WhitneyK
Active Member
Posts: 492
Likes: 169
'67 Shasta Compact
Currently Offline
|
Post by WhitneyK on Apr 25, 2019 8:21:05 GMT -8
Camera on the back of the trailer WOULD be nice when backing into camp site AND seeing just how close that jerk pulled up behind you when you're stopped on an incline. Just don't be so caught up with looking at the back up screen that you do damage to the sides of the trailer or your vehicle... Agree, it's an added feature, not a substitute for mirrors (and skill).
|
|
Poquito
Active Member
Posts: 231
Likes: 62
'68 10' Serro Scotty Sportsman
Currently Offline
|
Post by Poquito on May 5, 2019 3:52:09 GMT -8
I'm glad I put this topic out there, it is something to consider from different angles. So I did buy a $80 backup camera from WalMart. The install was pretty simple. It is wireless but it still has to be wired to a backup light on the vehicle. The transmitter is connected underneath the vehicle and sends signal to camera that is plugged in to the 12v. So I had to splice into my backup light wiring. It takes a couple seconds for the picture to show up on the screen, so putting it in reverse I wait until the screen pops up to see if it is activating. Not perfect, but doable. The other thing is I noticed is the screen blacked out a couple of times. One time it wouldn't come back on until I popped the gear into park again then back to reverse. Annoying. I have the camera, which is adjustable, angled downward a bit toward my ball. When it is on, my test back up to my trailer went pretty good. I wasn't off to the side of the ball (usually about a couple of inches) like I seem to do most times. I was able to back straight to the ball. However, since it was a new experience using the camera, I still got out to see how I was lined up and how far I needed to back up. It was straight lined up. So when I couldn't determine how close I was to the coupling I kept getting out to check. I was not trusting the camera and did not know if there would be a illusion of depth. So looking at the camera, then checking, I was able to back right under the the coupling where I needed the ball to be. When that happened, I took a photo of the screen to help me figure out where the ball lines up underneath the coupling. That is my guide until I get it down pat. So for $80, not perfect but it will save me time lining up to the trailer when I don't have anyone around to guide me. Which is often the case when I leave for my trips. This camera would not be good for putting on the back of a trailer since I don't think the transmitter would work that far from the rear of the camper to the tow vehicle. There are better back up cameras out there that are made for that. I would reviews models recommended from RV sites if that is the type of camera you want. My camping season is paused until late June (NC) so I'll update after that trip. Hopefully my pictures can be viewed. Thanks all for your input! Poquito www.facebook.com/pg/luckydogcamping/photos/?tab=album&album_id=421028548628888
|
|
|
Post by danrhodes on May 5, 2019 6:22:21 GMT -8
Is the camera mounted to the license plate frame like I've seen elsewhere? I think if I were to get one I'd mount it higher somehow, maybe replace the tailgate handle with a newer one that has a mount for the camera so I could really look downward on the ball. I think I'd also wore it to be powered all of the time so you avoid that 2 second startup delay.
|
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,822
Likes: 3,749
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on May 5, 2019 7:04:38 GMT -8
I've often thought about having a camera on the back of the trailer and will most likely do that when I finish the Jewel. Glad the back up cam is working out well for you. I have to back up to trailers on a daily basis so I'm pretty dang good at it. But in tight places where you must back up to the trailer at an angle I think a camera would help a lot. That's where I have problems.
|
|
Poquito
Active Member
Posts: 231
Likes: 62
'68 10' Serro Scotty Sportsman
Currently Offline
|
Post by Poquito on May 5, 2019 10:49:24 GMT -8
Is the camera mounted to the license plate frame like I've seen elsewhere? I think if I were to get one I'd mount it higher somehow, maybe replace the tailgate handle with a newer one that has a mount for the camera so I could really look downward on the ball. I think I'd also wore it to be powered all of the time so you avoid that 2 second startup delay. Hey Danrhodes, The camera frame is mounted on the license plate, but the camera "eye" itself can be adjusted. There are two tiny screws on either side of the camera "eye" that you loosen to move up or down, then tighten. I have it so the focus is mainly on the ball. It's not a great camera, there has to be better ones out there, but I was pretty excited to see how much quicker I could get the H out of dodge, AND before the no-see-ums found me! Poquito
|
|
|
Post by wisconsinjoe on Sept 18, 2020 10:00:20 GMT -8
My tow vehicle is a Toyota Tundra, and the first vehicle I've owned with a back-up camera. I can now put the ball under the hitch at first try 80% of the time. Yes, I do appreciate those comments about watching your front fenders.
I am interested in getting a camera for the camper. My buddy who has an Airstream likes how his shows what is traveling behind him on the road. With our Vacationaire and on the scratch build version, I can see through front and back windows all the way to the road behind. It's a small view, but enough to see if anyone is back there.
|
|
WhitneyK
Active Member
Posts: 492
Likes: 169
'67 Shasta Compact
Currently Offline
|
Post by WhitneyK on Sept 22, 2020 8:56:28 GMT -8
I purchased a cheap camera and monitor set up off eBay ($40). The monitor has 2 rca jacks on it to support 2 cameras. Thinking about putting one on the front license plate and control it with a switch so I know how close I'm getting to something when I'm easing up to it (wall in parking garage / curb / another vehicle in parking lot) I'm also considering putting a switch on the one in the back so I can monitor traffic behind me when not towing. To do this, one would have to install a one-way diode (looks like a fuse) in the line coming from the reverse lights to keep from back-feeding the system. Would use just a momentary on switch.
Also, a year or so ago I purchased one of those wired 2 camera security systems w/monitor from HF to play with. It connects to 110v which is a transformer that converts it to 12V. Thought about installing it on the camper, wiring to 12v that way when you hear something in the middle of the night, just turn on the little (4") monitor and see what's out there without getting up or turning on a light. Ohh, there is goes, my little mind is out wandering around again...
|
|