Forum Discussion

Baja_Man's avatar
Baja_Man
Explorer
Jun 14, 2016

Wired vs Wireless Rear View cameras - Pros / Cons?

So, I got some great information on wireless cameras here as well as other places on internet.

Now, in doing some research, it appears that wired cameras offer great connection all of the time, and a superb picture if using a quality system. Wireless can experience lost signals/video from time to time, depending on environment.

Both of these systems are manufactured by Rear View Safety. One is being sold at Costco and is the wired unit. Costco has is for $50 less than manufacturer.

Here are two systems I am considering:

Wired - Rear View Safety

Wireless - Rear View Safety

Any of you have real world experiences with wireless and wired cameras and can share your experiences?

Wired: How is cable run from camera to front dash? Camera is typically up near rear clearance lights.

NOTE: I've seen installations using 1/2" PVC from camera, down rear of RV near ladder, 90 degree elbow at bottom of RV and then run along chassis under RV up to firewall. Then cable enters firewall in to dash area. Not a fan of exterior PVC pipe on the rear of my RV.
Class C
  • pconroy328's avatar
    pconroy328
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2016
    Did a wireless one off eBay for $80 give or take. Number one advantage - ease of installation. Number one disadvantage - picture quality sometimes suffers. But it's never been bad enough that I regret avoiding the wiring.
  • braindead0's avatar
    braindead0
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2016
    pconroy328 wrote:
    Did a wireless one off eBay for $80 give or take. Number one advantage - ease of installation. Number one disadvantage - picture quality sometimes suffers. But it's never been bad enough that I regret avoiding the wiring.
    How much distance between camera and receiver? I would think that wireless would work better on shorter rigs, likely also depends somewhat on materials between here and there and the RF frequency used.
  • tred0956's avatar
    tred0956
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2016
    I installed the wired Rear View Safety from Costco in my Class C and I love it It was a bit of a hassle running the wire from the camera to the monitor, but remember that you will need to run a power cable to the camera and another to the monitor even with the wireless model. I mounted the camera high on the back wall and I ran my wire through the back wall, sealed well, and through overhead cabinets to the cab. I used an ignition on source for power so the unit works whenever the key is on, makes a good rear view mirror when driving.

    The wireless model says that it does not work well with aluminum, so if your MH is aluminum clad or fiberglass with an aluminum frame, I would be concerned. I would go with the wired model.
  • scbwr's avatar
    scbwr
    Explorer II
    Jun 15, 2016
    I installed an earlier model wireless system from RVS with only a back up camera, but I can add up to three other cameras if I wish. To improve the reception, I used an antenna and mounted it to the top of the trailer on the road side. I wired it into a running light, so I can have it on anytime I need it. As a wireless system, there can be interference, but it just about always works well when I need it to. If you don't mind the work or expense of installing a wired system, I think a wired system won't suffer from any interference. I'm certainly glad I have the system and customer service at RVS has been very helpful in replacing a broken monitor antenna, and sending me an antenna to use with the camera.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Jun 15, 2016
    Reading your other thread, Lake Oroville, how about getting an inexpensive wireless that mounts to the license plate frame. Use it for your trip to give you a glance at your trailer. Then if you have another vehicle, move it there once you decide on the system for the Class C...
  • Acampingwewillg's avatar
    Acampingwewillg
    Explorer II
    Jun 15, 2016
    Also purchased the Costco Wireless Monitor.....I didn't expect much as I've always heard it didn't work well. Low and behold, on a 37' DP Motor home, it works flawlessly. I have a wired black and white one too but the Color wireless is great to have.
  • KansasRV's avatar
    KansasRV
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2016
    tred0956 wrote:
    I installed the wired Rear View Safety from Costco in my Class C and I love it It was a bit of a hassle running the wire from the camera to the monitor, but remember that you will need to run a power cable to the camera and another to the monitor even with the wireless model. I mounted the camera high on the back wall and I ran my wire through the back wall, sealed well, and through overhead cabinets to the cab. I used an ignition on source for power so the unit works whenever the key is on, makes a good rear view mirror when driving.

    The wireless model says that it does not work well with aluminum, so if your MH is aluminum clad or fiberglass with an aluminum frame, I would be concerned. I would go with the wired model.


    I agree with this advice, a wireless system can have interference if there is aluminium present.

    Let us know what system you end up getting!
  • jrp's avatar
    jrp
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2016
    I've used both over the years on various RV's and I prefer the wired. Wireless ones always gave me signal issues eventually.

    It takes a bit more time installing wired, but the quality & dependable signal are worth it to me. Its easy to run the cable down the ladder and along the frame underneath. I never use conduit, just lots of tie-wraps.
  • Baja_Man's avatar
    Baja_Man
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2016
    My Class has an aluminum frame and aluminum roof. So wired may be the route I should take.

    If wired version, I have to figure out how to best get cables from camera to monitor? Down rear wall next to ladder...OR....drill hole through back wall into RV bedroom and then through floor and run forward to cab area?
  • Ppd153's avatar
    Ppd153
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2016
    It would depend on the camera and the signal strength. I installed a license plate mounted camera with a monitor built into the rear view mirror. I had to add wire to the transmitter and extend it up to the engine compartment to get a good signal. It may as well have been a wired system because I had to get within about six feet of the receiver. It works pretty good though and allows me to see directly behind my RV rather than at the bumper.

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