Hard wired camera at rear of trailer.

[Big_steve]

Looking to buy a 2 camera backup system that is hardwired (Over the years I haven't had a lot of luck with wireless stuff.)

Anyway, my question is about the video cable for the trailer. I'll need to cut it by the hitch and install a connector. But I don't know how finicky the cameras are. Can I use any type of waterproof connector I can come up with? Or do I have to use a specific connector so as to not mess with the picture quality?

For techies, I'm asking if I have to worry about matching, impedance, and all that.

Thanks.

[belairbrian]

I've done this on my last two 5ers. Both times I've used a Hopkins 48440 and the matching receiver. Always had great signal quality, and since it's a smaller version of the 7 pin, it's easy to connect and disconnect.

[lane_hog]

Wireless is OK, but almost all of the units I’ve used or researched have a consistent delay in the image rendering. I went with a wireless because I didn’t want to spend the time or money pulling cables, but I’m finding the delay too distracting i.e. the vehicle appearing in my driver side mirror shows up on my monitor screen at the same time it is already halfway past the coach...

I’ll probably switch over from wireless to wired before the summer is over.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

The weather pack stands up in the blast of radiator air and me, unfortunately bearing my full weight down onto s empty shell. Tough enough so they use them making new cars.

[Lantley]

I do respect and understand your thoughts on going with a wired system. But wireless has finally caught up and is now very reliable.
I have a wireless BC-20 camera on the rear of my 40' fiver and the signal is great. The BC-20 camera is made by garmin and is compatible with my Garmin GPS display. The image syncs wirelessly and displays on my GPS screen no additional monitor required. Actually I'm not a big fan of rear cameras, but once I had my Garmin GPS adding the camera to it was too easy to pass up.
I'm not suggesting that you go Garmin, but I'm just giving you one example of a wireless system that I know works. Furrion who are infamous for their cheap RV electronics also makes a reliable wireless backup camera that is installed OEM on many units. There are others decent wireless options as well.
10 years ago or so wired was the reliable way to install a rear camera, but in 2019 there are lots of wireless options that actually work!
Before you go cutting connectors and running wires I think you should take another look at your wireless options, improvements have been made.

[Big_steve]

RCMAN46 wrote:
I have a hard wired camera on my 5th wheel.

I used the center contact on my 7 way for the video. The center contact is normally used for back up lights which my trailer does not have.

I have not had any interference problems using the center contact on the 7 way.

That's a thought. I hate to start taking the factory plug on the truck apart though. I did some checking, and it doesn't sound at all like adding a plug would change the electrical properties enough to hurt the picture quality. So I just ordered a waterproof connector with extra pins in case I want some extra wires going back there for something else in the future. Cheap enough if it doesn't work well.

[RCMAN46]

I have a hard wired camera on my 5th wheel.

I used the center contact on my 7 way for the video. The center contact is normally used for back up lights which my trailer does not have.

I have not had any interference problems using the center contact on the 7 way.

[Big_steve]

Thanks. Are they easy to couple/uncouple? Do they last if you're using them a lot?

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
WEATHER PACK



1 - 6 terminal housings online there are 18-terminal housings.

Assemble using silicone dielectric grease. Submersible in salt water. Youtube "look Jane look, see spot run" grade videos for beginners.

These are tough, durable, sealed connectors. Good for 20 amps. Tinned contacts.

These are what car manufacturers use. Easier to use and more durable than Amphenol connectors.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

WEATHER PACK



1 - 6 terminal housings online there are 18-terminal housings.

Assemble using silicone dielectric grease. Submersible in salt water. Youtube "look Jane look, see spot run" grade videos for beginners.

These are tough, durable, sealed connectors. Good for 20 amps. Tinned contacts.

These are what car manufacturers use. Easier to use and more durable than Amphenol connectors.