I'm doing a restoration of a vintage truck camper. I'm at the point of replacing the rear running lights with LED's. I want to add a back up camera. I believe I have two options. One is add a back up camera to the camper and power it by the center running light. Obviously this would be a dedicated camera as it would be hard mounted to the camper. Good viewing angle being installed up high. Second option is to use a license plate back up camera. This has merit because I can use on the truck or the camper. I would have a power pigtail on the truck and the camper with a slip connector. So two license plates screws and a slip in power and done. Viewing angle obviously is much lower but the convenience of being able to use on both vehicles is a plus. In either case I'm going to use wireless. So what do you guys/gals think ? If I go with the camper mount I need to run the pigtail when I replace the lights. I'm probably a year plus away from having the rig complete but I'll be replacing the lights in the next two weeks. Any advice is appreciated.

My vote would be for the "above the door" view. Gives me, at least, a much better look at the surroundings.-Joe

You definitely want the rear camera up high and pointing down at a sharp angle. This reduces the screen flare up of approaching headlights.Also on your LED lights replacement for your stop and running lights on the rear. make sure they are DOT approved as some LED fixtures and LENS are not and do not have the needed DOT stamp on the lens.This will cause you to fail a State safety inspection and will have to be removed.Just a couple of pointers to look out fo...Roy Ken

Sure glad we don't have "safety" inspections up here.....I've got two of these cameras....and am opting for, both.I'm still intimidated by running the wires inside the camper....I bought a wireless system, but was unimpressed, so haven't finished the install.One of these days I'll get around to mounting the cameras.....

I have been researching a new double din head unit with nav and backup camera. In talking to four different installers, to a man they say avoid the wireless camera. They don't even stock them anymore.No personal experience.

Ive been using a wireless system for over 4 years. It works great. I run 2 cameras off the same system. One is mounted above the door giving me a nice view of whats behind the TC. The other one is mounted on the roof top for when I need to see roof top clearance issues. Wireless systems are like anything else....buy cheap and you get cheap.

back up camera questions | Good Sam Community

moomps
Explorer
Jun 27, 2014
I just installed a wireless camera and monitor on my TC and I am very pleased with the way it turned out. Yeah - it flickers a little, but I have it set up so the camera is powered by the running lights on the TC and it works fine, even on the highway. The set up was easy - just a couple power and ground wires to hook up and no snaking wires thru the truck and the camper. And, I didn't have to splice the wire so that I could unhook the TC when I take it off. It's not perfect, but I'm very satisfied. Also - I mounted the camera high on the TC so it shows a wide view behind me.
Reddog1
Explorer II
Jun 27, 2014
I have had both and a wireless setup. The license plate setup sucked. Very limited on what you can see. Wireless required more wires than the wired ubit, and constantly frashed on and off. It was much worse than any camera I have had.

I finely went to a camera that had a 5-wire cable (about 1/4" in diameter) that went from the camera to the back window if the truck. It coupled to a second cable that went inside the truck to the monitor. This coupling allows me to disconnect the cable between the truck and TC. The camera is the hard of the system. You can choose distance, wide angle, infrared, and combination of each. I found you must mount the camera below the TC clearance light, or the light will drastically interfere with the infrared. I can see all of my Samurai and most of the tow bar, and also see about 1/4 mile (or more) behind me in total darkness.

Wayne
kerry4951
Explorer
Jun 27, 2014
Ive been using a wireless system for over 4 years. It works great. I run 2 cameras off the same system. One is mounted above the door giving me a nice view of whats behind the TC. The other one is mounted on the roof top for when I need to see roof top clearance issues. Wireless systems are like anything else....buy cheap and you get cheap.
rottidawg
Explorer
Jun 27, 2014
I have been researching a new double din head unit with nav and backup camera. In talking to four different installers, to a man they say avoid the wireless camera. They don't even stock them anymore.

No personal experience.
AKSuperDually
Explorer
Jun 27, 2014
Sure glad we don't have "safety" inspections up here.....

I've got two of these cameras....and am opting for, both.

I'm still intimidated by running the wires inside the camper....I bought a wireless system, but was unimpressed, so haven't finished the install.

One of these days I'll get around to mounting the cameras.....
RoyB
Explorer II
Jun 27, 2014
You definitely want the rear camera up high and pointing down at a sharp angle. This reduces the screen flare up of approaching headlights.

Also on your LED lights replacement for your stop and running lights on the rear. make sure they are DOT approved as some LED fixtures and LENS are not and do not have the needed DOT stamp on the lens.

This will cause you to fail a State safety inspection and will have to be removed.

Just a couple of pointers to look out fo...

Roy Ken
Powelligator
Explorer
Jun 27, 2014
My vote would be for the "above the door" view. Gives me, at least, a much better look at the surroundings.

-Joe

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