Forum Discussion

BFL13's avatar
BFL13
Explorer II
Nov 22, 2020

Rear View Camera - UPDATE-

Updates 5 Jan 21, 8 Jan, Booster idea 11 Jan,
New camera -now one for each RV -26 July.

If this is supposed to be in the technology section, the Moderators can sort it all out :)

Anyway we can't see out the back of the truck camper and only out half the back window in the Class C while driving. Apparently you can get a dash camera or maybe a back-up camera that has a display unit with it, and hang that from your rear view mirror. True?

It might even be possible to use your cell phone somehow as the display, but in BC you will be arrested and locked away for life for using a cell phone while driving, so I don't know abut that! No idea if they would consider the display on the mirror as a "distraction" either.

What is the real story, and if true (whichever part), how do you rig it up? Thanks.

50 Replies

  • The problem will be moving the camera. It is mounted to the rear of the camper. So while you can remove the screen you have to mount and hook up the camera. When traveling the cheaper ones will freeze up and occasionally glutch out on you. For me its not a big deal. Yes , if the wireless sensors are out of range they will not work.
  • guidry wrote:
    PM me if you want a list of what I had a camera mounted on the back of my TC and a monitor with removable wire. All bought off Amazon.


    Thanks very much, but I think I want a wireless one. I want to be able to shift it over between the TC and the Class C easily.

    This one is on sale locally, would it be any good? I see you connect it to your reverse light. To have it on while driving, would any 12v source work instead?

    https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/type-s-backup-camera-with-distanceaudio-alert-5-in-0350160p.html#srp

    (In US dollars that would be about 3/4 of what it costs in Can money)

    It seems to be similar to what is in our car with the lines and the beeping.

    It says its range is 10m (30 ft and a bit) so the Class C is almost that long. Would it work from the back of the C to the dash?

    It says it has a 5" display and also says 3.5" screen size. What does that mean?

    I just want a live picture out the back while driving (including while backing up). I see some of these have "loops" and they record. Don't think I need that.

    It says to mount it by your licence plate. Would it be easy for somebody to steal?

    Comments please!

    (They have one for a bit more (not on sale) that has wires. Not sure if enough wire or how I would route a wire.)

    https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/reload-wired-backup-camera-with-parking-assist-system-pas-4-3-in-0354065p.html#srp
  • I have a 2018 Ram 3500 with a factory backup camera in the tailgate. Of course, when I remove the tailgate and install my truck camper I have lost visibility. It seems that all I should need is a replacement camera and a wiring harness to install a backup camera on the back of my camper. I have looked and looked in vain. I cannot find anything that would work short of buying a whole new aftermarket system that would require a separate monitor.
  • PM me if you want a list of what I had a camera mounted on the back of my TC and a monitor with removable wire. All bought off Amazon.
  • BC seems to be an officious place, so they may get silly....

    Pretty much all new cars have review cameras, so logically it would be a reach to claim you couldn't use an after market version.

    But really, going down the road, I rarely need to see what's directly behind me and I can usually use other info to figure it out (such as watch for shadows of vehicles tailgating). But honestly, cars following closely are largely out of my control.

    Where it's useful is backing up...then one of us gets out and goes back to act as a guide which provides even better visibility than a camera could.
  • Security camera would work great and serve dual purpose. Getting a display that is not your cellphone shouldnt be too difficult. Just needs to run the app.

    Depending where you camp some of your early morning joys might be to see what furry critters visited during the night.
  • It may not be the prettiest but Quicksilver has a 14" convex mirror on the passenger side and a 9" job on the driver's side. In México I have to plant the rear dual axle outside tires right on the bitter edge of the pavement. This minimizes the risk of losing the driver's side mirrors to a oncoming 53' flatbed hauling rebar (varilla) from the steel mill in Lazaro to Manzanillo. I have very bright amber LEDs for the daytime as I never drive after Sundown. Trucker's multi cameras and flat screens are pricey
  • My wired rear camera is powered from the acc, its on all the time, has its own 7" monitor and its clear as a bell. I still don't know what the problem or question is.
  • Hate to say it, but when driving get used to the side mirrors. I rarely ever use my rear window mirror. Just habit. If you want a camera, hook it up to you running lights. When you put them on it will power the rear camera. Some are better then others. So if you want something nice and clear, its costly. I have my backup camera set up this way. Its good for lane changes if needed. Mine is wireless and goes to its own screen in the TV. Some you can intergrate with the TV screen if you have one.

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