Rexing cpduo 686 rear camera installation

To get your Rexing CPDuo 686 rear camera installed and working, you’ll want to start by picking the best spot for visibility, then carefully route the cable from the rear of your car to the main dash cam unit at the front, making sure to tuck those wires away neatly. Installing a dual-channel dash cam system, like the Rexing CPDuo 686, gives you a huge advantage on the road, offering a comprehensive view of both the front and rear of your vehicle. This means you’ve got solid evidence in case of an accident or incident, which can be super helpful for insurance claims or just for peace of mind while driving. It’s a great way to cover all your bases, providing that extra layer of security that a front-only camera just can’t match.

Before You Start: Gathering Your Gear & Preparing Your Ride

Before you even think about sticking anything to your car, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. Trust me, having your tools ready makes the whole process so much smoother.

What You’ll Need:

• Your Rexing CPDuo 686 Dash Cam System: This includes the main unit, the rear camera, and the long extension cable that connects them.
• Adhesive Mounts: Your Rexing camera should come with these. The rear camera often uses adhesive for a secure fit.
• Cleaning Supplies: Isopropyl alcohol wipes or a mild cleaner and a microfibre cloth are your best friends here. You need those surfaces squeaky clean for the adhesive to stick properly.
• Trim Removal Tools Plastic Pry Tools: These are a must. They let you gently pry open interior trim pieces and tuck cables without scratching or damaging your car’s interior. You can often find a cheap set online.
• Cable Clips or Zip Ties Optional but Recommended: For securing any loose cables, especially where they might be visible or could dangle.
• Electrical Tape Optional: Handy for bundling excess wire or adding extra grip.
• Flashlight or Headlamp: Super useful for seeing into those dark crevices when routing cables.
• Micro SD Card: Make sure it’s a Class 10/UHS-3 or higher, up to 256GB, formatted specifically for your dash cam. Rexing recommends using high-performance cards like Kingston Canvas Go Plus, and some users have reported issues with SanDisk Ultra cards.

Preparation is Key:

First things first, pick a good, dry day to do this. You want the adhesive to bond well, and extreme temperatures aren’t ideal. Clean the spots where you plan to mount both your front and rear cameras. Seriously, take your time with this. A clean surface ensures a strong, lasting bond for the adhesive.

Finding the Perfect Spot: Rear Camera Placement

Deciding where to put your rear camera is more important than you might think. You want a clear, unobstructed view of the road behind you.

Internal vs. External Mounting:
The Rexing CPDuo 686 rear camera is generally designed for internal mounting, typically on your rear windshield. This is usually the easiest and most common way to go. You want to choose a spot that gives you a clear view of the road behind, making sure it’s securely attached.

• Rear Windshield Internal: Most people go for the upper-middle section of the rear windshield.
  • Pros: It’s protected from the elements, generally easier to route the cable internally, and you don’t have to worry about waterproofing.
  • Cons: Rear defroster lines can sometimes obstruct the view, and a heavily tinted window might affect video quality, though modern dash cams usually handle this well.
• Near the License Plate External – if your model supports it: Some dash cam models, like certain Rexing M2 variants, offer external rear cameras that mount near the license plate for an even clearer view, especially for parking assist functions. The CPDuo 686 manual mentions near the license plate as an option, suggesting it provides a clear rear view and coverage.
  • Pros: Often provides the clearest, widest view of what’s directly behind your vehicle. Great for reverse parking assistance.
  • Cons: Requires more complex cable routing, usually through the trunk and potentially drilling a small hole. The camera needs to be weatherproof.

For the CPDuo 686, the internal rear windshield mount is usually the most straightforward and recommended approach. Just make sure it doesn’t obstruct your view or get in the way of your rear wiper if you have one.

Mounting the Rear Camera

Alright, once you’ve cleaned the spot and decided where your rear camera will live, let’s get it mounted.

1. Peel the Adhesive Backing: Carefully peel off the protective film from the adhesive pad on your rear camera mount.
2. Position and Press Firmly: Align the camera so it has the best possible view. Take a moment to check the angle, imagining what the camera will “see.” Once you’re happy, press the mount firmly against the glass. You want to apply steady pressure for at least 30 seconds to ensure a good bond.
3. Wait it Out: Some manufacturers suggest waiting a bit like 20 minutes for the front camera adhesive on some Rexing models before putting any strain on the mount. This allows the adhesive to cure properly.

The Cable Caper: Routing and Hiding the Rear Camera Cable

This is where the magic happens for a clean, professional-looking install. The goal is to run that long rear camera cable from the back of your car all the way to the front dash cam without it dangling or getting in the way. It’s often easier than it sounds, and you usually don’t need any special tools other than those plastic trim pry tools.

General Path for the Cable:

You’re essentially going to snake the cable along the roofline, down a pillar, and then either under the floor mats or through door sills to reach the front camera.

1. Start at the Rear Camera: Once your rear camera is mounted, connect its cable.
2. Along the Rear Headliner: Gently tuck the cable into the gap between the rear windshield and the headliner the fabric ceiling of your car. You can usually use your fingers or a plastic trim tool to push it in.
3. Down the C-Pillar or D-Pillar for SUVs/Wagons: Guide the cable down the side pillar closest to your rear camera. Many cars have a removable trim piece here, or you can often tuck the cable under the rubber weather stripping around the door frame. Be careful not to obstruct any airbags if they’re located in the pillars.
4. Along the Floor/Door Sills: Once the cable reaches the bottom of the pillar, you have a couple of options:
   • Under the Floor Mats/Carpet: This is often the easiest. Just lift the floor mat and tuck the cable underneath, running it forward along the side of the car.
   • Under the Door Sills: The plastic trim pieces along the bottom of your car doors can often be gently pried up with a trim tool, allowing you to hide the cable underneath. This keeps it completely out of sight.
5. Up the A-Pillar: As you get closer to the front of the car, bring the cable up the A-pillar the pillar next to your front windshield. Again, tuck it under the weather stripping or behind the trim.
6. Across the Front Headliner to the Front Dash Cam: Finally, run the cable across the top of the windshield, tucking it into the headliner, until it reaches your main Rexing CPDuo 686 unit. The goal is to plug it into the specific rear camera input port on your front dash cam.

Tips for a Super Clean Look:

• Take Your Time: Rushing leads to sloppy work and visible wires.
• Use Your Fingers First: Often, you can just push the cable into existing gaps with your fingers.
• Trim Tools are Your Friend: For tighter spots, those plastic pry tools are invaluable for lifting trim just enough to tuck the wire.
• Avoid Airbags: This is crucial. Never run cables in a way that could interfere with airbag deployment. Stick to the edges and behind non-airbag-related trim.
• Bundle Excess Wire: If you have a lot of extra cable, you can gently coil it and secure it with a zip tie or electrical tape, then tuck it into a spacious, hidden area like behind the glove compartment or inside a pillar.

Connecting and Powering Up

Once the rear camera is mounted and its cable is neatly routed to the front, it’s time to connect everything.

1. Connect Rear Camera to Main Unit: Plug the routed rear camera extension cable into the “Rear Camera” or “AV-IN” port on your Rexing CPDuo 686 main unit. This connection handles both power and video signal for the rear camera.
2. Power the Main Unit: Your CPDuo 686 main unit typically draws power from your car’s 12V cigarette lighter socket using the provided power cable. If you’ve opted for a hardwire kit which allows for parking mode and a cleaner install, you’ll connect it to your vehicle’s fuse box. Make sure to use the charger provided with your Rexing unit.
3. Insert SD Card: If you haven’t already, insert your high-endurance Micro SD card into the main dash cam unit. Always power down the device before inserting or removing the card.

Initial Setup and Testing

Now for the moment of truth!

1. Power On: Start your car. Your Rexing CPDuo 686 should power on automatically.
2. Format SD Card: This is super important, especially for a new card. You must format the SD card within the dash cam itself before you start recording to ensure it works correctly and avoids issues later on.
   • On the CPDuo 686, stop recording if it started automatically, navigate to the settings menu, find the “Format” option, and confirm.
3. Check Rear Camera View: On the main unit’s display, you should be able to switch to or see the rear camera’s live feed. Many dual dash cams show a split-screen or have a button to toggle between front, rear, and picture-in-picture views.
4. Adjust Angle: If needed, gently adjust the angle of your rear camera to get the best possible field of view.

Why a Dual Dash Cam System is a Smart Move

Installing a dual-channel dash cam like the Rexing CPDuo 686 is definitely a smart choice for any driver. It’s not just about recording the front. having eyes on the back of your vehicle brings a ton of benefits.

For starters, you get more comprehensive evidence in case of an incident. Rear-end collisions are pretty common, and a front-only camera won’t tell the whole story of what happened behind you. With both angles covered, you have reliable proof, which can significantly speed up insurance claims and help determine liability. This added footage can even help reduce the risk of insurance fraud.

Beyond accidents, a dual dash cam provides enhanced safety and security. Many models, including the CPDuo 686 when properly powered e.g., with a hardwire kit, come with a parking mode feature. This means both cameras can record motion around your vehicle even when it’s parked, offering extra protection against hit-and-runs or vandalism. A visible rear camera can even act as a deterrent to potential criminals.

For those who drive for work or have young drivers, a dual system can be invaluable for monitoring driver behavior. Reviewing footage can help assess driving habits and reinforce safe practices. And let’s not forget, for anyone who loves road trips, these cameras can capture scenic views and unexpected wildlife encounters from both perspectives. It’s about full visibility and peace of mind on every journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

My Rexing rear camera isn’t showing a picture – what’s wrong?

If your Rexing rear camera isn’t displaying footage, don’t worry, it’s often a fixable issue. First, check the physical connection of the rear camera cable to both the rear camera itself and the main CPDuo 686 unit. Make sure it’s securely plugged in and there are no kinks or damage to the cable. Sometimes, a loose connection is all it is. Next, verify your dash cam settings. Some Rexing models might have options to enable/disable the rear camera or different display modes front-only, rear-only, picture-in-picture. ensure it’s set to a mode that should show the rear view. If those look good, consider reformatting your SD card within the dash cam after backing up any important files, of course. An improperly formatted or corrupted card can sometimes cause recording and display issues. Finally, check for firmware updates on the Rexing website. Outdated or incorrect firmware can sometimes lead to the rear camera not working. If you recently updated the firmware and the rear camera stopped working, you might need to try reverting to an older version or contacting Rexing support for specific guidance.

Can I install the Rexing rear camera on the outside of my car?

While some specific dash cam models, particularly those designed as backup cameras for parking assist, are made for external mounting often near the license plate, the Rexing CPDuo 686 rear camera is typically intended for internal installation on your rear windshield. If your specific camera is designed to be weatherproof and for external use, the manual would explicitly state this, and it would usually come with specific instructions for routing the cable through the trunk and protecting it from the elements. For most standard dual dash cam rear cameras, internal mounting is the recommended and safest approach. Placing an internally-designed camera externally could lead to water damage, poor video quality due to dirt and weather, and potential theft.

How do I hide the wires effectively for a clean look?

Hiding dash cam wires for a clean setup is totally doable and makes a huge difference in your car’s appearance. The trick is to tuck the cables into existing gaps and behind trim pieces. Start by gently tucking the cable into the headliner along the top of your windshield. Then, bring it down the A-pillar the front side pillar or B-pillar the middle pillar, using a plastic trim removal tool to carefully pry open the trim or push the cable under the rubber weather stripping. From there, you can run the cable along the door sills the plastic trim at the bottom of the door frame or under the floor mats/carpet towards the back of the car. When routing, always avoid interfering with airbags. If you have excess cable, coil it neatly and secure it with a zip tie or electrical tape, then tuck it into a spacious, out-of-the-way spot like behind the glove box or inside a pillar. Adhesive cable clips can also be used for extra security in areas where the cable might not stay tucked.

Do I need to hardwire my Rexing dash cam to use the rear camera?

No, you don’t need to hardwire your Rexing dash cam just to use the rear camera. The rear camera typically draws power and sends its video signal through the extension cable directly to the main front dash cam unit. The main Rexing CPDuo 686 unit itself can be powered by plugging the provided power cable into your car’s 12V cigarette lighter socket. Hardwiring is an optional installation method that connects your dash cam directly to your car’s fuse box. This is usually done to enable parking monitoring features, allowing the dash cam to record even when the car is off, and to free up your cigarette lighter socket. So, while hardwiring offers benefits like continuous surveillance and a cleaner power connection, it’s not a requirement for the basic functionality of the rear camera.

What kind of SD card should I use with my Rexing CPDuo 686?

For your Rexing CPDuo 686, it’s really important to use the right kind of Micro SD card to ensure reliable recording and prevent issues. Rexing specifically recommends a Class 10/UHS-3 or higher Micro SD memory card, with a capacity up to 256GB. These are high-endurance cards designed to withstand the constant writing and overwriting that dash cams perform. Some users and Rexing itself have noted that certain brands or types of cards, like SanDisk Ultra, might not be as reliable in dash cams, and they often suggest higher-performance alternatives such as Kingston Canvas Go Plus. Always make sure to format the SD card within the dash cam itself before first use and periodically thereafter, as this prepares the card specifically for the device’s recording process. Connecting Your Rexing Dash Cam: The Ultimate Guide to Rexing Connect

My rear camera cable seems too short/long, can I extend or shorten it?

Generally, it’s best to use the cable provided with your Rexing CPDuo 686 system because it’s designed specifically for power and video signal transmission for that particular camera. If the cable feels too long, the best approach is to neatly coil and bundle the excess cable and tuck it away in a spacious, hidden area, like behind a trim panel or under the glove compartment. Avoid cutting or splicing the cable unless you’re experienced with electronics, as this can degrade the signal quality or even damage the camera. If you absolutely need a longer cable, look for official Rexing extension cables compatible with your specific model to maintain performance and warranty, rather than using generic alternatives.