Tow hook camera mount

**dsb** · 04-08-2008

I recently posted a thread regarding an exhaust clip (http://www.slkworld.com/slk-videos/5...aust-clip.html). In that thread, someone asked how I attached the camera to the vehicle. So, I decided to post another thread should any of you decide to record your track session or other moving footage. Here ya go!

First all these parts, excluding the Bogen ball-head mount, can be purchased from Home Depot for under $2. The Bogen mount was removed from my tripod but you can purchase a smaller unit (with less weight capacity) for only $35 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Ball_Head.html).

You must attach your tow hook (included with your vehicle) in either the front or rear bumper mount. I cut a PVC pipe to approximately 3 1/2" to serve as a washer. This PVC pipe gets sandwiched between the tow hook and the vehicle. Once compressed, it keeps the tow hook snug and parallel to the ground.

The large washers are used to cover the opening on both sides of the tow hook. The small washers help keep the mount centered. The rubber netting is actually cut from a rug pad. It keeps things stationary. A locking washer and 1" bolt keeps things together.

Lastly, the Bogen ball head mount allows you to quickly and easily level the camera.

Pics:

V8SLK · 04-09-2008

nicely done!

Tslick · 04-09-2008

Cool, more ways to mount

... Anyway, easty has a video of this method somewhere on the forum

and to dsb, yours is clean

**dsb** · 04-09-2008

Thanks fellas. I can't wait to try it out at an AutoX. I wouldn't do it a road course for fear of a rock kicking up and shattering the lens.

V8SLK · 07-09-2008

based on dsb's model (thank you sir), i came up with this option which i put together with scrap hardware i had laying around the garage. the wireless camera will transmit to the digital recorder in the passenger compartment. i really like the fact that the tow hook mount allows for, "where i'm going" and, "where i've been" views. i'll test it out later this week.

**UK-C200** · 07-09-2008

Sweet - I see another toy in my toolbox!

**etyu** · 07-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8SLK

based on dsb's model (thank you sir), i came up with this option which i put together with scrap hardware i had laying around the garage. the wireless camera will transmit to the digital recorder in the passenger compartment. i really like the fact that the tow hook mount allows for, "where i'm going" and, "where i've been" views. i'll test it out later this week.

Nice one Scott

**Woolly** · 07-09-2008

I use a 'Vacu-Rak' vacuum mount . . .

And here's a video from it, mounted on the trunk lid and then front wing (fender?)...

YouTube - More Local NE England Roads

**UK-C200** · 07-09-2008

That's awesome woolly - my wife loved the - as she calls it - "sheep shot" from the wing! I had no idea where you were, but the wifey informs me "about as far damn north as you can go without being in Scotland" :-)

Is that something you've fabricated yourself, or is it a finished product? I've seen "Vacu-Rak" mounting systems for carriers, etc, but not for cameras?

**Woolly** · 07-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by UK-C200

That's awesome woolly - my wife loved the - as she calls it - "sheep shot" from the wing! I had no idea where you were, but the wifey informs me "about as far damn north as you can go without being in Scotland" :-)

Is that something you've fabricated yourself, or is it a finished product? I've seen "Vacu-Rak" mounting systems for carriers, etc, but not for cameras?

Thanks. The video was taken just north of Haltwhistle in Northumberland. To make the mount, I bolted a RAM Mount onto a Vacu-Rak carrier pad. It sticks to the bodywork very well, and does not leave a mark when you remove it.

V8SLK · 07-09-2008

so i tested the mount and it didn't work well at all. i think it was because the camera and recorder that i bought are cheap and the range and/or vibration caused a scrambled picture and horrible sound. SOOOO i went way low tech... like just a step above duct tape and it actually worked! the audio (with the top down) went to hell as speed increased, but the video worked pretty well. similar to the tow hook method, it can be mounted facing forward or rearward. i haven't tried it facing forward yet but i'm inclined to think it would work.

**UK-C200** · 07-09-2008

v8slk - what are you using to record the video? I was thinking about using a laptop in the passenger footwell...

**Gabus** · 07-09-2008

I like Kevins low tech Drain pipe mount. No wind problems there...... Gonna make one in Black pipes.

**dsb** · 07-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8SLK

based on dsb's model (thank you sir), i came up with this option which i put together with scrap hardware i had laying around the garage. the wireless camera will transmit to the digital recorder in the passenger compartment. i really like the fact that the tow hook mount allows for, "where i'm going" and, "where i've been" views. i'll test it out later this week.

That looks good. It's safe and barely even noticable. Where did you get the camera? What was the cost? That looks like it would work well on the front tow hook and due to it's small lens, chances are it won't get damaged.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woolly

I use a 'Vacu-Rak' vacuum mount . . .

And here's a video from it, mounted on the trunk lid and then front wing (fender?)...

That worked extremely well... especially on the front fender. How fast were you traveling? I would only be concerned with losing it. However, it did look like those roads were fairly bumpy. What's the cost of that mount? BTW, I think the trunk mount would be ideal for Autocross.

**dsb** · 07-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gabus

I like Kevins low tech Drain pipe mount. No wind problems there...... Gonna make one in Black pipes.

That's definitely the safest version... for the camera that is.

slk350ncls63 · 07-09-2008

wow that drain pipe is awesome! going to measure one right now!

**Woolly** · 07-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsb

That worked extremely well... especially on the front fender. How fast were you traveling? I would only be concerned with losing it. However, it did look like those roads were fairly bumpy. What's the cost of that mount? BTW, I think the trunk mount would be ideal for Autocross.

You can pick up the Vacu-Rac system for about $50. This comprises 4 pads and some straps. The Ram Mount components I used were
One of these

one of these

And a camera mount plate

Total cost was probably about $60.

I also used a quick release plate for the camera which cost about $13

**dsb** · 07-09-2008

Nice work Wooly. I might go ahead and buy one of those kits on Ebay. I think I could use my current Manfrotto mounts for the rest. Thanks for the link and info.

04-08-2008	#1 (permalink)
dsb Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: '06 slk55 Posts: 1,176 Country: Thanks: 67 Thanked 121 Times in 42 Posts	Tow hook camera mount I recently posted a thread regarding an exhaust clip (http://www.slkworld.com/slk-videos/5...aust-clip.html). In that thread, someone asked how I attached the camera to the vehicle. So, I decided to post another thread should any of you decide to record your track session or other moving footage. Here ya go! First all these parts, excluding the Bogen ball-head mount, can be purchased from Home Depot for under $2. The Bogen mount was removed from my tripod but you can purchase a smaller unit (with less weight capacity) for only $35 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Ball_Head.html). You must attach your tow hook (included with your vehicle) in either the front or rear bumper mount. I cut a PVC pipe to approximately 3 1/2" to serve as a washer. This PVC pipe gets sandwiched between the tow hook and the vehicle. Once compressed, it keeps the tow hook snug and parallel to the ground. The large washers are used to cover the opening on both sides of the tow hook. The small washers help keep the mount centered. The rubber netting is actually cut from a rug pad. It keeps things stationary. A locking washer and 1" bolt keeps things together. Lastly, the Bogen ball head mount allows you to quickly and easily level the camera. Pics: __________________ SOLD! 06 Mercedes Benz SLK55 Caspian Blue / Black & Ash *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

04-09-2008	#4 (permalink)
dsb Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: '06 slk55 Posts: 1,176 Country: Thanks: 67 Thanked 121 Times in 42 Posts	Thanks fellas. I can't wait to try it out at an AutoX. I wouldn't do it a road course for fear of a rock kicking up and shattering the lens. __________________ SOLD! 06 Mercedes Benz SLK55 Caspian Blue / Black & Ash *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

07-09-2008	#8 (permalink)
Woolly Founding Member #8 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Co. Durham, UK Vehicle: 2004 SLK350 Other Toys: Cars, Bikes, Boats & Aircraft!! Posts: 972 Country: Thanks: 28 Thanked 26 Times in 16 Posts	I use a 'Vacu-Rak' vacuum mount . . . And here's a video from it, mounted on the trunk lid and then front wing (fender?)... YouTube - More Local NE England Roads __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 2005 BMW LT - 16 countries, 2 CONTINENTS & counting 2004 MB SLK 350 Andradite Green (6 speed manual] 1999 Ducati ST2 2003 Vauxhaul Vectra 1974 Triumph Bonneville 750 T140V 1937 Norton 500 single (all still current)

07-09-2008	#13 (permalink)
Gabus Elite SLK World Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Søgne Vehicle: 96 SLK 230K Other Toys: Volvo L3314N Posts: 437 Country: Thanks: 18 Thanked 66 Times in 47 Posts	I like Kevins low tech Drain pipe mount. No wind problems there...... Gonna make one in Black pipes. __________________ Gabus The Rolls Royce is the Mercedes amongst cars To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

07-09-2008	#18 (permalink)
dsb Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: '06 slk55 Posts: 1,176 Country: Thanks: 67 Thanked 121 Times in 42 Posts	Nice work Wooly. I might go ahead and buy one of those kits on Ebay. I think I could use my current Manfrotto mounts for the rest. Thanks for the link and info. __________________ SOLD! 06 Mercedes Benz SLK55 Caspian Blue / Black & Ash *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

04-09-2008	#2 (permalink)
V8SLK Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Home of the brave Vehicle: 05 SLK55 AMG Posts: 1,071 Country: Thanks: 40 Thanked 48 Times in 26 Posts	nicely done!

04-09-2008	#3 (permalink)
Tslick Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Long Beach, Ca Vehicle: SLK32 AMG Posts: 1,326 Country: Thanks: 75 Thanked 56 Times in 29 Posts	Cool, more ways to mount ... Anyway, easty has a video of this method somewhere on the forum and to dsb, yours is clean

07-09-2008	#6 (permalink)
UK-C200 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: London, UK & Baton Rouge, Louisiana Vehicle: 04 RHD C200K Coupe, 06 LHD SLK-350 Other Toys: Nacra F18 Posts: 614 Country: Thanks: 41 Thanked 130 Times in 83 Posts	Sweet - I see another toy in my toolbox!

07-09-2008	#9 (permalink)
UK-C200 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: London, UK & Baton Rouge, Louisiana Vehicle: 04 RHD C200K Coupe, 06 LHD SLK-350 Other Toys: Nacra F18 Posts: 614 Country: Thanks: 41 Thanked 130 Times in 83 Posts	That's awesome woolly - my wife loved the - as she calls it - "sheep shot" from the wing! I had no idea where you were, but the wifey informs me "about as far damn north as you can go without being in Scotland" :-) Is that something you've fabricated yourself, or is it a finished product? I've seen "Vacu-Rak" mounting systems for carriers, etc, but not for cameras?

07-09-2008	#12 (permalink)
UK-C200 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: London, UK & Baton Rouge, Louisiana Vehicle: 04 RHD C200K Coupe, 06 LHD SLK-350 Other Toys: Nacra F18 Posts: 614 Country: Thanks: 41 Thanked 130 Times in 83 Posts	v8slk - what are you using to record the video? I was thinking about using a laptop in the passenger footwell...

07-09-2008	#16 (permalink)
slk350ncls63 SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: California Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Iridium Silver \| 2007 CLS 63 AMG Posts: 63 Country: Thanks: 4 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	wow that drain pipe is awesome! going to measure one right now!

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