Rear Camera Issues

[k9-keno]

Well time to replace the 2001 Videoman black and white rear camera. So on the back of the RV is a plastic square with the clear plastic center and 4 screw in each corner. Behind that is the camera and the monitor is up by the driver. My question is to upgrade and go color am I going to have to run new lines?? Should I go wireless?? Can the old lines be used?? Any input would be great thanks!!

[brwesi]

I have installed numerous cameras on our rig and horse trailer combo as well as modified the OEM Ford setup on our 08 F 150 super crew. The existing wiring may need to have different adapters installed to match your new camera but the wiring to your existing monitor should be fine to use again. You can buy the camera from many sources, Amazon has a number of choices. They almost all come from China, no matter whose name is on them. The majority of them use RCA or BNC connectors for the video and they come with there own connectors to splice into the 12 volt power. If you are at all handy it is pretty easy and you can get good cameras for under $75.00. I have a 3 camera setup on our Class C/horse trailer setup. There is a monitor mounted on the visor with 2 video input channels. Channel 1 is tied to a camera on the back of the motor home that is used to back up to the horse trailer and hook up the hitch. There are 2 cameras on the horse trailer. 1 is mounted outside, high on the back and used for backing the whole rig into a parking spot. The second camera is inside at the back of the trailer and is used to look in on the horses whenever we choose. The two trailer camera video feeds run to a switch on the dash so the driver can select which camera is displayed on the monitor via channel 2. The wiring plugs together along side the standard trailer wiring harness at the hitch. I tried a variety of cameras from different manufacturers while putting all of this together and found very little difference between a $27.00 and a $100.00 camera. Security system cameras are a little more money but are another choice and give you more options.

[cgmartine]

I also recommend Rear View Safety. They provide rear view cameras for buses and trucks for New York City, so you know they have to withstand the elements and are very rugged. Take a picture of both ends of the cable and email to them. It is easier than describing it to them over the phone. They should be able to tell you if it is compatible with their cameras and monitors, or if they have an adaptor. When I bought my camera system from them, I had to install their cable because my old cable was not compatible with any other camera and monitor.

[W4RLR]

Try Rear View Safety. They sell a number of RV capable camera systems. You should be able to use the existing wiring and just change out the monitor and camera.

rearviewsafety.com

[pianotuna]

Wireless is subject to interference from lots of sources. Hard wire is still the preferred method.

[k9-keno]

Contacted Tim at Rv cameras and he said he has not seen any adapters that will work with a VIDEOMAN camera system. The company is now out of business so not sure what to do. I guess wireless.

[DaHose]

I agree with Matt. If you have wires, use them. Much more reliable connection. Wireless would work fine for you, though.

Jose

[rvten]

I would contact the manufacturer of the camera and monitor. See what they have for an upgrade and what you would need for wiring.

I did on our camera. Different brand. Put that project on hold for now. $$$

[Matt_Colie]

With a 31 foot coach, Wireless should work, but if you have wire there already, that will probably do just fine. Even the new color cameras will work with old video coax.

I have known of the wireless to get confused and show the driver what is behind the coach next door.

Matt