In-Vehicle Baby Monitor
If overlanding is about the journey, then I want to make sure I’ve got eyes on my kiddo for the every mile. And if overloading is about gear, then I want something more than a mirror.
I originally started this journey by looking at the Tiny Traveler In-Vehicle Baby Monitor, but for $200, I felt like I could do a better job of securing the display than suction cups and a better job of holding the camera than straps around a headrest. So I started digging.
Being an overland enthusiast and Jeep modifier, I already have the 67 Designs mounts. But you can do almost all of this with Bulletpoint, or Tackform on Amazon and if they don’t have what you’re looking for, check for your specific vehicle fitment from Offroam. They have a lot of really easy non-drill options for so many vehicles.
Parts and The Like
Each of these have some form of dash solution for most vehicle types. All of the links below are specific to the Bronco Sport and Jeep Gladiator that I installed this system into.
So, here is what you’ll need.
Momcozy Baby Monitor - I picked this one because it is only $100, 1080p, has a low-light/night vision mode, is a radio signal that doesn’t use wifi, and most importantly has a 1/4-20 thread on the bottom of the camera so I can mount it to the friction arms.
Peak Design Slimlink adapter - if it is sold out on Peak Design’s site, you can find it on Amazon too.
Peak Design Slimlink 20mm Ball Mount (Amazon Link)
ALTERNATE: If you don’t want to work with the Peak Design system, use the phone mount from 67Designs, this is rock solid. Yes, it’s a little more bulky than the Peak Design, but still rock solid.
Peak Design Car Phone Mount, this is the solution I used in my wife’s Bronco. It works, but I prefer the locking ball mount that I put in the Gladiator. I’ll be adding the Rubigrid to the Bronco Sport to improve the hold. If you have a dash option available from either 67Designs or Rubigrid for your vehicle, I strongly recommend that over this mount. Use this one as a last option.
1/4-20 20mm Ball Mount: 67Designs, Bulletpoint, Tackform. I used a Tackform for mine, but ordered the Bulletpoint for $10 on Amazon to replace it for a tighter fit.
Friction Arms: 67 Designs (Carbon Fiber), Bulletpoint (Carbon Fiber), Tackform (Carbon fiber). I used all 67Designs friction arms on mine. Theirs are the lightest and strongest that I’ve used, and their new locking teeth make it nearly impossible to have the camera or display slip while bouncing down trails.
Bar Mount: This is how you’ll attach the camera to the rear headrest. 67Designs, Bulletpoint, Tackform
Jeep Gladiator Sound Bar Mount. This is how I mounted the camera in the Jeep, it does mean that the camera is upside down, so I simply mount the display upside down on the Peak Design mount. Works flawlessly and is a good alternative to the headrest mount, although the headrest mount feels more secure, and I’ll likely go this route in the Gladiator like I did in the Bronco Sport.
All of that should be enough to get your camera and monitor installed.
You may find a need for some 90º USBC cables and some of the 67Designs cable managers.
SETUP AND INSTALL
First, I focused on the dash. I wanted to make sure the display would work the way I envisioned it to. Start by applying the Peak Design Slimlink Adapter to the back of the Momcozy display. Wipe the display with the provided alcohol wipe and let it dry. Once dry, promptly apply the adapter to the rear of the display. Press firmly to ensure the adapter adheres properly to display.
Next, your dash arm setup. I have the 67Designs, but most brands with a 20mm ball system will work. Because the Slimlink Adapter is off-center on the display to preserve the use of the display’s kickstand you’ll want to set up the arm to center the display in your preferred position.
The camera, this is where it gets fun. Using the bar clamp, position a friction arm forward, you may want to measure this before ordering your friction arms, you’ll want the arm to hit as close to the center of the headrest as possible, this will ensure it is centered on the kiddo’s carseat (assuming the carseat is still rear facing.) If it isn’t attach the camera and friction arm to one of the front seats to face the camera towards a forward-facing car seat or booster seat.
Wherever you end up placing the camera, you will want to find a clean route for the USBC cable to reach the camera without becoming a strangulation hazard for your miniature copilot.
And that’s it.
Seriously, that’s it. Use the display to steer the camera and make adjustments as needed.
