rearview camera question

I have installed a cheep camera for backing the MH to hook up the boat and i also have a better one installed up high on the rear that acts as a rear view mirror while driving. both are hard wired to the dash mounted monitor and controlled with a two way switch. It was quite a job to get the 4 wires from the front to the rear but well worth the time in the quality of the picture.

How much you can expect from $20 wireless transmitter?
All back up cameras, beside back up wire that turns it on automatically when on reverse, also have manual switch that will turn it on when you push it.
Also don't expect too much from them. Small camera can be bought as low as $30 and will give you view of your bumper and trailer, but not much of traffic view.
I have wired camera with big LCD that clamps on rear view mirror.
Don't use it often, but put long wire and I activate it buy pushing plug into the lighter socket.
This way I can move it between TC and camper shell.

There is quite a lot to know about rear view cameras. Reading the forum posts can really get lots of bad/misinformation. There is a limit as to how useful an inexpensive camera can be. I have tried the wireless cameras from box stores. In never had a positive experience. Unless they have really improved the wireless cameras in the past year or so, I would not even consider one.

My suggestion is to call a store that sells RV Cameras. They sell many different Monitors and Cameras. A Monitor screen the size of a credit card is pretty much useless. You can put a non-night vision Camera in the useless box also. I have found there is a compromise with selecting a camera with a wide angle, and one that gives you distance. You need the balance. I want to see behind me on the highway, and also see my Samurai when towing.

My system does that, and cost between $300 and $400 in 2007. Mine is similar to 5.6" Color System with Audio & IR Night Vision. I can, and have, used two cameras with it. The monitor allows you to select. My system is on when the ignition key is on.

I purchased my camera from RV Cams - (877) 378-2267. They are great in educating you on the differences of various Monitors and Cameras. Very easy to talk to. If you do a search on RV Cams in RV.NET Forums, you will see many happy customers. I have had my system for over eight years. I would definitely buy from them again.

Wayne

On most of the wired versions, the wiring instructions tell you to wire it into the back up lighting circuit. They don't tell you, wiring into another circuit will give you a choice as to when the system is "on".

I've installed them on 3 - 4 of my vehicles. Depending on ease of getting at the wires, I have used auxiliary power outlet circuit, cigarette lighter circuit, running light circuit, and made a plug that will plug into the power outlets.

Currently I have camera systems installed in two trucks. One is setup with camera being on, any time the ignition switch is on. The other has a plug that I can plug into the lighter ("on" when truck is "on") or auxiliary power outlet, which is always on. I have forgotten to unplug it from the "always on" power outlet, left the truck sit for three days, and had no problem with dead battery.

It's pretty much, run the wires to the fuse box and select any circuit that suits your intended use, or wire it to a plug in harness (home made) and plug it into an outlet that suits your needs.

I wired trucks and camper's (TC and TT) individually. There are all kinds and sizes of CCTV cables and plugs on eBay and Amazon. I have cameras mounted on rear of truck camper, on rear of travel trailer, and one loose, that I use for hitching up trailers or loading the TC. My monitor is one that clips onto the rear view mirror. I bought the cameras, monitor, and cabling, individually. Couldn't find a kit that fit all my different uses.

They come with a +12v wire that you can connect to any +12v source: backup lite (for power ON in Reverse only), ACC position (for poewer ON when key is ON), marker lite circuit or head lite circuit (for power ON when lights are ON) or direct to the battery (for continuous ON).

Merry Christmas,
LeRoy

In my limited experience (one), they can be wired so power is always on (like mine) or only on when vehicle is in reverse. Mine also has a switch on the monitor to turn the camera on or off.
Can't imagine any legitimate seller not being able to supply complete specifications/instructions.

..looking also.

I was looking at the Garmin as I need a new Nav too. I have seen those cameras that tie into the rear view mirror, a sort of mini screen but not sure how it works. So looking forward to the replies for an always on system and using for the same reasons, small tow trailer and who's behind me not to mention backing up...
standing by thanks..