Rear View Camera vs Backup Camera

:) Hi, instead of connecting my back up camera to my back up lights, or tail lights, I have mine connected directly to my battery. So my camera is on all of the time. Mine is part of my GPS so I can toggle between the camera and the maps. I have a two wire connecter from my batteries for my Battery Tender; I use this same connecter for my back up camera. I only plug it in when I'm towing and un plug it when parked.

The term is used interchangeably. A backup camera can be a rear view camera and a rear view camera can be a backup camera. There are some more suited for use as a standard rear view camera while others may have features that makes them more suited for use as a backup camera.

To make a camera/monitor a backup camera, they are usually hooked to the backup lights for power. To make them a rear view system, it's hooked to a power source that is active all the time.

If you want that rear view feel, get a monitor that is based on a rear view mirror.

Thank you guys!

sailmike1 wrote:
I'd just like some clarification on this topic. Every time I do a search for a rear view camera, I get a list of backup camera's. I'm looking for a camera and monitor that's on all the time, not just for backing up my vehicle. I can't find any information to clarify this.

Are all backup camera's only for backing up?
How do I find one to replace the rear view mirror to use for normal driving?

Thanks,
Puzzled

you can also use the term "RV Observation" camera system.
my system can be used either way. i simply didn't use the backup wire.

As has been said, don't connect it to the backup lights. Install a switch to turn it on when needed. Some back up cameras also can be set up for use all the time.

dodge guy wrote:
As has been said, don't connect it to the backup lights. Install a switch to turn it on when needed. Some back up cameras also can be set up for use all the time.

I mounted a toggle switch next to my front landing gear control to power my wireless camera for the gps.

My fiver came prewired for a backup/rear view/observation Camera.. It gets it's power from the clearance lights..

If I want to use the camera, I just need to flip the clearance light on.

I can use it at anytime, when I have the bikes on the back, I will flip them on here and there to take a look at the bikes

I have my camera power connected to the power for my (rear) bathroom fan. Installed a switch with a indicator led. S4 I can tell if I left it on to long.

Get one that can be used as an observation system. Makes driving much easier when you can see behind you. Lane changes are easier and safer.

I second the idea of powering it from the clearance lights. A wire is already in the area, you don't need to mount an additional switch, the camera isn't on all the time, and it is easy enough to turn on when you want it by merely turning on the parking lights. My Airstream come with a rear view camera powered exactly that way.