How to run exterior cable for wired backup camera?

[bighatnohorse]

I'm planning to use a hard wired backup camera for my RV.
There is NO CONSTANT DC voltage available at the RV back and I want to enable the camera at will from the truck cab.

I've done this before on a previous camper but think that I could make a cleaner, neater job of it on my new camper.

My question is regarding exterior cable management.
What might be the best way to mount the video cable, running from the rear of the RV to the front?
(Approximately 27 feet).

[EMD360]

I used a license plate camera instead of the one that came with the monitor. Used the power from the license plate light and I have to have the running lights on to get a monitor signal. The monitor is a little dash mounted thing that I plug into the 12 volt dash outlet. I ran the cable inside the rv under the couch behind the closet through the bathroom cabinet behind the toilet under the shower etc to the rear floor wher I drilled a small hole for the video wire. That wire just attaches to the camera and is visible. But it did the trick for very little investment. I only use the system when I think I need the extra visibility.

[DrewE]

afidel wrote:
Just don't forget to turn off the monitor when not towing. Ours automatically goes blank if it can't find the camera, forgot about it and it constantly looking for the camera drew down the truck battery so low we couldn't jump it with a pack, had to leave another vehicle hooked up for ~20 minutes to get it to start. I'm worried it toasted the battery as it's a PITA to replace, but it's been good for the last 3 months since this happened so I think I'm good, glad that lead acid is so forgiving!

A good way to ensure that would be to wire the monitor in to a circuit that's only active when the key is in run. On some vehicles, the lighter socket on the dash qualifies; on others, it's live all the time.

[afidel]

Just don't forget to turn off the monitor when not towing. Ours automatically goes blank if it can't find the camera, forgot about it and it constantly looking for the camera drew down the truck battery so low we couldn't jump it with a pack, had to leave another vehicle hooked up for ~20 minutes to get it to start. I'm worried it toasted the battery as it's a PITA to replace, but it's been good for the last 3 months since this happened so I think I'm good, glad that lead acid is so forgiving!

[TechWriter]

bighatnohorse wrote:
I'm planning to use a hard wired backup camera for my RV.
My question is regarding exterior cable management.
What might be the best way to mount the video cable, running from the rear of the RV to the front?
(Approximately 27 feet).

Here's what I did.

[noteven]

I believe 3M makes stick on plastic wire retainer clips.

My neighbour uses them when attaching remote camera wires to farm machines.

[RLS7201]

Some back up cameras us the coax not only for the video signal but also for the 12V power. Thus you don't have to find or install power in the rear of the RV. Just power up the monitor and you're good to go. Just run the coax in split loom as already mentioned.

Richard

[RLS7201]

Some back up cameras us the coax not only for the video signal but also for the 12V power. Thus you don't have to find or install power in the rear of the RV. Just run the coax in split loom as already mentioned.

Richard

[morley]

SJ-Chris wrote:
I know you are specifically looking for a wired backup camera, but I can't help but throw this out there.....

You can get a wireless backup camera and monitor for ~$150. Since you probably want to mount the camera up high, you likely (right??) have rear upper running lights. You can tap off power from those and mount the camera right under the running lights. Then, to "turn on the camera" from up in the cab, all you need to do is have your running lights on. (Personally, I always drive with the lights on just for extra safety/visibility).

Time to complete the job...less than 1 hour.

-Chris

This is exactly how we did it on our unit also and it works fine, camera just below centre light on the fifth wheel back wired into running light above, on and off with truck running lights. Excellent positioning for rear views, backing up etc.
Only time camera is less effective is if you are backing into the shadows in a site.
With the camera aimed properly we can even see our bike rack on the rear of the trailer while travelling.

[jdc1]

Use this until you get to the bottom where you can follow the brake/turn signal wiring. It looks clean, easy to install, and can handle the elements.
https://www.amazon.com/Concealer-Channel-Paintable-Ethernet-CC05/dp/B0811X1RVQ/ref=asc_df_B0811X1RVQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=416875525560&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8762087837442943979&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9051682&hvtargid=pla-856056126624&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=100759324264&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=416875525560&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8762087837442943979&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9051682&hvtargid=pla-856056126624

[Sjm9911]

Yup, i wired mine to the running lights also. Makes a world of difference for changing lanes. With even a cheaper camera , you can see enough. Even at night in storms, you can see the headlights behind you. Tbh, got it as a backup camera, but never use it for that. Just to used to the mirrors. But it still has a purpose.

[bighatnohorse]

SJ-Chris wrote:
I know you are specifically looking for a wired backup camera, but I can't help but throw this out there.....

You can get a wireless backup camera and monitor for ~$150. Since you probably want to mount the camera up high, you likely (right??) have rear upper running lights. You can tap off power from those and mount the camera right under the running lights. Then, to "turn on the camera" from up in the cab, all you need to do is have your running lights on. (Personally, I always drive with the lights on just for extra safety/visibility).

Time to complete the job...less than 1 hour.

-Chris

I like this idea. We tow and I'd like to keep an eye on the tow vehicle AND have the truck power the camera. This would work.
I'll think on it for a while. . .lots of other good suggestions to consider.

[WNYBob]

I tap off the bath fan (I have a rear bath). Mount a on/off switch near the fan with a pilot light. Run the cable through the vent cover.

[BFL13]

If you mean to use it as a rear view camera besides just for backing up, you can switch the power to the camera or leave the camera on and switch the display.

Our camper has a "porch light" by the back door that can be left on to tap the camera's power into for constant 12v.

I don't know a good way to get the video wire to the display in the truck. I have a Hopkins wifi camera that works great and displays to your "device" when you select the Hopkins APP. You just put the "device" on your rear view mirror with elastic bands and good to go.

This one has those two guide lines you can select when backing up or leave off for driving. The camera also has a light you can select. The wifi works up to 40 ft so not enough for a 5er, but could use a booster in the front of the trailer. No issue with a truck camper for distance.

There is a time delay which you have to get used to, so you see a car starting to pass and he is already beside you. something to do with "processing time". I don't know if that happens with a wired system.

[SJ-Chris]

I know you are specifically looking for a wired backup camera, but I can't help but throw this out there.....

You can get a wireless backup camera and monitor for ~$150. Since you probably want to mount the camera up high, you likely (right??) have rear upper running lights. You can tap off power from those and mount the camera right under the running lights. Then, to "turn on the camera" from up in the cab, all you need to do is have your running lights on. (Personally, I always drive with the lights on just for extra safety/visibility).

Time to complete the job...less than 1 hour.

-Chris