Just a follow up on my Garmin BC-20 camera install. I received my 50'? BC 20 Extension cable. I attached cable to camera which I have mounted on the top rung of my rear ladder. I then ran the cable beneath the trailer to my front battery compartment. From their I fished the power cable in the 5'er overhang to the junction box for my 7 pin connector. I located the tail light wires and tapped into those wires for 12 volt power. The camera is powered when lights are turned on.
Next I fished the transmitter portion through a vent on the underside of the 5'er and and attached transmitter to front wall of fiver beneath over hang.
All connections are out of the weather in the battery compartment of my fiver or in the sealed 7 pin junction box.
The camera and transmitter are weather proof however the connections are not waterproof. THe connectors must be made/kept water tight and weatherproof by installer in the field. Luckily I was able to locate connections in interior of RV.
Initially I had transmitter at rear of 39" trailer and my reception in cab was erratic. The camera work occasionally but the signal was not strong/consistent and the rear camera view went in and out.
Now that I have the extension cable in place and have located the transmitter on the front wall of fiver everything is working well. My Garmin RV 760 LMt can display GPS screen or rear camera view with the press of a button in the corner of the GPS screen. You can toggle view back in forth by pressing camera icon.
After a test run to Lancaster this past weekend the system is works great.
I can vouch that the BC-20 camera system is a viable option for those interested in a back up camera
Normal cost of Garmin 760- 399.99 Cost of BC 20 149.99.
50' extension cable 29.99. Total cost 580.00 for GPS and back up camera (less tax shipping).
I was considering purchasing a voyager wireless camera system for $600.00+, however I was reluctant to pull the trigger.
Honestly I am not a big back up camera guy. I have no issues simply using my tow mirrors. I really not that interested in seeing what's directly behind me. In some ways I believe the rear camera can be a distraction and hinder the driver from seeing what is in front of him.
Another issue I had is I did not want another display on my dashboard.I did not want to add a rear camera monitor to the,GPS,tablet,cell phone and TPMS already displayed in my dash area.
The BC-20 wirelessly connect to my Garmin and requires no additional wires or display. I can activate and deactivate the camera as I need it. Toggling between GPS and camera is simple.
The cons of the BC-20 is it does not transmit sound and it does not work well in the dark.
Overall I am very satisfied with the performance of the BC -20. For anyone considering purchasing the unit . I give it 2 thumbs up!
Photos Below:
Camera Attached to ladder
Transmitter
Poor picture of GPS with rear camera view displayed. Actual display is much cleaner/clearer than shown in picture.
