On the hunt for a good wired Backup Camera

[JoeChiOhki]

Decided it would be prudent to add a backup camera to the Amerigo while I've got her fully opened up, so I'm looking for some more recent wired camera options folks have been using.

I went through the one entry we have in the University post, but the camera and details go back to 2006, so a little dated.

I'm also hoping to find a unit that can be wired up to use a trailer plug to connect between the truck and the camper for ease of disconnect.

Depending on how many wires it needs, I might be able to combine it with the Intercom unit using the same plug (unique pins for each).

[JoeChiOhki]

Thank you to everyone whose replied so far, I've been busy with work and the missus starting her new job.

It looks like I have a few options to look at, but one suggestion caught my attention from NMDriver2 :).

NMDriver2 wrote:
I have two weatherproof bullet security cameras from Amazon ($15/Pair), 7 in LCD Monitor ($30), and two 25ft and two 50 ft sets of cables ($25/4 x 4 wire cables). Each camera uses 3 wires (power, ground, video), in the cable. I have a 5er so I run the two 50ft 3 wire cables from the cameras to the hitch where I plug them into the two 25ft 3 wire cables to get up to my monitor. I do have to unplug a number of jacks but they are all taped together and labeled so it is not a big issue. When I am not pulling the boat behind the 5er I can plug the cameras into the 25ft cables and use them as backup/hitch cameras for the truck or to monitor the boat, utility trailer or what ever is back there being towed. The cameras and monitor are both 12 volt so power is easy.
monitor
cameras

I like this one, looks like it uses a BNC connector for the video and a 9mm plug for the power.

How water tight are those BNC connectors? I think I'll likely locate a through-wall plate one if I can for the exterior connectio and robably install one with a plug cap attached, this is likely going to end up on the side wall and in direct path of oncoming air/rain/etc as the vehicle goes down the road.

How are you switching the power for the camera for when the vehicle is on and off? Relay controlled by the ignition switch, or is there a direct connection port on the monitor itself that would drive the power for the camera?

Does this need a DC to DC voltage regulator to keep the voltage at exactly 12 volts, or can it handle the range of voltage that an auto alternator is likely to produce?

[sljohnson1938]

years ago I got a camera from RV Cams out of New Orleans, LA. do not remember the brand, but I was very pleased with it. This was 7-8 years ago.

[OutdoorAddict]

camerasource.com sells complete kits and their customer service is great.

[JimK-NY]

A few years ago I bought a back up camera. I spent the better part of a day trying to do a neat job of running the wires. I hoped the camera would allow me to watch traffic immediately behind me in my blind spot. That did not work. I also wanted to use the camera when backing up. That did not work either. There was so much distortion I could not see well or judge distances. I gave up and returned the camera.

Later my RV dealer recommended a specific manufacturer and model. I have forgotten both, but if I wanted to try again I would check with Truck Camper Warehouse for a recommendation.

[DWeikert]

AnEv942 wrote:

DWeikert wrote:

Are you sure you posted the link to the right thread/message? I read the thread and saw nothing about cameras.

Comments, here and elsewhere, (and the author) now gone...Hopefully happily RVviewing in yes, think it was Kowloon.
Sorry for the distraction Joe

No worries. Just thought I missed something (seems to be happening more frequently lately) 🙂

[AnEv942]

DWeikert wrote:

Are you sure you posted the link to the right thread/message? I read the thread and saw nothing about cameras.

Comments, here and elsewhere, (and the author) now gone...Hopefully happily RVviewing in yes, think it was Kowloon.
Sorry for the distraction Joe

[noteven]

I was thinking of taking my rv to Kowloon

[DWeikert]

AnEv942 wrote:

DWeikert wrote:

AnEv942 wrote:
Hmm- from inquiry to receiving and recommending in 27 minuets?

:h

We had a visitor- since departed, inquiring about a specific camera then recommending as the best he ever used, across several threads in different sub-forums. Funny

Are you sure you posted the link to the right thread/message? I read the thread and saw nothing about cameras.

[AnEv942]

DWeikert wrote:

AnEv942 wrote:
Hmm- from inquiry to receiving and recommending in 27 minuets?

:h

We had a visitor- since departed, inquiring about a specific camera then recommending as the best he ever used, across several threads in different sub-forums. Funny

[DWeikert]

AnEv942 wrote:
Hmm- from inquiry to receiving and recommending in 27 minuets?
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29641417/gotomsg/29642522.cfm#29642522

:h

[AnEv942]

Hmm-
Deleted-

[rwiegand]

I also use a review safety setup with three cameras, on on the camper, one on the truck bumper, and one on the back of my trailer. I found I needed to make a hood for the screen so that I could see it when there was glare, the lights on the camera for night use are utterly useless, the depth distortion is extreme, dangerous until you get used to it, and once you communicate with them they spam you with email ads endlessly and won't let you unsubscribe, so be warned.

The cameras basically work quite nicely during the daytime, it's nice to know what's behind me when I'm going down the road.

[Bob__B]

I have a rear view safety also .... I really like it, but they don't make the model I have any more. I like that the power is part of the cable to the camera so the power can be controlled from the truck cab.
Mine has 3 inputs in case you want a camera on the camper, hitch, etc

[okan-star]

I use a Rear View Safety camera , ask for a plug adaptor.
Wired for power , and switched by the door in the camper , the only other connection for the camera is the RCA plug , which I put a RCA to `F` connector adaptor on and run rg6 coaxial cable thru the camper to the same location as the camper plug - a coax splice as a disconnect, for camper removal . Then RG6 thru the truck , another RCA to `F ` at the monitor in the cab.
With the camper switch at the door on , and the monitor wired to the reverse lights , works well .My monitor can also bypass the back-up `on` function and have the camera on full time for a view when towing. Switched off in camper when camper is stored.

Using rg6 you can put a tv type splice as the cable runs thru the camper near the camper tv if you have one , and using the input on the tv see who`s at the camper door if you get a knock in the nite