AUTO-VOX Solar 5-inch Kit reversing camera review

Overview

The AUTO-VOX Solar 5-inch Kit is a wireless reversing camera designed for drivers who want a plate-mounted camera without routing video cables through the vehicle. It ranks #3 in our list of the top 10 best-selling reversing cameras on Amazon UK, with an 8.4/10 score and our Best solar plate-mounted kit award. It sits behind the #1 AUTO-VOX 7.2-inch Solar Kit, which offers a larger screen, and ahead of the #4 AUTO-VOX Solar1Pro Camera Kit. The 5-inch model is a practical middle ground if you want a compact display and the option to monitor another camera view.

Its solar panel can help maintain the rechargeable battery, but this is not a guaranteed always-on system: performance depends on sunlight, charging and how often you use it. At 130°, its stated viewing angle is useful for reversing but not especially wide by the standards of some alternatives.

Features and specification

The listing specifies a 5-inch LCD monitor, 1080p video, wireless connection and a 5,000mAh camera battery. It claims up to three to four months between charges, with solar assistance and a low-power mode. Treat that as a best-case estimate rather than a promise; limited daylight, winter conditions and frequent use can mean charging sooner. The camera is listed with an IP69K rating, and the claimed operating temperature range is intended to cover varied weather.

Installation is marketed as a quick plate-mount job, without running camera wiring to the front of the vehicle. The monitor still needs power in the cabin; owners describe connecting it to a vehicle power socket. Dual-channel support and split-screen viewing give the setup potential for a second camera, such as a side or trailer view, but check the package contents before buying if you need two cameras straight away. The listing also claims a wireless range of up to 52 feet.

What owners say

Owners commonly praise the straightforward installation and the clear picture, saying the wireless connection makes the kit less daunting than a wired retrofit. Several also value the solar charging, particularly when the vehicle gets regular sun, and describe the camera as useful for towing, hitching and dealing with blind spots.

There are caveats. Some owners say the monitor can reflect bright sunlight, while others would prefer it to stay on longer or remain permanently active. Reports on battery performance vary: some say it holds charge for months, but owners in low-sun conditions describe needing to recharge it. A small number also report connection problems after extended use, so the wireless setup should not be treated as infallible.

Who should buy it

This kit suits drivers of cars, vans or light towing vehicles who want an uncomplicated wireless retrofit, especially if avoiding a long cable installation matters. It is most appealing if you can park in daylight and would make use of a second camera view. The solar panel is a convenience, not a substitute for checking charge and confirming the image before relying on it.

Consider another option if you need a permanently active display, a particularly wide view or dependable battery performance through prolonged dark-weather use. For a simple plate-mounted system with useful towing potential, the AUTO-VOX Solar 5-inch is a capable premium choice, provided its charging and screen-time limitations suit your routine.