Are camera systems worth the time, money and effort? I have some trouble estimating the length of the trailer when changing lanes. Luckily, only managed to receive the "one finger salute" once and I swear he tried to gun it to cut me off. I've towed my current camper about 5000 miles to date but am upgrading and adding another 5 feet of length to 39 feet. I have no troubles backing, just changing lanes on the freeway and am concerned that the extra 5 feet will make it harder to judge clearance. Any other "tricks" or suggestions? Anyone use a camera system on their trailer and would you again?

There is a lot of time during the day when you can use ether his shadow or yours.

I wrote a much more comprehensive reply to your above post but lost it because my Internet connection here went down. :(To me it is worth it, but opinions may vary here since "worth" is subjective - what may be worthy to some may be worthless to others.If you are concerned with safety of yourself AND others on the road that we all share then it must be worthy. I have been looking at systems for some time now and the biggest hang-up on the deal is how/where to mount the moniitor so that it does not attract the bottom-feeders who like to smash and grab. Thinking of a 2-camera wireless system - one camera for the rear of the truck and the other for the rear of the RV. Considering the options at tadibothers.com.

Shadows work for us. Only time it doesn't work is noon and then only on NS roads.

I realize my perspective is that of a motorhome driver - but the principles should carry over. What I do is using side mirrors - there is a magnification in lower, smaller section of mirrors. This lower section tells me " if I see a car there, I am safe to change lane. The back up camera ( 3 camera ? tells me the same supporting information, before I change lanes. Turn signals activate side camera - showing side along motorhome. I practiced in a parking lot where everything showed up either on camera or in mirrors and this has helped reduce Salutes. Some folks still will steal what you think is available space before you can occupy that space. Abundance of caution says practice all of the above and develope your own style. Hope this is helpful, happy camping.

I have a hardwired camera, mounted on rear of the trailer, and a monitor that clips on the rear view mirror. For changing lanes, I can see that all is clear. Only problem is, some drivers seem to think a flashing turn signal means, that is the side you want them to passed on, especially if it is on the right side.

Camera systems | Good Sam Community

stugpanzer
Explorer
Jul 16, 2014
I run with a Dashcam in my car (forward facing) as My dad and my son both had scams attempted on them. I decided I needed one for that. In the RV, I use my Mobius Action Camera as a forward facing dash camera.
SplinterFL
Explorer
Jul 16, 2014
Great topic.
I've been looking in to this myself, I need to add a cam to my trucks bumper for backing up to find the hitch and wanted to put a cam on the back of the trailer for backing it in to spaces. (and not running over stray kids when backing, lol)

Then I remembered something on TV, all the buses here are outfitted with cams. (they get hit often) and was thinking of getting a mini security DVR which constantly records. (they are 12v after all, as are the cams.) We get a lot of tourists here, who seem to have broken turn signals and brake lights. Needless to say, there are a lot of accidents daily in the Disney heck area. (but we do see free fireworks everynight, just 10 miles away.)

I'd add a forward facing cam behind the mirror and let the DVR record just in case. (video is the best evidence of what happens on the road, lol) I didn't think of adding some on either side for blind spot (until this topic), but thats a simple matter connect the autoswitch to the turnsignal...when the signal goes on, the monitor shows that side.

Is it worth it, prob not... Would I use it, maybe only for backing which is the purpose. I like the blind spot idea, just incase it's a bad angle and the mirror can't see it. But I do like the idea of having a recording, espessialy if hit by a tourist with no insurance. (locals pay double to have un-insured insurance) Or if an accident happens in front me. It's toy, but so are heated seats and a radio.
stugpanzer
Explorer
Jul 16, 2014
I used to have one on my TT and loved it. With that said....both with my TT and now with my Class A, I signal well ahead of when I need to turn or change lanes. That allows the people that want to gun it and pass me to do so and usually keeps the others back until I am done turning or lane changing.
Lantley
Nomad
Jul 16, 2014
I have a Garmin GPS and a Garmin BC-20 camera that displays on the GPS screen. NO additional monitor needed.
Works well but honestly I seldom use it. The camera is worthwhile when backing up however when traveling forward I can get all the views I need via my mirrors. Cameras are for amateurs and are really not necessary.
MontanaCamper
Explorer
Jul 16, 2014
Unicorn1108 wrote:
I'm curious too, which brand of camera Montana is using. Looking at the camera on the back of the truck, can you see the lanes on both sides of the trailer?

Bob

tried to send you a PM, but I can't, not on your buddy list... has all the info on the camera and monitor I use and sent the other members on this thread.

As for the camera at the back of the truck and the lanes on either side of the trailer, the answer is no. you see just about the width of the tongue connecting to the trailer, maybe a little more.

try this vid I made.

http://youtu.be/5LbMEBTDJxM

dodge guy wrote:
You can shop on Amazon for a cheap camera $20-$30 and a decent size monitor maybe between $75 and $100. comes with all the connections you need, the only thing you would need is a longer video cable and extending the power wires. very easy to do.

Yep, just what I did.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Jul 16, 2014
I have an older VR3 wired camera I got from Pep Boys years ago. I extended the cable and mounted the camera on the back of the trailer. I mounted the monitor next to my rear view mirror. the connection is just inside the barn doors. I have it hooked up so I can turn it on and it stays on. I use it as a rear view monitor. the screen is tiny, but it beats not seeing anything at all. I can see when I pass a truck and then can safely change lanes. I think I paid $75 for it.

You can shop on Amazon for a cheap camera $20-$30 and a decent size monitor maybe between $75 and $100. comes with all the connections you need, the only thing you would need is a longer video cable and extending the power wires. very easy to do.
Unicorn1108
Explorer
Jul 15, 2014
I'm curious too, which brand of camera Montana is using. Looking at the camera on the back of the truck, can you see the lanes on both sides of the trailer?

Bob
MontanaCamper
Explorer
Apr 14, 2014
you bet...if you have any questions, let me know
westend
Explorer
Apr 13, 2014
MontanaCamper wrote:
westend wrote:
MontanaCamper wrote:
have a camera on the rear of my truck and a camera on the rear of my trailer. The 7" monitor has a dual input on it so I can switch back and forth. cameras are hardwired.
What brand or type of camera gear do you have, Montana? I'm curious because I'm looking for the same setup for my rig.
TIA

Sent you a PM

Thanks a bunch!
MontanaCamper
Explorer
Apr 13, 2014
westend wrote:
MontanaCamper wrote:
have a camera on the rear of my truck and a camera on the rear of my trailer. The 7" monitor has a dual input on it so I can switch back and forth. cameras are hardwired.
What brand or type of camera gear do you have, Montana? I'm curious because I'm looking for the same setup for my rig.
TIA

Sent you a PM

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