Which backup and forward camera system is best BrandMotion vs MyGig Lockpick vs NavTool vs PAC-Audio vs other

KJabs

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Dec 12, 2020
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Sedona, AZ
Hi all!

I have a 6-speed Manual 2017 JKURR with the factory 430N RHB. I've been wanting a backup camera since I got my Jeep, but also like the idea of a forward camera kit for trail use! I don't particularly care about surround or side cameras, largely due to cost and installation being a pain, but having the ability to add them later would be nice. I did see a thread with nice side-mirror cams.

So far I've found three main options: BrandMotion, MyGig Lockpick, and NavTool (links below). MyGig and NavTool seem to have the camera activation built in, whereas BrandMotion I may have to take it to the dealership or get the ODBII dongle? I do also like the ability to use the nav keyboard while in motion, but I don't use it all that often so it isn't really crucial.

I have no experience with any of the companies. BrandMotion seems to have the best quality kit based on pictures and such, and is active on here and their own site. I did find all of the NavTool customer service controversy issues, so that's a turn-off. Coastal/Lockpick doesn't seem to be very active online anywhere anymore. Does anyone here have experience with any of these three, or another suggestion to add? I just found PAC-Audio, but haven't seen much about them.

Thanks in advance!!

Links:


or

Honorable mention: https://catalog.pac-audio.com/catalog/video-integration/bci-ch21
 
Well, what I did is get these...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B2ZD7OS/?tag=jkforum-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XYSMB7N/?tag=jkforum-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H9S71LW/?tag=jkforum-20

Plus the OBD JScan app. Grand total was under $125. For the front camera I use my dash cam and stitch together the 10 minute loops that are interesting.

I have an Android headunit now but previously I had the non nav 430, so I needed the adapter listed above. Not sure if it would be needed for the nav unit one. The dongle & app I think every JK owner should have anyway :)
 
Well, what I did is get these...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B2ZD7OS/?tag=jkforum-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XYSMB7N/?tag=jkforum-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H9S71LW/?tag=jkforum-20

Plus the OBD JScan app. Grand total was under $125. For the front camera I use my dash cam and stitch together the 10 minute loops that are interesting.

I have an Android headunit now but previously I had the non nav 430, so I needed the adapter listed above. Not sure if it would be needed for the nav unit one. The dongle & app I think every JK owner should have anyway :)


I know how to do it as individual pieces, but the Brandmotion kit was a reasonable price over Black Friday weekend and has all of the pieces I need to connect it into the existing head unit. I like the idea of having a forward running camera, so I can make sure I don't drive off the wrong rock in front of me. I'm also adding a dashcam separately. The reason I was considering the LockPick is the side cameras that come on with the turn signals, but I honestly don't know if I would ever use them. The BrandMotion Surround View is far too expensive and I don't really need that anyways. I suppose I could always add side cameras to my front input and do it manually if I really wanted to.

I'm not really looking to upgrade my head unit at this point in time. The 430N has all of the features I truly need - USB MP3 player, AUX in, Bluetooth in. I honestly don't care about Android Auto/CarPlay. I would definitely consider upgrading to aftermarket if my 430N ever broke, but I bought one of the last available MOPAR lifetime warranties on my Jeep before they stopped offering them, so I don't even know if I would do that!
 
+1 for JSCAN and a cheap camera you can mount into the bumper.
-Chose the bumper in the event I have to use the spare. Less likely to damage it.
-I did remove the bumper to install. I wanted to route & secure the cabling to protect it from exhaust heat/rubbing
-JSCAN allows you to enable the backup camera option on the radio.
 
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