Forum Discussion

pjay9's avatar
pjay9
Explorer
Sep 15, 2014

Back-up cams

I have been reviewing many of the posts about the new wireless cams. As I have learned they all require power to fire up the camera and many have hooked them the the clearance lights...this is a good idea..you want cam turn on lights...VOILA!!!

Now here's another thought...my Lance was prewired for a wired back up cam system, which I know is not what the new technology is today. I can see using it not just for backing up but for passing other vehicles and just to make sure the boat is doing fine and also hooking up to the trailer single handed. Don't really want it on all the time.


So two ways to look at it: (I bet there will be more posting about that) 1. Find a wired system and install it, don't really fancy all the wire work in the truck to do this, but it can be done. I assume the viewer head would control the cam on-off function. 2. Use the wire harness to supply power to the cam, but then how do I turn it on and off from the cab?

Other thoughtful and provocative suggestions always welcome.
  • A basic rule of thumb for a "wireless" system is the closer the transmitter is to the monitor, the less chance for any interference. My Yada operates on 2.4GHz frequency. About the only time you will experience interference / picture quality is when you're in proximity of other devices operating on a same frequency. I eliminated interference completely by locating my transmitter closer to the monitor, even when I'm in my driveway at home.

    PS: My Yada also has night vision, It's clear as day, even at night.
  • I have a wired camera. One wire (cable) from the camera, down the ladder, under side of the TC overhang op to the front of the TC/bed of truck. A second wire from there to the truck sliding window, under the back and front seats up to the monitor. The monitor has one wire which plugs into the cigarette lighter. On the sliding window, I put a strip of foam insulation to close the gap. When I unload the TC, I unplug the single wire at the front of the TC/bed of truck. I really do not see how it could get easier than that.

    On my wife's Toyota, I had to disassemble the taillight, and run wires to the camera. Sounds simple, but it is easier to say than do. The monitor install is very similar to the truck. The reception has so much interference, inconstant picture, that she simply unplugged it from the lighter after less than a month. It would arbitrarily come on while we were driving down the road, no picture, just snow.

    The only way I would buy another wireless camera is if I had no other choice. It took me about 2 hours to install the wireless in the Toyota, and less than an hour in the TC with the wired camera.

    I use my camera all of the time. It works far better than my extended mirrors.
  • I have been using a Rear View Safety wireless setup. I have not experienced any interference on my 31' motorhome.

    I wired the camera into the clearance light wiring and the video monitor into an ignition hot wire.

    I used the same setup on my my TC for one trip and no interference there either.

    The monitor can handle up to 4 cameras.
  • I'm gonna install a hard wired camera. I've seen and chatted with a few wireless cam folks who really wish there was no interference etc. I think the big issue is where do you route the wires and do you drill another hole in the front of the cab for a quick disconnect? If you don't, the wiring will have to run outside and then you have to remember to connect and disconnect it for loading/unloading. Seems to me the cleanest install has a guy putting in another quick disconnect receptacle next to the one up front.
  • The simplest thing to do would be a "wireless" system. The transmitter could be mounted somewhere inside the Lance. From the transmitter, there are two leads, one to the camera & one to a power source. Your power source could be your headlights hot wire behind one of the tail light assemblies, if you don't mind your lights being on in the day time running down the highway. The monitor is connected to a 12 volt receptacle inside the truck & receives the feed from the transmitter / camera when the lights are on only.
  • If your pre wired then by all means use it! It'll be a more stable signal. Use an ignition feed for power so the cam comes on with the key.
  • pjay9 wrote:



    So two ways to look at it: (I bet there will be more posting about that) 1. Find a wired system and install it, don't really fancy all the wire work in the truck to do this, but it can be done. I assume the viewer head would control the cam on-off function. 2. Use the wire harness to supply power to the cam, but then how do I turn it on and off from the cab?


    Your questions are why some on here have opted to go with a wireless system. Mine works fine for what I need and how I tend to use it. I run with my lights on even during the day when I have the TC just for safety so my camera is always on. I control whether I want to see anything or not by switching the monitor on and off. Simple and easy.