Trailer Backup Camera & Tow Mirrors

[JL7456]

After forty years and four motorhomes we have recently purchased a 2018 29 foot KZ Connect travel trailer and a 2017 Ford F-150 XLT truck to tow it. The trailer is pre-wired for a backup camera (Furion) but I have not purchased one as yet. I am also considering a set of tow mirrors to attach to the existing side view truck mirrors. The Ford F-150 is equipped with the Trailer Backup Assist and trailer tow package. I have not set up the trailer backup assist feature as yet but plan to do this soon. The question is do I need the trailer backup camera, and the additional mirrors along with the trailer backup assist in the truck?

[APT]

Wider would be better, but I think you'll be fine with those CIPA for the trip home. That should give you plenty of experience to judge if you want something even wider.

[Stepnwolf]

Hello, I am about to buy a trailer 750 miles away so I need to get my ducks in a row before leaving. I am looking at a Arctic Fox 22G which is a 8.5' wide trailer excluding the awning. I am driving a Sequoia and the stock mirrors are 94" to the outside edge. I bought, but haven't installed the CIPA mirror extensions which add about another 10" to the width. That puts the outside edge of the mirror barely wider than the trailer. Will these add-on mirrors be adequate?

My previous experience pulling a TT was a 1963 16' Shasta being pulled with a 66 Chevy wagon with the extended mirrors mounted with long springs to the top and bottom of the door.

My cousin with the same vehicle is pulling a Snow River but it is 8' wide. He swapped his RH mirror for an extended mirror. Not sure how much of a difference that half foot of width makes.

I just don't want to be leaving the purchase point with inadequate mirros before the 750 mile return home.

Thanks!

[Grit_dog]

Lwiddis wrote:
I don't have a camera. Might not trust it...I don't mind getting out of the truck and looking when my spotter isn't available. I am a fan of good mirrors.

I hate when those darn cameras show pictures that aren’t what they should be...lol

[4x4ord]

I wouldn’t bother with the Ford back up.assist.... I think you’re better off without it. Mirrors are important and a camera could be useful. I would not get a camera that integrates with the Ford system unless you can view the image while driving at highway speeds which I don’t think Ford allows.

[BurbMan]

Cameras are nice to have, mirrors are a MUST. You need to able to see all the way down both sides of the camper when you are towing.

[APT]

I recommend any of the cameras you are willing to pay for or afford. I highly recommend some form of extended towing mirrors. These aftermarket mirrors should be good, but there are less expensive options that mount existing mirrors. I have the Grand Aero 3 which work well.

[Bobbo]

Mirrors definitely. The trailer rear camera is mainly useful to watch while you are backing into your site to know when you are far enough in. If you have a spotter to tell you when to stop, it is unnecessary. My trailer came with the rear camera, and I only use it when DW is not with me to act as a spotter. (I put something like my hat on the ground where I want the back of the trailer, and when it disappears under the trailer bumper, I am there.)

[guidry]

I installed a rear camera for my 5th wheel and it is good when passing another truck or car; if I see it in that camera I know I'm clear to move over. When I back into a site I can see if there is something I need to avoid. When on the freeway I can see if any vehicles are coming up behind me.

[bikendan]

JL7456 wrote:
After forty years and four motorhomes we have recently purchased a 2018 29 foot KZ Connect travel trailer and a 2017 Ford F-150 XLT truck to tow it. The trailer is pre-wired for a backup camera (Furion) but I have not purchased one as yet. I am also considering a set of tow mirrors to attach to the existing side view truck mirrors. The Ford F-150 is equipped with the Trailer Backup Assist and trailer tow package. I have not set up the trailer backup assist feature as yet but plan to do this soon. The question is do I need the trailer backup camera, and the additional mirrors along with the trailer backup assist in the truck?

The F150 features do nothing like a rear observation camera does. Nor can the truck's backup camera system connect with the rear observation camera.
I have a 2014 F150 and I love the rear observation camera system I installed on the trailer. 7" monitor on the dash.

[Lwiddis]

I don't have a camera. Might not trust it...I don't mind getting out of the truck and looking when my spotter isn't available. I am a fan of good mirrors.

[Seon]

I'd recommend swapping the side mirrors to an extendable side towing mirrors.

https://www.topgearautosport.com/img/350/15875900271446969763.jpg

[jdc1]

You'll need at least the mirrors.