Camper running lights always on if truck running?

[Ramblin__Ralph]

I bought a back-up camera for my 2001 Lance 845. However, I want the camera to operate anytime my truck is running, not just when backing up. I seem to remember the running (aka marker) lights are on if the truck is running, regardless of headlights being on or off. Since my camper is off the truck I can't confirm this.

Don't want to trust my memory and start the wiring. 🙂

Thanks,

[mkirsch]

The only way the marker lights would always be on is if the cabover shaded the sensor in the dashboard enough to fool it into thinking that it was getting dark out.

[Photomike]

With my truck camper I did the wire to the running lights so when I turned them on the camera was on. Worked great!

On my Class C they have set up the running lights to be on as soon as the key is turned on (not the head lights just the running lights). Good idea except the lights on alarm goes off when you stop and open the door until 3 minutes later the running lights shut off. This would work for a camera as well but it always has power.

I contacted the manufacturer of my back-up camera for the truck and was told that they do not recommend the camera always being on as it was not designed for that.

[Ski_Pro_3]

Buzzcut1 wrote:
On a Lance the marker lights are only on when the truck parking and or headlights are on. I have my camera wired to the center rear marker light. No biggie to me because I always drive with my headlights on.

this is exactly what I do. My camera is wireless so the only hook-up is the power off the marker light. Easy-peasey

[Ramblin__Ralph]

Thanks for unanimous vote that my memory failed me. Not really surprising at my age. 🙂 Also, for the suggestions for getting power to the camera.

I don't normally drive with my headlights on, but might do that. It would make getting power to the camera easier by tapping into the rear marker lights wiring. I want to be able to see if someone is behind me while driving.

[Reddog1]

One thing should be noted here. Some backup cameras have a short life if left on for a long period of time. I had one on the bench experimenting with it and a monitor. The longer I left it on, the hotter it got. Finally it just stopped working.

My suggestion is when you mount the camera, mount in a way that allows you to replace it without defacing your TC.

Wayne

[cewillis]

The rear view system that I bought for my 2006 GMC 2500HD has a 'Power Button' on the monitor. So I connected backup system power to pin A, SEO connector, Mid-BEC relay center - Constant 12v power - and use the power button to turn it on or off.
The M-BEC is under the dash near the parking brake.

[KansasRV]

yea, I would agree with connecting to rear lights, depending on if you drive with headlights on all the time.

[deltabravo]

Buzzcut1 wrote:
On a Lance the marker lights are only on when the truck parking and or headlights are on.

Ditto on my camper.

If your camper marker lights are on always on when trucking is running, something is miswired.

[Buzzcut1]

On a Lance the marker lights are only on when the truck parking and or headlights are on. I have my camera wired to the center rear marker light. No biggie to me because I always drive with my headlights on.

[Reddog1]

On my Samurai, I connected the rear view camera to the tail lights. It reminds me to turn my lights on, day or night which is a good idea.

Wayne

[Grit_dog]

Or anywhere off the camper 12V system.

[Grit_dog]

Doubt it, but you could turn them on. Or could power it from the 12V hot wire on the trailer plug if all you need is power back there.

[hedge]

don't know about your truck but specifically but mine aren't on unless at least park lights are on in the truck.

I have mine wired to the reverse wire but also have the ability to turn it on at will by using an upfitter switch from the cab.