Forum Discussion

2_Sooners's avatar
2_Sooners
Explorer
Feb 25, 2015

Backup Camera on Travel Trailer

Has anyone had any experience with a battery operated magnetic backup camera that can be temporarily mounted on the bumper of a travel trailer to assist in backing up the trailer? This would be very helpful in backing my trailer into a tight storage slot.
  • Rear view hard wired. Works 100 times better than my last wireless! Yes it is very wide view, but at least you see everything. I still have the hand waving confusing assistant!
  • If you want a clear image, go with a wired camera system. I did mine for about $60 buying the various components (monitor, cables, camera) online. It would also allow you to see behind you while traveling if you wish.

    I tried several wireless systems and although they are sometimes easier to install, they all are susceptible to interference from Bluetooth devices, other wireless devices in the area, and wireless signal degrades rapidly with distance and obstructions in your trailer.
  • I think for the price it is a very good camera. Works well 20-30 min installation.

    http://www.yadastore.com/DigitalBackUpCamera_p/bt53328f-1.htm

    Tommy
  • I connect a magnetic back up camera to the rear of our fifth wheel so I can look down on the receiver hitch bike rack I have on the back. I made a bracket so my camera connects to a sea sucker removable suction cup that I can set on any smooth surface. Google sea sucker.com and check out their video on their bike rack that is attached to the rear window of an SUV. I have their mini bomber bike rack. The suction cups are incredible and one suction cup works great for the camera.
  • mbutts wrote:
    I tried using my iBall magnetic backup cam on the trailer's rear bumper once (trailer is 32' long and hitch is about 18' from where I had screen plugged into lighter socket in truck). The image is pretty darn fuzzy with lots of interference.

    I have the IBall camera also, and I love having it. I use the camera to help me hitch up, and I use it to help me back the trailer up. I agree with mbutts. My trailer is 34' and depending on the line-of-sight, the image can get real fuzzy. I have learned which side to place it so that the trailer interferes with it the least (and obviously never in the center of the bumper). I thought about hanging it on the side of the trailer, but the magnets won't stick on the fiberglass. I have even put it on the frame pointed at the tires, to make sure I got on my leveling boards. Even with the fuzziness, it usually helps enough for me to see, and I like the portability of it. Unfortunately, it is NO help after dark unless you light up the area in some way.
  • This Amazon reviewer of the iBall camera says the most common cause for a fuzzy picture is Bluetooth. It's on the same frequency. Try it again with all BT devices turned off.
  • Since I travel solo, I use a wired rear view camera from Rear View Safety on my trailer. Great for backing up in a crowded gas station, and as a rear view mirror for those idiots that tailgate inside your standard mirrors, but not all that useful for backing into a space. It provides too wide a view to accurately gauge distances. I still prefer "getting out and looking".
  • We use a rearview safety system on our 37 foot Toyhauler. Also has left and right side cameras...very useful and nice system...
  • I tried using my iBall magnetic backup cam on the trailer's rear bumper once (trailer is 32' long and hitch is about 18' from where I had screen plugged into lighter socket in truck). The image is pretty darn fuzzy with lots of interference.

    I've seen some good reviews of this guy's setups (I have not purchased from him).
  • Do a search for iball cameras...there are plenty of post here on those. Also plenty of reviews on Amazon here