system), but wasn’t getting any bass output so switched it to non-amp and now the stereo has bass and sounds much richer.

 

[Nikal]

Figured it’s time for an update from me:
- added the Sony stereo XAV-6000
- added the OnStar mic conversion (http://schwarttzy.com/)
- replaced the cigarette lighter socket with one that’s a HDMI/USB port (https://a.co/d/epoB3Nt)

Haven’t yet set up the back-up camera, though that’ll be the last piece for my stereo. How am I going to get the wire in the vehicle if I hook it up to the tailgate?

Also, the adapter I received for the stereo was the PAC RP5-GM11. I initially set it up using the connection for cars with an amp (I have the monsoon system), but wasn’t getting any bass output so switched it to non-amp and now the stereo has bass and sounds much richer.

I had my satellite antenna in the center of the dash like you have and I noticed when driving in a Northern direction it would cut out. Not all the time, but enough to be frustrating. The windshield is too vertical for the antenna to get a clear view of the sky. I eventually had move it to outside and it’s fine now. I have the satellite antenna on my Silverado inside on the dash and it works fine. So it’s got to be the vertical windshield/ roofline of the H3. Btw I’m in So. Cal and maybe in different parts of the Country results will be different?

 

[High Five H2]

Schwarttzy has a backup camera mount that goes behind the spare tire. That's higher than the license plate, if you're still looking.

 

[TonkaToy]

Figured it’s time for an update from me:
- added the Sony stereo XAV-6000
- added the OnStar mic conversion (http://schwarttzy.com/)
- replaced the cigarette lighter socket with one that’s a HDMI/USB port (https://a.co/d/epoB3Nt)

Haven’t yet set up the back-up camera, though that’ll be the last piece for my stereo. How am I going to get the wire in the vehicle if I hook it up to the tailgate?

Also, the adapter I received for the stereo was the PAC RP5-GM11. I initially set it up using the connection for cars with an amp (I have the monsoon system), but wasn’t getting any bass output so switched it to non-amp and now the stereo has bass and sounds much richer.

Looking at doing the same upgrades as you but I also have the entertainment system in the head rests I don't want to lose. Not sure if there are units with video capability??

As for you question as to how to run the wire for the back up camera to the tail gate, I ran across this video of how this guy did it. Hope that helps.

 

[dfee]

I did complete the wiring from the back. I ended up using the Schwarttzy backup camera mount on the spare tire.

It's been good; but maybe not great. Ok, maybe great, but not excellent? The fish-eye camera has some about 1/3 of the image cut off (blocked by my wheel).

Anyway, I think the video you shared might've been the wrong one.

But in practice, the wiring required:
- tunelling through the rubber flaps between the wheel (external) and the tire iron (internal)
- running the cable along with the other cables through a pre-existing wire management tubing (from the tailgate to the body; required pulling it through with some other wiring - kinda tight)
- pulling out the interior paneling up to the front (and the subwoofer, too) and routing the cabling alongside the wires that go along the door wells.
- running the cabling up / over / behind the steering column and into the chamber behind the stereo.

I also used coprious amounts of zip ties to organize the wiring going to my stereo as I had:
- GPS antenna wiring (came w/ stereo)
- adapter wiring to native connections for stock stereo
- HDMI / USB-C wiring (for stereo)
- microphone cable
- FM antenna
- chime speaker

Anyway, it's not so complicated looking back on it. But I definitely learned some stuff in the process!

 

[TonkaToy]

lol, yes that was the wrong video. No idea where that came from. This is what I meant to share:

Sorry it to late now. Glad you got it done

 

[TonkaToy]

 

[Brutal669x]

Hello, Ok so far, Ive added to my 08 H3 a streaming rear view mirror , well its not a mirror at all, but rather a screen. I love it , you get a 170 degree view or the rear at all times. It also has a built in front facing camera..add the hardwire kit, since our accessories plugs seem to stay hot full time. (https://www.rexingusa.com/product/r...ckup-camera-parking-mode-collision-detection/) I also purchase one of those spare tire ring mounts, but im having issues with it. Lol for now my camera is zip tied to the spare rim. I added LED headlights and foglights , these were plug and play, no decoders need(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZYL4TNJ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1), (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WDZVG8J?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1)
The damn Monsoon stereo, although it sounds great, I miss my Kenwood DMX9707s. This part to me, is a nightmare..I have researched formany hours. I purchased a PAC harness (RP5-GM11) to retain chimes, Acc power etc...its stupid that you even need to purchase this considereing Onstar is pretty much defunct and i dont have a subscription anyway, There are no sterring wheel controls, and although you can retain your factory amp and speakers, everything Ive read so far states thate now you have to change them all out to work with your aftermarket head unit! I own (2) nice amplifiers (3600 watt 4 channel , 2800 watt monoblock) a digital capasitor and 2 boxed highend 12 inch subs, but with cargo space being limited, I really dont want to go the 12 inch subs route. Currently, I am trying to learn all I can about amps, ohms, ohm loads, speaker air space requirements, and calculating RMS...these things go over my head...Im a tattoo artist, not a mathmatician or an electronical engineer. Essentially, I need to know how much speaker i need in order to run the two amps i already own. Ive been all over the Crutchfield site, I know speaker sizes, locations and a basic run down of how to repace them, but they dont give you numbers in relation amps. I looked at the JL stealthbox, but no way in hell am i spending $900 for that when i already have more than that invested in equipment I already own.Any help, thoughts or advise on this topic will be greatly appreciated.