How many people have cameras on trailer

I do have a camera that I self-installed and it is a very valuable and useful safety item. It's on any time I am towing. I know some of the folks here say "check your mirrors", which I do constantly. But here is a fact for you: some of the idiots on the road behind you do 2 things (1) drive like they're hitched to your rear bumper so you can't always see them in your mirrors (2) they drive up on you so fast they're in your blind spot between the time you check your mirrors and begin changing lanes. I'd rather be safe. It's also a lot of help when backing into a campsite. BTW, I spent around $75 on my camera system. YouTube video where I got the idea (but my install is a lot cleaner): Inexpensive travel trailer camera

I just got my first one earlier this year and really like it. It os only used when backing into my spot. I see no use for it while driving, as I am fine without it.

I will occasionally turn it on if I have something on my rear receiver hitch to make sure it’s still there..

1ed wrote:
Just picked up new Rockwood Mini Lite 2109S and was thinking about adding a camera to the rear. Trailer is prewired so install would be easy. Just curious if this is a nice to have item or more of an essential item. Ed

Bought one before our first big trip. Would not be without it now. Works great to make sure you are far enough past a vehicle in the next lane before moving over. Not so much for backing.

I have one. It is nice, but not essential. I only use it on the rare occasions that DW is not with me.

our current TT came prewired with bracket so i installed one in about 15 minutes. had it not come with the pre stuff i doubt i would have done it myself. our TT is 37ft so it does help when backing in tight spots. also helps me not back over my wife when she is spotting me

jerryjay11 wrote:
An observation camera is like using a rear view mirror. I don't know of anyone that doesn't want to know what is directly behind them when traveling down the road. Knowing if someone is tailgating in your blind spot behind the TT can aid in preventing an accident. Can't tell you how many times, though my directional is on, that someone tailgating in the blind spot, decides to go around me just as I change lanes.

Now for backing up into a campsite. Let's just say my wife doesn't have to get out of the truck to spot me. Backing up with a camera is a marriage saver, and makes the camp trip less stressful for me...and the wife. You may need to practice a few times with a spotter to learn and gain confidence using it, but it is well worth the cost.

I agree with this. Sure you can live w/o it but it really makes life easier for both of these cases. Are your AC, radio, cruise control, automatic transmission, etc. really necessary?

We had a Garmin BC20 backup camera on our last TT and it was really useful because you could adjust the length, width and tilt of the guide lines. So it ended up representing our TT width exactly and reflecting exactly where you would go when you backed up. If you used a properly adjusted one, you’d be hooked.

I installed a camera this spring, the first time I have used a camera on a TT in 6 years of towing. I've found the camera useful but not necessary. My monitor is mounted low and out of my direct sight so it doesn't distract me. Backing up with the camera is a bit weird because I cannot see the trailer to use as a reference. I do like being able to see behind me on the interstate to make sure I'm not pulling out in front of someone coming up behind me fast.

An observation camera is like using a rear view mirror. I don't know of anyone that doesn't want to know what is directly behind them when traveling down the road. Knowing if someone is tailgating in your blind spot behind the TT can aid in preventing an accident. Can't tell you how many times, though my directional is on, that someone tailgating in the blind spot, decides to go around me just as I change lanes.

One time driving a Class B with my boat behind a driver attempted to change to the right lane to pass me as I was changing the the right lane after passing a slower moving vehicle. Of course my right signal was on, but it didn't seem to matter to this driver as he continued to pass, squeezing between me and the guard rail. So as I see it, an observation camera is very useful.

Now for backing up into a campsite. Let's just say my wife doesn't have to get out of the truck to spot me. Backing up with a camera is a marriage saver, and makes the camp trip less stressful for me...and the wife. You may need to practice a few times with a spotter to learn and gain confidence using it, but it is well worth the cost.

Best safety item you can have for towing. I had one on my trailer and it was nice to be able to see behind the trailer, no where cars were when passing and watching the bikes. It should be a required item just like rear view mirrors. Anyone that thinks hey are unnecessary has never had or used one.

i think the only time i could see it being useful is when i back into my parking spot at home. I usually see the fence move from the spare tire and pull forward a bit lol. My fence would appreciate a back up camera!