Forum Discussion

Baja_Man's avatar
Baja_Man
Explorer
May 12, 2016

Best Wireless Back up Camera

Would like to install a wireless back up camera on my new to me 31' Class C. I will be towing my boat most places and when not towing my boat, will towing my 2012 Scion xB on a dolly.

Looking for input/advice/suggestions on...

1. Screen size
2. Backlit display types
3. Quality of Bluetooth signal
4. Quality of mounting hardware
5. Mounting options (screwing into RV vs industrial double stick tape for mounting on exterior

6. Any other input/advice

Thanks!
  • Would I mount it directly under center marker lamp (vertical surface) or under the shelf that is below the marker lamp (horizontal surface)? If on horizontal shelf it would be more protected from weather/rain.
  • Baja Man wrote:
    Does that mean that the marker lamps have a continuously hot wire or a wire that has 12V power all of the time?


    No.

    The camera will get power anytime the parking or headlights are ON, so you can select whether it's on or not in the day time. Then the receiver can be ON or OFF too. Of course both must be ON for it to work.

    As was said, mount it close to one of the red marker lights, below or beside, and make an extra hole in the base of the marker shell or in the siding immediately beside it.

    Calking/sealant made for an RV roof is probably best to finish the job.

    P.S. I don't trust glue OR screws by themselves and I use BOTH when mounting something like that.
  • Baja Man wrote:
    So, it appears that all rear view cameras will require at least two wires (pos and neg). How are these fished through from a marker light? Does that mean that the marker lamps have a continuously hot wire or a wire that has 12V power all of the time?

    My rear part of RV is a fiberglass/plastic section in its entirety. Would have to figure this one out in terms of how to get the power leads to camera
    (see pic).

    I hate to drill holes into the exterior of RV for fear of water penetration.....but what else can I do except as suggested (exterior) and I don't care for how that looks.


    Glue the camera under the center marker light and feed power from that same light. I have an Ebay wireless backup camera and it works great.
    Here is the link: Camera
    After you install it, seal the camera with clear sealant just in case. One of them got water in it.
  • So, it appears that all rear view cameras will require at least two wires (pos and neg). How are these fished through from a marker light? Does that mean that the marker lamps have a continuously hot wire or a wire that has 12V power all of the time?

    My rear part of RV is a fiberglass/plastic section in its entirety. Would have to figure this one out in terms of how to get the power leads to camera
    (see pic).

    I hate to drill holes into the exterior of RV for fear of water penetration.....but what else can I do except as suggested (exterior) and I don't care for how that looks.

  • Baja Man wrote:

    Is there a Bluetooth option where I don't have to drill a hole for a 12V power lead?


    Not sure what your asking but.....NO, bluetooth transmits the information (picture) not the power.

    Most folks get the power from a marker light close by so you can monitor your toad while going down the road if desired.

    About the only alternative to drilling at least one small hole is to run a wire along the surface.....and "pot" it with RTV.
  • Would like to install a back up camera soon. Going on a 600 mile one way trip towing my boat. Considering a Garmin with the option of a back up camera

    Garmin 660 LMT with BC 30 camera.....any thoughts advice on this set up?

    Where would I pull 12V power from in the rear? I would have to screw it into the fiberglass and drill a small hole for the 12V wire. Hate to do this if I don't have to.

    Is there a Bluetooth option where I don't have to drill a hole for a 12V power lead?

    Thanks!
  • b17drvr wrote:
    I wired it to the reverse lights for power.


    That won't work very good if you want to monitor the condition of your toad while going down the road. :S
  • The Garmin 760 RV Gps has a wireless camera (optional). I like mine. The picture is clear. I wired it to the reverse lights for power. I screwed mine into the exterior.