Side Cameras Question

I avoided drilling an additional hole by running the camera wire through the existing hole for the wires that power the adjustments and defrosting features of the side mirror. You do have to remove and re-install the mirror, so this may be more of a job than just drilling a hole, though.

I agree with DSDP Don that the side camera view should be independent of the rear view camera to maintain the image of your toad when passing. I have found that I don't rely on the side view camera much. Using the mirrors and the rear view camera works for me. However, having a second set of eyes in the passenger seat is the best viewing assistance that I've found!

Good luck with your project and maybe I'll see you down the road.

See if a 9V battery will power it and try different locations.

Fred, I like your idea and had actually thought about doing it that way as well - using longer wires for power and some double sided tape to find the best viewing location and angle for me. I am finishing up installing a Roadmaster base plate on my Cherokee today and will tackle the cameras tomorrow. Thanks. Ron S

Before mounting them, I would get some opinions on side cameras. My new coach came with them and I don't like them. When changing lanes, I like to see my toad (in the rear camera) and know when it has cleared the vehicle I'm passing. At the same time, I can look in my mirrors and see that the lane is clear to my right. The minute you turn the turn signal on, you lose the rear camera and the side cameras really don't give you good depth perception of the cars in the other lanes.

I think it depends on what area you want to see from your camera, and the capabilities of the camera also.

When I installed side camera's on the Holiday Rambler we had, I temporarily added longer wires to the camera so that I could try the camera in different locations, both high and mid-height on the coach. I used several strips of masking tape to hold the camera in the various temporary locations.

Before I began the process of trying various locations for the camera, I thought I wanted them high up on the front side of the coach. I finally determined that the front side at the level of the bottom of the windshield was best for me. Of course, this location that I used may not be be the best for you and/or cameras.

Fred

Recently saw a king air with the side cameras mounted 2/3rd way back on the side of the coach up near the roofline looking forward and down. Gives you a better view of your blind spot instead of the normal backwards view similar to what you see in your mirrors.

A lot depends on how you want to view the cameras. Mine come on when the turn signals are activated, but that requires a tie in to the signals. I mounted mine up by the rear view mirrors to give a wide angle of viewing.