Rear View Camera Question

This one works well. Good, strong signal always. Mine is about three years old. Apparently the newest model has a smaller monitor. I think this older, larger monitor is still available. I estimate that the distance from the camera to monitor is 40 ft. All I had to do was get power from the running lights to the camera.

https://youtu.be/0E42rZexdE0

https://youtu.be/lk0oxZ4A9EU

Moderator edit to re-size picture to forum limit of 640px maximum width.

I mount my wired camera inside the 5er and have it look out the rear window. I ran the wiring over to the circuit panel and then out through the main power access door, under the frame and up to the hitch.

I was going to put a wireless sender and receiver between the truck and hitch but it is easier to just unplug the wire when I unplug the pigtail and break-away cable.

I bought the camera from Harbor Freight. It uses 4 wire telephone wire and phone jack plugs so you can add/cut/splice to the wire by using any 4 wire telephone cable and jacks. You need to keep the wires in any splice or added jack in the same order as the original wire or your video will be going to the audio. Just pay attention to the wire colors and you will be fine.

We have a rear kitchen KZ TT and installed a Garmin backup camera. Absolutely no spot on the rear wall to mount it and penetrate the wall for the cable. I made a bracket/stand for it to sit on the bumper. Easy since I have a MIG welder tho. Could probably do with some wood and paint it black.

I ran the cable from the bumper to under where the pantry is and where there was already some wire routed up a hole in the floor. I peeled away the luan on the inside of the pantry to gain access to the wall cavity (adjacent to counter) and ran the wire up into the ceiling space. Interestingly, the Garmin cable from the camera is only a few feet long and ends up outside and the connector/plug is not water proof so had to use some heat shrink tubing on it.

I ran the cable all the way from the rear of our TT to the cabinet above the bed via the ceiling cavity. To do this, take down speakers, AC trim, skylight trim, etc. to gain access to the cavity. If you have the older type pancake style lights, you can enlarge the hole behind it. Use a fish tape to get the wire between access points. Sometimes a slightly bent wire coat hanger helps to get around some obstacles. May take some patience to get it done.

Note that you will need a positive power source off the 7-pin connector at the TV for power when backing up. At least that's what our Garmin needed otherwise the GPS screen would not display and would always been in backup camera mode. Also, the camera doesn't need to be up high.

For all the work and expense to install the camera, I can't say I'm in love with it. Most of the time DW is with me and she spots for me when I need to back up. The image on the screen isn't all that clear but does work well enough - just. I have yet to fiddle with the transmitter above the bed to see if that does anything. Every once in a while, the camera image won't appear on the screen for some reason. Not sure if it's an issue in the truck, the 7-pin connector or something else.

Perhaps before you go to all the effort to route the wiring through the trailer somehow, do a mockup and lay the wiring on the ground and see how the image looks.

I installed a wired camera system from Rear View Safety on my TT but ran the wire from the camera across the top edge of camper, down the side and along the underbelly to the front of the camper. To secure the wire which is about as thick as Coaxial cable, I used plastic Coaxial cable ties and screwed them in to the edge molding and then used Geocel caulk to match the molding. In my Tow vehicle, I ran the wiring under the dash, then under the molding on the floor at the door, and out through a hole that pre-existed to get outside. Then under the truck to the rear bumper where I mounted the plug to attach the camera wire. To secure the wiring under the truck, I used long Zip ties that went around the frame.

Everything worked fine but a year later when I bought a new truck, I opted not to use the rear camera and took everything off the camper, replaced the edge molding and covered the hole in the aluminum siding where the camera had been mounted with a reflector. To be honest, It didn't offer me much help and I sold the camera system. Vehicles that are directly behind me I can still see with my extended side view mirrors provided they aren't tailgating. What's important to see is who is along side of you if you want/need to switch lanes.

Rear view cameras are nice in theory but how many tractor trailers do you see with a rear camera? I don't think I've ever seen one.

Also, if you're thinking about installing a camera to help back up into campsites, just practice more and take your time. If you get nervous or worried you're going to hit something, don't be afraid to stop and get out and walk back to take a look and then adjust accordingly. I have rarely seen any camper whether a newbie or a seasoned camper back in and not have to make some adjustment.

I have a ladder on the back of my trailer.

Mounted the camera on the ladder.

Run cable down the back of trailer then along the frame to the front.

5th wheel trailer drilled hole into basement then routed to the pin box.

I used the center conductor of the 7way plug to get video into the truck.

The center conductor was connected to my backup lights just disconnected at the 7way socket at truck then routed a cable to dash are of truck.

I bought a camera and monitor from Amazon then got an extension. Hose clamped the camera to my back RV ladder and ran the wires down and under the 5th wheel. Then came up through the front storage and into my king pin. From there I have the plug at my back door near the cab and into the back door. All I have to do to unhook is unplug and roll the excess wire into the king pin opening for storage. My monitor has a cig lighter on/off switch. Total cost was about $60 for a wired system and no drilling.

wire or wireless, still requires drilling holes.. and fishing wires in walls.

I have a Garmin GPS with extension cable with BC30 rear camera.. transmitter is under the propane tank cover.

If you're not pre-wired, the easiest would be a wireless system. You may need a repeater in the front of the TT to reach the cab without interference.

Reviews here.

I prefer a wireless myself. Less connections to have issues. I have a Furrion that Santa brought me. Works quite well.

tnscoutr wrote:
My preference is a wired system,

Why ? I thought that at first too.

But then found out that the wireless systems work just as good AND are a LOT easier to install AND you don't have to have the display end permanently (or even semi-permanently) mounted.

MUCH more convenient, IMHO.