What a Type S Backup Camera Is
A Type S backup camera is a aftermarket camera system made by Type S, a car electronics brand owned by Voxx International. These cameras mount on the rear of your vehicle and display what is behind you on a screen inside the car — usually on your dashboard or rearview mirror — when you shift into reverse. Type S cameras are sold as standalone units you install yourself or have a shop install, not as factory equipment.
Type S makes several backup camera models at different price points. Some are wireless (the camera and screen communicate by radio signal), and some are wired (they connect with a cable run through your car). The camera itself is typically a small weatherproof box that mounts above or below your rear license plate, and the display screen mounts on your dashboard or clips to your existing rearview mirror.
The main reason people buy aftermarket backup cameras is that their vehicle did not come with one from the factory, or the factory camera stopped working. Type S cameras are one option among many brands — others include Pyle, Rear View Safety, and Viofo — but Type S is widely available at retailers like Best Buy and Amazon.
Key Takeaways
- Type S backup cameras come in wired and wireless versions; wired systems are more reliable but require running a cable through your vehicle, while wireless systems are easier to install but can have signal interference.
- The camera mounts on your rear bumper or license plate area and activates automatically when you shift into reverse, showing a live video feed on an interior screen.
- Installation difficulty depends on whether you choose wired or wireless and how comfortable you are running cables through your vehicle or drilling mounting holes.
- Type S cameras vary in image quality, screen size, and features like night vision and parking guidelines, so comparing specific models before purchase will save you money and frustration.
Wired vs. Wireless Type S Backup Cameras
The choice between wired and wireless determines how much work installation takes and how reliable the system will be. Wired systems run a cable from the camera at the rear of your vehicle through the interior (usually along the headliner, down the door frame, and under the dashboard) to the display screen and power source. This cable carries both video and power, so the camera always has a strong, uninterrupted signal. Wired systems cost slightly more upfront but have no risk of signal dropout or interference.
Wireless systems use a radio transmitter in the camera and a receiver in the display screen. Installation is faster because you do not run cables through the vehicle — you just mount the camera, mount the screen, and plug the screen into power. The tradeoff is that wireless signals can be blocked by metal, thick plastic, or electronic interference from other devices in your car. Some users report occasional video lag or brief signal loss, especially in older vehicles with heavy metal bodies.
If your vehicle has a hatchback or liftgate, wired installation is more involved because the cable must cross the hinge. Wireless avoids this problem entirely. If you are uncomfortable drilling holes or running cables, wireless is the faster path, but wired is the safer choice if signal reliability matters more to you than installation time.
What to Check Before Buying a Type S Backup Camera
Type S makes several backup camera models, and they differ in screen size, image quality, and extra features. Before you buy, confirm that the specific model you are looking at will work with your vehicle type. Some Type S cameras are designed for cars with existing backup camera wiring (they replace a factory camera), while others are designed as standalone systems for vehicles with no camera at all. Check the product listing or manual to see which category your model falls into.
Look at the screen size and resolution. Larger screens (5 to 7 inches) are easier to see while backing up, but they take up more dashboard space. Resolution matters less than you might think — most backup cameras record at 480p or 720p, which is enough to see obstacles clearly, but higher resolution is sharper if you plan to review footage later. Check whether the camera has night vision (infrared LEDs that let you see in low light) if you often back up in darkness or a garage.
Some Type S models include parking guidelines — colored lines overlaid on the video that show you where the vehicle will go if you turn the wheel. These are helpful if you are new to backup cameras, but they are not essential. Check the product reviews on the retailer's site to see whether users report the guidelines being accurate for their vehicle type, because guidelines are calibrated for specific vehicle dimensions and can be off if your car is significantly different.
How to Install a Type S Backup Camera
Installation steps depend on whether you choose wired or wireless, but both start the same way: read the manual that comes with your specific model, because Type S makes several versions and the steps vary. Do not rely on YouTube videos alone, because a video made for a different Type S model or a different brand may not match your system.
For a wireless system, the basic steps are: (1) choose a mounting location on the rear of your vehicle — usually above or below the license plate — and drill or adhere the camera bracket; (2) run the power cable from the camera forward to the interior (this usually means drilling a small hole through the bumper or body panel); (3) mount the display screen on your dashboard or rearview mirror; (4) connect the screen to your vehicle's power source, usually by tapping into the reverse light wire so the screen turns on automatically when you shift into reverse; (5) pair the camera and screen using the pairing button on each unit.
For a wired system, the steps are similar, but instead of a wireless pairing step, you run a single video/power cable from the camera all the way to the screen. This cable must be routed carefully to avoid pinching or damage — the manual will show you the recommended path through your vehicle. Wired installation typically takes 2 to 4 hours if you are doing it yourself, while wireless usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
If you are not comfortable drilling holes or running cables, most car audio shops can install a Type S camera for you. Installation labor typically costs $100 to $300 depending on whether the system is wired or wireless and how difficult your vehicle is to work on. Call ahead and ask the shop if they have experience with Type S systems specifically, because some shops are more familiar with other brands.
Connecting the Camera to Your Reverse Light
For the camera to turn on automatically when you shift into reverse, it needs to be wired to your vehicle's reverse light circuit. This is a low-voltage wire that carries power only when the transmission is in reverse. The Type S manual will tell you which wire in your vehicle's wiring harness is the reverse light wire — this varies by make and model.
You will need to locate this wire under your dashboard or behind your tail lights, strip a small section of insulation, and connect the Type S power cable to it using a wire tap or solder joint. If you have never done this before, a shop can do it in 15 to 30 minutes. If you connect the camera to a constant power source instead, it will drain your battery when the car is off, so getting this step right matters.
Some Type S models come with a manual on/off switch as an alternative, so the camera does not set up automatically. This is less convenient but avoids the need to tap into your reverse light wire. Check your manual to see which option your model supports.
Troubleshooting Common Type S Backup Camera Problems
If your camera does not turn on when you shift into reverse, the most common cause is a loose or incorrect connection to the reverse light wire. Check that the wire tap or solder joint is find and that you connected to the correct wire. If you are unsure, take the vehicle to a shop and have them verify the connection.
If the video feed is grainy, pixelated, or cuts out (on wireless systems), move the display screen closer to the camera or away from sources of electronic interference like your car's stereo or phone charger. Wireless systems work best when the camera and screen are within 30 feet of each other with a clear line of sight. If you have a wired system with a grainy picture, the video cable may be damaged or pinched — check the entire cable route from the camera to the screen.
If the parking guidelines are misaligned with your vehicle's actual path, some Type S models allow you to adjust the guideline angle in a settings menu. Check your manual for the adjustment procedure. If your model does not have this feature, the guidelines may straightforward be calibrated for a different vehicle size, and you may need to ignore them and rely on your mirrors instead.
Type S Backup Cameras vs. Other Brands
Type S is one of several aftermarket backup camera brands. Pyle, Rear View Safety, and Viofo are other common options. Type S cameras are generally mid-range in price and quality — they are not the cheapest option, but they are not premium either. Type S has good availability at major retailers, which makes them straightforward to find and return if needed.
The main difference between brands is customer support and warranty. Type S offers a one-year warranty on most models, which is standard. Rear View Safety is known for longer warranties (up to five years on some models) but costs more. Pyle cameras are often cheaper but have more mixed reviews about durability. If you are buying from a retailer like Best Buy, you can also purchase an extended warranty or protection plan, which covers accidental damage and malfunction beyond the manufacturer's warranty.
Before choosing a brand, read reviews on the specific model you are considering, not just the brand in general. A highly-rated Pyle model may be a better choice than a poorly-reviewed Type S model at the same price. Look for reviews that mention your vehicle type, because backup camera performance can vary depending on your car's body style and electrical system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a professional to install a Type S backup camera?
No, but it depends on your comfort level with tools and vehicle wiring. Wireless systems are straightforward enough that many people install them in an afternoon. Wired systems require running a cable through your vehicle, which takes longer and involves more drilling. If you have never done car electrical work, a shop installation is worth the cost to avoid mistakes.
Will a Type S backup camera work with my factory stereo?
Most Type S cameras come with their own display screen and do not integrate with your factory stereo. Some newer Type S models can connect to aftermarket stereos with backup camera input, but check the manual for your specific model. If you want the camera to display on your factory stereo screen, you will likely need a different brand or a professional integration service.
Can I use a Type S backup camera on a trailer or RV?
Yes, Type S makes some models designed for trailers and RVs. These typically have longer cable runs and more robust weatherproofing because trailers are exposed to more vibration and weather. Check the product description to confirm the model is rated for trailer use before buying.
What happens to the backup camera if I sell my car?
You can remove the camera and take it with you, or leave it installed for the new owner. If you remove it, you will have a hole where the camera was mounted, which you can cover with a blank plate or touch-up paint. Most people leave the camera installed because removing it requires undoing all the wiring work.
How long do Type S backup cameras last?
Most Type S cameras last 3 to 5 years with normal use. The camera itself is durable, but the display screen can fail if it gets too hot or is exposed to moisture. Keep the screen out of direct sunlight when possible, and avoid mounting it where water can drip on it. The one-year warranty covers defects, but not wear and tear.