We debated the utility of a monitor given the cost. However, Stewart of Phoenix strongly recommended it. Therefore, we added it to the list. We are glad we did. We would not leave home without it in working order. It will save your life in traffic from the fools out there. You can also back up when driving alone and feel comfortable that you are not going to hit something. With the monitor, I can check to see if the bike and rack are OK. When we attach the toad (a smart Fourtwo), we will be able to see if the toad is behaving. If not, we will just issue the toad a “STATION” command (a Navy joke).
We recommend cleaning the camera lens with a dampened, soft cloth at least once a day. Dust and water drops with the sun behind you make it hard to see.