I have been researching rear view/side view cameras. The main reason is to better know about traffic beside me before making a lane change. I watched videos, read reviews, forms and blogs paying particular attention to camera placement. Most 5th wheel side cameras are mounted on the RV several feet back from the front. I found a top view of a truck and trailer and visualizing the camera placement decided this left too much blind area in front of the camera. Then I thought about mounting at the front of the RV. This led me to consider mounting on the side of the truck. Now this is getting close to the side rear view mirrors and I'm questioning whether they would provide any advantage over the existing 2012 Chevy mirrors with the lower convex wide view lens.Those that have side cameras installed, where are they mounted and what is your opinion? -- Can't get along without them - nice to have - or a waste of money?

I have same mirrors as you and see NO need for side cameras...now rear view on back of trailer would be helpful!

Wonder how all those big rig truckers have traveled those billion and billion of miles with just mirrors.

Proper adjustment and a spot mirror works great. In the main mirror you should see just the edge of your fifth wheel and the ground at the first axle. Now if you just want another expensive toy.....I was a long haul trucker for 33 years with a perfect safety record and never had a side view camera.

Just one more thing to distract you from a proven driving method. Proper technic and use of mirrors negates the use of electronics that takes your concentration away. JMHO

I think the consensus is proper positioning of trucks mirrors......Haven't seen any side cameras on trailers.Haven't even thought about them.But then again I'm not a fan or user of that type of equipment (GPS, back-up cameras etc.)Guess if one can't use their mirrors then cameras would be helpful......but probably not. Hope you find some that work better than your truck mirrorsAs I am fond of saying:Just because an item is sold via aftermarket doesn't mean it is better, useful or needed

5th wheel side view cameras | Good Sam Community

lpxguy
Explorer
Feb 18, 2014
I have same mirrors as you and see NO need for side cameras...now rear view on back of trailer would be helpful!
stickdog
Explorer
Feb 18, 2014
Wonder how all those big rig truckers have traveled those billion and billion of miles with just mirrors.
Tyler0215
Explorer
Feb 18, 2014
Proper adjustment and a spot mirror works great. In the main mirror you should see just the edge of your fifth wheel and the ground at the first axle. Now if you just want another expensive toy.....
I was a long haul trucker for 33 years with a perfect safety record and never had a side view camera.
Mootpoint
Explorer
Feb 18, 2014
Just one more thing to distract you from a proven driving method. Proper technic and use of mirrors negates the use of electronics that takes your concentration away. JMHO
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Feb 18, 2014
I think the consensus is proper positioning of trucks mirrors......

Haven't seen any side cameras on trailers.
Haven't even thought about them.
But then again I'm not a fan or user of that type of equipment (GPS, back-up cameras etc.)

Guess if one can't use their mirrors then cameras would be helpful......but probably not.

Hope you find some that work better than your truck mirrors

As I am fond of saying:
Just because an item is sold via aftermarket doesn't mean it is better, useful or needed
rhagfo
Explorer III
Feb 18, 2014
Wow, camera side view mirrors what next!

I have been driving mirror REQUIRED vehicles off and on for 45 years, 1st was a 64 Ford Econoline, that I used for towing a 20' sail boat.
Learn to use the mirrors you have, part of that is reference to your vehicle. This would be the 1st disadvantage of a camera, likely the amount of time you would spend looking at the screen to be sure what is in your field of vision would be worse than sending a text message on a phone.
I glance at my mirrors often, GLANCE not take long looks. When changing lanes, I do take a short look, or a long glance. I do this with or without a trailer in tow, you need to trust your ability to read your mirrors.
ChooChooMan74
Explorer
Feb 18, 2014
I agree with all the above. Good and properly adjusted mirrors are all you need.
laknox
Nomad
Feb 18, 2014
AniJet wrote:
I have been researching rear view/side view cameras. The main reason is to better know about traffic beside me before making a lane change. I watched videos, read reviews, forms and blogs paying particular attention to camera placement. Most 5th wheel side cameras are mounted on the RV several feet back from the front. I found a top view of a truck and trailer and visualizing the camera placement decided this left too much blind area in front of the camera. Then I thought about mounting at the front of the RV. This led me to consider mounting on the side of the truck. Now this is getting close to the side rear view mirrors and I'm questioning whether they would provide any advantage over the existing 2012 Chevy mirrors with the lower convex wide view lens.

Those that have side cameras installed, where are they mounted and what is your opinion? -- Can't get along without them - nice to have - or a waste of money?

A friend has a big-a$$ 40+ FW, towed by a Freightliner Sport Chassis and has 3 cameras. One in the extreme rear and one on each side, pointing back, just behind the upper step. He has a larger screen (10", I think), split 3 ways and it's hot all the time.

Lyle
rhagfo
Explorer III
Feb 18, 2014
laknox wrote:
AniJet wrote:
I have been researching rear view/side view cameras. The main reason is to better know about traffic beside me before making a lane change. I watched videos, read reviews, forms and blogs paying particular attention to camera placement. Most 5th wheel side cameras are mounted on the RV several feet back from the front. I found a top view of a truck and trailer and visualizing the camera placement decided this left too much blind area in front of the camera. Then I thought about mounting at the front of the RV. This led me to consider mounting on the side of the truck. Now this is getting close to the side rear view mirrors and I'm questioning whether they would provide any advantage over the existing 2012 Chevy mirrors with the lower convex wide view lens.

Those that have side cameras installed, where are they mounted and what is your opinion? -- Can't get along without them - nice to have - or a waste of money?

A friend has a big-a$$ 40+ FW, towed by a Freightliner Sport Chassis and has 3 cameras. One in the extreme rear and one on each side, pointing back, just behind the upper step. He has a larger screen (10", I think), split 3 ways and it's hot all the time.

Lyle

Most likely to rear-end someone!
travelrider73
Explorer
Feb 18, 2014
How about side view cameras just for backing into tight camp sites? Wouldn't it be great to see the sides and rear of your camper while backing a big 5er in?