It wasn’t that long ago that I found myself constantly struggling with poor visibility when backing up my vehicle. Maneuvering in tight spots, dealing with blind spots, or simply trying to parallel park felt like a gamble every single time. The potential for accidentally hitting something, or worse, someone, was a constant worry, and I knew I needed a real solution to make driving, especially in reverse, much safer and less stressful.
For anyone who’s ever cringed while backing out of a driveway or parking spot, you know the core problem a better rear view mirror system solves: visibility and safety. Whether you drive an older model vehicle without integrated backup features or simply want an upgrade for better peace of mind, a good rear view solution can make a huge difference. The ideal customer is someone who values knowing exactly what’s behind them, wants to minimize blind spots, and is looking for a more modern, integrated safety feature without having to rely solely on side mirrors or craning their neck. If your car already has a state-of-the-art, factory-installed backup camera display and integrated mirror features, you might not need this specific type of upgrade. However, for many vehicles, adding a system like the Master Tailgaters 10.5″ OEM Rear View Mirror with 4.3″ LCD Screen can be a significant enhancement. Before you buy a new rearview mirror with a built-in screen, think about a few things: compatibility with your vehicle’s existing mirror mount (though many come with universal options), the size and brightness of the LCD screen, the number of video inputs you might need (one for a backup camera, maybe another for a front camera or DVD player), whether you want additional features like auto-dimming for the mirror glass itself (note: not all models include this), and how involved you want the installation to be (professional vs. DIY).
Presenting the Master Tailgaters 10.5″ Mirror
The Master Tailgaters 10.5″ OEM Rear View Mirror with 4.3″ LCD Screen is designed as a complete replacement for your existing factory rearview mirror. Its main promise is to integrate a clear, functional display for a backup camera (sold separately) right into your mirror, making the video feed easily accessible when you shift into reverse while still functioning as a standard mirror when the screen is off. When you purchase the Master Tailgaters rear view mirror, the package includes the mirror unit itself, the necessary cable assembly for power and video input, a cable cover for a clean look, a zip tie, and importantly, both vehicle-specific mounts (compatible with many popular makes like Toyota, Nissan, Honda, etc.) and a universal windshield button style mount, ensuring it can be installed on virtually any vehicle. Compared to simply clipping a display onto your existing mirror, this OEM style mirror replacement offers a much cleaner, factory-installed look. It’s ideal for someone who wants a seamless upgrade without bulky additions, though it’s not for those who require the mirror glass itself to have an auto-dimming feature, as this specific model only offers auto-adjusting brightness for the LCD screen.
Here are some pros and cons I’ve found:
Pros:
* Clean, OEM-style full mirror replacement
* Integrated 4.3″ LCD screen is discreet when off
* LCD screen automatically adjusts brightness
* Two video inputs for flexibility
* Universal fit options included
* Clear, distortion-free mirror glass
Cons:
* Mirror glass itself does *not* auto-dim
* Backup camera is sold separately
* Installation requires wiring (power source, camera connection)
* May require a separate fuse tap for power (not included)
Delving into the Features and Benefits
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes this Master Tailgaters rear view mirror a solid upgrade, based on my experience using it over time.
OEM Replacement Design and Appearance
One of the biggest selling points for me was the fact that this isn’t just some clunky add-on. The Master Tailgaters 10.5″ mirror is designed to completely replace your existing rearview mirror. This means it looks like it belongs there, as if it came straight from the factory with your car. The shape and size are similar to standard mirrors, and it fits onto common mounting brackets used by many major vehicle manufacturers. Even if your car’s mount isn’t directly compatible, the inclusion of a universal windshield button mount means you still have an avenue for installation. The benefit here is purely aesthetic and functional integration. There’s no extra clutter on your dashboard, no mirror clipped over your original one, just a clean, professional look that enhances your vehicle’s interior without screaming “aftermarket gadget.” This subtle integration is key to maintaining the look and feel of your original car while adding modern functionality.
Integrated 4.3″ LCD Screen
The heart of this backup camera mirror system is the built-in 4.3″ TFT LCD screen. When the system isn’t active (i.e., your vehicle isn’t in reverse), you wouldn’t even know the screen is there. The mirror looks and functions like a normal rearview mirror. However, the moment you shift into reverse (assuming you’ve wired it correctly to your reverse lights or a switched accessory fuse), the screen automatically powers on and displays the feed from your connected backup camera. The 4.3″ size is large enough to provide a clear, easily viewable image without taking up the entire mirror surface, leaving plenty of mirror space for traditional rear viewing. The benefit is instant access to critical rear visibility information precisely when you need it most – backing up. It eliminates the need for a separate monitor stuck somewhere else on the dash and keeps your line of sight focused where you’d normally look for rear traffic.
Auto-Adjusting Brightness LCD
A particularly useful feature of the integrated LCD is its auto-adjusting brightness sensor. This isn’t a feature for the mirror glass itself (it doesn’t auto-dim reflections like some high-end factory mirrors), but it works for the *screen’s* brightness. When you’re backing up in broad daylight, the screen gets brighter to compete with the ambient light, making the image easier to see. When you’re backing up at night, the screen dims down significantly, preventing it from being overly bright and distracting, or even blinding, in the dark. This thoughtful feature ensures that the camera feed is visible and comfortable to view in a wide range of lighting conditions, directly contributing to safer reversing whether it’s noon or midnight. It’s a crucial detail that enhances the usability of the entire system.
Two Video Inputs
The inclusion of two RCA video inputs offers valuable versatility. The primary intended use is for connecting a backup camera to one input (which will automatically activate the screen when triggered by reverse power). However, having a second input means you could potentially connect another video source. This could be a front-facing camera to help with parking nose-first in tight spots, or perhaps even a video feed from a dash cam or other device if you were creative with the wiring (though the automatic activation is tied to the reverse signal on the first input). The benefit here is flexibility and potential future expansion of your vehicle’s video system without needing another display unit. While most users will likely only utilize the backup camera input, having the second option adds unexpected value.
High Quality Mirror Glass
Even with the integrated screen, the primary function of a rearview mirror is, well, being a mirror. The Master Tailgaters mirror uses 4mm thick glass. This might seem like a minor detail, but it’s important for image quality. Thicker glass is less prone to warping or distortion, meaning the reflection you see is clear and accurate. When the LCD screen is off, the mirror provides a sharp, clear view of the traffic behind you. This is crucial because the mirror is still your main tool for checking traffic before changing lanes or getting a general sense of what’s behind you while driving forward. The high-quality glass ensures that this fundamental function is not compromised by the addition of the display technology.
Universal Fit and Installation Considerations
As mentioned, this rear view mirror with LCD screen is designed with compatibility in mind. It comes with mounting options intended to fit a wide range of popular vehicles right out of the box. For cars with less common mirror mounts, the included universal windshield button mount provides an alternative way to install it (note that installing this requires a UV adhesive, sold separately). While the physical mounting of the mirror itself is often straightforward (sometimes just a simple screw to loosen/tighten like on many factory mirrors), the “easy to install” claim primarily applies to the physical mirror swap and connecting the included harness. Getting power to the unit and properly connecting the backup camera’s video feed requires running wires from the mirror, down the A-pillar, and typically back to the fuse box (for power) and the backup camera’s location (often near the license plate or tailgate). This wiring process, while manageable for a DIYer with basic tools and knowledge, isn’t as simple as plugging in a cigarette lighter adapter. It often involves tucking wires, potentially using an add-a-circuit fuse tap (as noted by some users, this is not included), and routing cables neatly. The benefit, however, is a fully integrated system that looks and functions like a factory installation once completed. It provides flexibility for many different vehicle types, which is a significant plus compared to products only designed for a single car model.
Reverse Assist Feature
While “Reverse Assist” isn’t a feature of the mirror itself in the sense of dynamic guidelines or parking sensors, it’s the core function enabled by integrating a backup camera feed into the rearview mirror display. By automatically activating the screen when you shift into reverse, the Master Tailgaters mirror provides an immediate visual aid showing you exactly what’s behind your vehicle. This dramatically reduces blind spots directly behind the bumper and allows you to see low-lying obstacles or small children/pets that might be invisible using just standard mirrors. This direct view greatly increases safety and confidence when backing up, especially in crowded areas or when hitching a trailer. It transforms a potentially nerve-wracking maneuver into a much simpler and safer one.
Social Proof: What Other Users Are Saying
Having used this mirror myself for a good while now, I decided to see what others who have purchased the Master Tailgaters rear view mirror think. Scrolling through various online reviews, the sentiment is largely positive, reflecting many of my own observations. Users frequently praise how much the mirror looks like an original factory part, integrating seamlessly into their vehicle’s interior. Many specifically mention the clear picture quality of the display and appreciate how the screen brightness adjusts automatically depending on the light conditions. People driving popular models like Toyotas, Hondas, and Fords have reported that the mirror fits perfectly onto their existing mounts. Several reviews highlight the value for the price compared to similar products, and the usefulness of the cable cover for a tidy installation is often mentioned. While some note the wiring requires effort or that they needed an extra part like a fuse tap, the overall satisfaction with the product’s appearance and functionality as a backup camera display is quite high.
Conclusion
Struggling with limited visibility when backing up is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a safety hazard that can lead to costly damage or, more importantly, serious accidents. Solving this problem with a reliable visual aid is crucial for safer driving. The Master Tailgaters 10.5″ OEM Rear View Mirror with 4.3″ LCD Screen stands out as a great solution for several key reasons. Its OEM-style design provides a clean, integrated look that enhances your interior. The automatically adjusting LCD screen ensures a visible backup camera feed in varying light conditions, directly improving safety and ease of use. Plus, the inclusion of universal mounting options means this useful upgrade is accessible for a wide range of vehicles. If you’re looking for a discreet and effective way to add a backup camera display to your vehicle, this rearview mirror is definitely worth considering. To find out more and see if it’s the right fit for your car, Click here to check out the Master Tailgaters mirror.