Installing multiple outboard cameras for maneuvering safety

[NorthOrSouth]

My 40' coach has a long wheelbase and a higher dash than some of the newer busses so visibility is a bit limited. I also tend to drive into smaller parking lots and tighter places that a lot of drivers won't take a bus (years of transit coach driving) because we boondock on the road but I still feel a bit vulnerable because the mirrors just don't cover enough real estate and I don't like having any blind spots.

Now that digital cameras are so cheap online, I'm wondering if anyone has done a multi camera setup? I'm thinking two side cameras mounted on the front facing back, two side cameras at the back facing front, rear view of course and possibly even one mounted low in the front for pulling up tight against other vehicles in my driveway. 6 cameras, one monitor and a switch? Or this common on the new coaches?

Ps Cameras forward facing mostly for low speed tight maneuvers. Rear facing sides and rear facing rear cameras on constantly on a triple split 10" wide screen while cruising to eliminate ALL blind spots.

[Hudsoner]

I have three independent monitors installed. One is functioning with the rear view camera as my rear view mirror, another one has a split image, one half for a left, the other half for a right side camera, and a third one is used to see out front to cover the "dead" viewing area out front. The cameras that are not as helpful are the side ones, I like the mirrors better!

[Billdreamlv]

I wanted to tell you about my new monitor system that I installed with minimal effort. I took a half inch pvc pipe connector and a half in plug and drilled a hole in the middle of it. Then I ran the same screw although longer down through the pvc coupler and mounted 3 monitors on the dash. I used the exiting screw holes in the dash so there were no new holes. Each camera is on all the time so there is no more waiting for a turn signal trigger. The power cables are all tied together and fuses are on the monitors. The video cables are connected directly to the cameras and they are fished through the bottom of the dash. I had to unsolder the connector to the rear camera from the switch box in the dash. Then I made a pigtail connector to go from a Sony connector to a RCA output connector. If you unscrew the dash and lift up a bit you can run the cables without drilling new holes. They are always on. I purchased the monitors on Amazon for a little over $52 each. Well worth it. I have a 2006 Tiffin Allegro Bus and think this is a very good alternative to what I was dealing with. We just purchased the motorhome and the camera system was inadequate. The nice thing about these monitors is that you don't have to do anything to set them up. Just turn on the key to the MH and every thing works. Shut the key off and the monitors remember where they were and do not need any input from the operator. Turn them back on and they are ready to go. I also changed out the guts to the Windows XP computer that runs the navigation system and now I can see all cameras and the navigator, all at the same time. This gives me very good situational awareness on all sides of the MH. Thought I would share. If you need some help you can email me. Total cost: under $200.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[PastorCharlie]

My coach has two side cameras and the rear camera. With the rear camera I can see 5 lanes and the entire toad and hitch. With the side cameras I see 2 lanes on each side. They are a great help in driving. The only one I would think would be any additional help would be one on top toward the rear facing forward to aid in top clearance at some bridges and stations.

Get cameras with bird eye lens to see more real estate.

[NorthOrSouth]

Executive wrote:
I also have a monitor in the bedroom that, when activated, activates the back up lights, dock lights and four exterior lights along with the cameras. Hear a noise and I can light up the night without ever leaving the bedroom....Dennis

Does that mean I wouldn't need a tire iron, bear spray, aerosol air horn and underbody mount red strobe anymore? 🙂

[NorthOrSouth]

Thanks fcooper, that other thread was helpful too.

I think the multiple 7" screens makes more sense than the split screen I was considering. I like the idea of mounting them above my line of vision so I don't really have to move my head to be aware of traffic around me...course that may make it too easy to nod off 🙂

[fcooper]

I've been playing with the monitors and cameras since they became so cheap. I've never considered the cameras from the rear facing toward the front but it could be helpful.

I like all of your idea except the screen, and I'll admit that your 10 inch screen split into thirds would probably work but I think something slightly wider would be helpful.

I had left and right side cameras that could be selected via video switch on the monitor but did not get much benefit from them as when I needed them it took too long to select the proper camera. I finally just installed two more 7 inch lcd monitors on each side of the dash console mostly in line of sight to the outside mirrors. Now the rear view monitor and both side view monitors are on all the time and are very helpful. The side cameras/monitors do eliminate the small blind spot that occurs from using mirrors only. During heavy rain, my outside mirrors become less functional and the side cameras remain very clear. Adding each side camera/monitor was not expensive, about $70 per side.

If you haven't seen this thread, here's another thread about a virtual rear view mirror that interesting.

virtual rear view mirror

I also suggest either a tilt camera for the rear view, or two cameras on the rear having one for close up (front of toad and tow bar) and one for a longer view behind the coach.

Fred

[Executive45]

Ours goes through the Aladdin System and is adequate. It was a factory install...one rear camera, two side cameras and one inside camera. I also have a monitor in the bedroom that, when activated, activates the back up lights, dock lights and four exterior lights along with the cameras. Hear a noise and I can light up the night without ever leaving the bedroom.....the side cameras come on with the turn signals and the rear camera automatically comes on when shifted into reverse....Dennis

[mike_brez]

I test drove a 2013 fleetwood with a three camara system that I thought was very good. The side camaraderie came on with the signal lights and were full screen.

[rgatijnet1]

NorthOrSouth wrote:

rgatijnet1 wrote:
I have a three camera system that i feel is enough. My rear camera has a tilt button and I can look straight down at my hitch, or up over my toad by just pushing the tilt button on the monitor. My other two side cameras give me a full screen view when I turn on the turn signal.
I do have one other camera, that uses my GPS unit as the monitor, that is directly above my fuel fill. This lets me know exactly when I am opposite the fuel pump.

Camera system was original or aftermarket? What brand?

Mine is the Voyager system that I installed to replace an older Jensen system.
The GPS camera system is the Garmin RV 760LMT with the optional camera and a wireless on-off switch.

[NorthOrSouth]

rgatijnet1 wrote:
I have a three camera system that i feel is enough. My rear camera has a tilt button and I can look straight down at my hitch, or up over my toad by just pushing the tilt button on the monitor. My other two side cameras give me a full screen view when I turn on the turn signal.
I do have one other camera, that uses my GPS unit as the monitor, that is directly above my fuel fill. This lets me know exactly when I am opposite the fuel pump.

Camera system was original or aftermarket? What brand?

[DSDP_Don]

Since you were previously a transit driver, I'm guessing that you have a good eye for what will fit in a parking lot or through a tight gas station. The additional cameras will just confuse the situation.

[rgatijnet1]

I have a three camera system that i feel is enough. My rear camera has a tilt button and I can look straight down at my hitch, or up over my toad by just pushing the tilt button on the monitor. My other two side cameras give me a full screen view when I turn on the turn signal.
I do have one other camera, that uses my GPS unit as the monitor, that is directly above my fuel fill. This lets me know exactly when I am opposite the fuel pump.

[NorthOrSouth]

Dutch_12078 wrote:
I'm not satisfied with the compromise view from the existing rear camera on this new to us Landau, since it doesn't "see" close enough to the rear bumper nor does it see much past the toad. The 5" B&W monitor is a bit small for a clear view as well, so I'm replacing the system with a 2-camera, 7" LCD color monitor system, with one camera mounted in the stock location for a "traffic view" and the other mounted below it for a "toad view" that covers from the rear bumper back to the toad.

Good idea. A Near and Far camera would be awesome. Or even a tiltable one.

[imgoin4it]

I have seen and test driven motor homes with small mirrors and I could not see enough area in them to satisfy me. I have large mirrors and do not normally even use the cameras. The cameras I have are somewhat of a distraction while driving/ moving down the high way so I do not use them.