Backup camera

[dennislanier]

Looking for any suggestions on a new backup camera system for my Class C. I would prefer a wireless with a visor mounted monitor. I did a search and found conflicting information regarding reception etc for wireless systems. I really want something I can install myself without re-doing all the wiring etc like my present system which is 11 years old. I have checked the fuses and wiring connections I can get do and do not find any problems but the monitor does not show any picture at all, although it is getting 12 volts. Any help appreciated.

[burlmart]

martha is sole driver for our 22' rig. we have a fisheye lens in the rear bath window (where it sounds like a camera could also be placed) along w/ two outside mirrors. how much rear viewing visibility benefit does such a device provide? i don;t think she has ever used one in a vehicle.

[DaHose]

I could have just put it on the license plate and run it off the fuel pump power, but higher is better. I have it temporary on the ladder. Final location will be even higher and centered.

Power for the camera was pulled from the 12V that supplied my old 3-way fridge and it's grounded to a screw on the bumper. I will use the same power feed when I pass the wires to inside the coach. It will run around the inside of the cabinets and there is a good ground there as well.

The display is powered by the cigarette lighter circuit off the inner fuse box. There was already a spade lug that comes off of the fuse (on the fused side). Ground is attached to a trim screw under the dash.

Jose

[dennislanier]

Cobra21 wrote:
I have the same camera. With a window in the back of the motorhome I sawed off one of the license plate ends and used the other side to screw it to my window bracket on the inside of motorhome. The camera is on the inside shooting through the window and works very well.

Brian

Sounds like a great idea. I would definitely consider something like this.

[Kit_Carson]

DaHose wrote:
I bought everything I needed for wireless off Amazon. Now I have a full time rear view camera and I love it. Total was something like $70 and install was easy.

Jose

Interested in how easy the install was.

[Kit_Carson]

DaHose wrote:
I bought everything I needed for wireless off Amazon. Now I have a full time rear view camera and I love it. Total was something like $70 and install was easy. Interested in just how easy the install is.

Jose

[Cobra21]

I have the same camera. With a window in the back of the motorhome I sawed off one of the license plate ends and used the other side to screw it to my window bracket on the inside of motorhome. The camera is on the inside shooting through the window and works very well.

Brian

[dennislanier]

DaHose wrote:
Sure I can give some more details.

Here is the camera I bought for $21, although I found mine for $14 delivered.
Rear view camera

Here is a screen just like what I bought. I used the flat mount and some outdoor adhesive foam tape to stick it directly to the dash.

5" lcd screen


Here is a wireless transmitter/receiver just like what I bought.

2.4 Ghz wireless kit

I am ashamed to admit I left the transmitter exposed all winter, but it has survived the rains like a champ. I plan to drill a hole in the rear of the coach so I can put the transmitter inside. It will help it stay dry and perhaps improve performance. As I said before, it is on at all times, giving me a good rear view.

Jose

Thanks very much. Do you use the camera as a "license plate" camera or remove it and mount it higher up? Sorry for all the questions but I am trying to decide the easiest way to go with this.

[DaHose]

Sure I can give some more details.

Here is the camera I bought for $21, although I found mine for $14 delivered.
Rear view camera

Here is a screen just like what I bought. I used the flat mount and some outdoor adhesive foam tape to stick it directly to the dash.

5" lcd screen


Here is a wireless transmitter/receiver just like what I bought.

2.4 Ghz wireless kit

I am ashamed to admit I left the transmitter exposed all winter, but it has survived the rains like a champ. I plan to drill a hole in the rear of the coach so I can put the transmitter inside. It will help it stay dry and perhaps improve performance. As I said before, it is on at all times, giving me a good rear view.

Jose

[dennislanier]

DaHose wrote:
I bought everything I needed for wireless off Amazon. Now I have a full time rear view camera and I love it. Total was something like $70 and install was easy.

Jose

Thanks Jose. Could you provide more details like brand name etc.?

[DaHose]

I bought everything I needed for wireless off Amazon. Now I have a full time rear view camera and I love it. Total was something like $70 and install was easy.

Jose

[brwesi]

I would look at checking for a bad camera. You can get a replacement from Amazon pretty cheap. I prefer hard wired systems, no batteries and no interference.

[alliemac9]

I bought a wireless backup camera from Costco (Digital Wireless Backup Camera with 4.3" LCD Screen by Rear View Safety). My wants were slightly different than yours, but maybe my experience can help with your wireless questions...

I wanted the screen to be in the backup mirror like my daily driver at the time. I thought that was a nice implementation without an extra screen to place and/or advertise electronics in the vehicle. So, that was one primary basis for my choice of system.

I wanted wireless so I didn't have to hassle with wiring, as our coach was not pre-wired. I figured since the coach is fairly short (25'9"), the wireless signal may work. Costco has a good return policy, so I tested the unit at my coach's length before installing to see if it looked okay. Glad I did this as the first camera was a dud. Had to order a second version. It worked.

In addition to not wanting to run wiring, I didn't want to drill holes in the back/exterior of the coach. So, I mounted the camera using VHB tape to the inside of the rear window frame pointing out the window. This window is just below cabinetry within which I had access to the wiring for the rear clearance/running lights. I wired the camera up into the cabinet and tapped into power from the running lights - now I can choose when the camera is during the day by turning on the running lights. Obviously, this means it is always on at night when the headlights are on.

The camera has worked great! I'm pleased with the performance, especially for the price ($170) and the relatively low-hassle installation. I didn't test longer lengths to see what sort of range the wireless has, but we've been pleased so far (we installed last summer).

[DrewE]

Wired units are typically somewhat more reliable, from what I understand. You have the wires run; seems to me it would be better to diagnose the problems and reuse the existing wiring (or use it as a guide to run new wiring).

I guess I don't see the advantages of having a wireless system if you're going to do a bunch of wiring to get the transmitter next to the receiver. I may well be missing something in the details, though.

[Dakota98]

If you purchase a new wireless, best reception can be gained by moving the transmitter as close as possible to the monitor. I cut & spliced the power & camera cables for mine & put the transmitter within 8 feet of the monitor. It has perfect reception now.