Rear View Camera vs Backup Camera

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

They're all one in the same, as far as I know.
Mine comes on when in reverse, but if you manually turn it on, which I always do, then it's on all the time.

Not all backup cameras are to be used as observation cameras. Some are not designed to be left on for extended times or the camera with burn out.

Another vote for a switch. I mounted the switch on the base of the driver’s seat so I can conveniently reach it to power the camera and monitor. My first camera was designed for a license plate mount but I soon put it on the inside of our class C looking through the top of the rear window, adjusted so I can just see the hitch on the kayak trailer and most of a campsite when backing in. I can safely back up to well within a foot of the trailer or a tree. With the camera angled about 45 degrees down the horizontal distance is easy to judge. I can keep good watch on the kayaks on the highway.

On our first trip with the camera we actually used it when camped in a remote campsite On the Grande Cache highway in Alberta. A few inches of snow on the ground making it easy to see a fox visiting our site without scaring it away.

No switch is needed; simply power it off of a wire that is hot with the ignition rather than from the backup lights.

Mine comes on in reverse, but has a manual switch on the monitor that turns it on constantly. That's how I use it.

4x4van wrote:
No switch is needed; simply power it off of a wire that is hot with the ignition rather than from the backup lights.

Mine comes on in reverse, but has a manual switch on the monitor that turns it on constantly. That's how I use it.

How would I connect it to that wire?

Thanks!

When I installed my camera for my backup monitor I actuated it with power from the backup light circuit with a .5 amp resistor in line. I also ran a 12v feed down stream from the resistor, with a switch that I can power the camera at any time. It does not backfeed the backup light circuit. I have a GPS that I also use as the monitor.

rwgeiser wrote:
When I installed my camera for my backup monitor I actuated it with power from the backup light circuit with a .5 amp resistor in line. I also ran a 12v feed down stream from the resistor, with a switch that I can power the camera at any time. It does not backfeed the backup light circuit. I have a GPS that I also use as the monitor.

I believe you mean a diode, not a resistor.

Like Tropical36, my rear camera monitor is wired to come on in reverse unless I turn it on manually where it stays on. Once I turn it on, it remembers that setting the next time I start the engine until I turn it off. I installed two rear cameras that I can select at the monitor, one aimed low that lets me see from the motorhome rear bumper back about 20 feet, and the other aimed high enough to see back down the road. The low camera is handy for backing into tight sites as well as checking on my toad hookup while under way.

sailmike1 wrote:

4x4van wrote:
No switch is needed; simply power it off of a wire that is hot with the ignition rather than from the backup lights.

Mine comes on in reverse, but has a manual switch on the monitor that turns it on constantly. That's how I use it.

How would I connect it to that wire?

Thanks!

Depends on the unit. If the unit you purchase has only one wire for powering the camera/monitor, you use a wire that is hot when the ignition is turned on instead of the backup light wire.

All I can do is tell you about mine
By default it is a "Back up camera"
but there is a button (4 or 5 of them)
The top button is POWER and if I press it. it's a rear view camera
The next button is A/B and if I press it.. Well the side view camera is not currently working (It's under the gas cap to help me line up on a pump. got to fix it one of these days)

I am thinking about the RV-360 system

https://www.rearviewsafety.com/hd-360-camera-system-with-built-in-dvr-rvs-77555.html

But have yet to make the purchase