Forum Discussion

speediq99's avatar
speediq99
Explorer II
Feb 10, 2021

Rv security camera

Any recommendation on inexpensive security camera for outside a trailer? We will be visiting spots with no wifi so a camera that can operate with and w/o wifi would be great. A few other requirements

- Battery operated
- Outdoors
- Night vision
- Phone accessible if possible without wifi

My uses: security, determent, wildlife viewing around campsite.

Thank you
  • Tossing camera idea out.
    I agree. I was mostly curious about wildlife around the camper at night.
    I just hope they hang around the backup camera :-)

    Thank you for all the feedback.
  • I can agree that I am over due for a camping trip. Hopefully I can get away in 2-3 weeks. When I do I won't have any cameras to capture the images of the boogeyman, Bigfoot, or Bambi. I'll let the RV.net security/nature team take care of monitoring the perimeter.;)

    My biggest worry will be making sure the cooler is cold, the grill is hot and the firewood is dry. :B
  • Lantley wrote:
    No thanks. I prefer to be worry free. I 'm not really concerned as to who or what maybe lurking outside of my RV.
    Maybe you are overdue for a camping trip? Seems like you are worried and conserned about a thread and topic that you claim does not worry or consern you.
  • One of the reasons I go camping is to escape the rat race.
    Installing cameras amounts to bringing the worries and burdens of the rat race with me.
    No thanks. I prefer to be worry free. I 'm not really concerned as to who or what maybe lurking outside of my RV.
    I'm not naïve enough to believe bad guys don't exist. But if a bad guy shows up I'll deal with it then.
    In the meantime I don't need to worry or create any imaginary scenarios that require a camera to give me peace of mind.
    Currently I have no issues escaping the rat race no cameras required.
  • BFL13 wrote:
    Not clear what security you get from a camera. It would be useful to solve the crime afterwards, but how can it prevent anything? You can't monitor it all the time.
    Depends on your lifestyle. I have my cell phone near me at all times and can determine in 5 seconds what the camera just saw.
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    BFL13 wrote:
    Not clear what security you get from a camera. It would be useful to solve the crime afterwards, but how can it prevent anything? You can't monitor it all the time.

    If you have one outside and it is well-lit so the bad guys can see they are being filmed, that might help, or they can just knock it out while wearing their bandito masks.

    ISTR a Marlin Brando movie where a bunch of motorcycle hoodlums terrorized some people in a truck camper. (Vague on that!) I doubt having a security camera would have done them any good!

    EDIT it was "The Wild One" 1953. Haven't found a link to the truck camper scene.


    Maybe it will become something they can share with grand kids in 2050?
  • Not clear what security you get from a camera. It would be useful to solve the crime afterwards, but how can it prevent anything? You can't monitor it all the time.

    If you have one outside and it is well-lit so the bad guys can see they are being filmed, that might help, or they can just knock it out while wearing their bandito masks.

    ISTR a Marlin Brando movie where a bunch of motorcycle hoodlums terrorized some people in a truck camper. (Vague on that!) I doubt having a security camera would have done them any good!

    EDIT it was "The Wild One" 1953. Haven't found a link to the truck camper scene.
  • Not inexpensive, but you might try Rearviewsafety.com for all your other needs.

    They sell back up camera systems for commercial and non commercial vehicles and RV's that have multiple cameras.

    They also have compact DC powered DVR's available that use both hardwired and wifi cameras. You can connect or link from 4 to 8 cameras. They use 1TB and 2TB Western Digital hard drives and also use SD cards. I believe they can be connected via cable to a lap top or computer.

    I haven't fully looked into them, but will be checking them out closer as I get closer to becoming a single full time nomad. Besides considering using them for a trailer backup and security system, I will also have them installed in my tow vehicle for security incase of any bad encounters on the road.
  • Does it 100% have to be battery operated? Because on a trailer you have the benefit of most likely having a large 12v battery. A lot of the cameras are 5v USB powered which is easy to get from your trailer battery.

    Negative to the battery powered cameras is to save on battery life they often have short recording periods. I have not looked around for over a year. But very happy with my Wyze cams. Have had 2 on my toyhauler for a couple years now. Lasted in snow and rain. I do have the outdoor covers and i squirt dielectric grease into the connections.

    If you can somehow get wifi to your trailer then it makes for a better experiece being able to check the cameras while away.
  • I recently installed a 4 camera wired system from Amazon since the 3 camera system on our Class A had seen better days. Since I installed it without interaction from the ignition system and powered directly from our battery bank I can have it on whenever I choose. Amazon had a plethora of wired and wireless cameras for virtually every type of vehicle or scenario, ours came with a remote and 9" screen to toggle or view all cameras simultaneously.

    Went with wired since we have a 40' rig and didn't want to have signal issues although some of the higher-end wireless models have a transmitter extender that helps to alleviate this situation. Our system also records videos from all cameras at the same time and can accept SD memory cards for added storage, I have never had a need or desire to view any of the footage. Indeed it would be great security, have not been compelled thus far to utilize it as such.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,201 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 19, 2025