Securing observation camera to back of TT

Using the adhesion promoter I have never had a bond failure. And the few times I wanted to remove something, well, kinda like using red loctite!! a real PITA to get it off, it takes some serious work.

Good information. It also points out one consideration: A user may want to install a mounting bracket that can accomodate different cameras. It would be easier to swap out cameras in the future.

FWIW, I don't have an issue drilling holes through any surface as I know how to seal them. Admittedly, the first time I installed a knot meter through the bottom of a boat hull, I was apprehensive. Since then, no anxiety. 3M also makes a carpet seaming tape in various grades. The "Extra Heavy Duty" tape bonds securely. I've used it to hold molds and jigs together for machining and, typically, it will pull apart wood when trying to release.

yes, VHB will hold a lot of weight. I've used it quite often to attach items.

However, there is one very important step that isn't often listed on the tape package if you want the very best possible adhesion. 3M VHB is designed to be used with a 3M adhesion promotor on almost all materials to achieve the holding strength the advertize. this adhesion promotor comes in small foil packages like the small alcohol wipes. It is used on both surfaces before attaching the item.

Good news is it is available on amazon. look for 3m PN 06396 usually available as bulk or individual items.

Using the adhesion promoter I have never had a bond failure. And the few times I wanted to remove something, well, kinda like using red loctite!! a real PITA to get it off, it takes some serious work.

Roy, I'm with you. All the backup/observation cameras I've seen on trailers are mounted high, and it makes sense why. I keep my observation camera on whenever I'm traveling, and I can see who is behind me day or night. If the camera was mounted low, all I would get is glare at night.

I used vhb tape for mine, it has held up well. Clean the filon with rubbing alcohol to remove any grime and wax first.

3M VHB will be fine, if not overkill. The trick is making sure you get the genuine product and not some nock off.

They use VHB to hold body panels onto cars, and windows in skyscrapers. It can handle a little camera stuck to a wall. Clean both surfaces with isopropanol first, and make sure to apply at least 30 seconds of pressure during the initial bonding.

I would not trust any tape if it was going to freeze in winter and heat in summer. Use screws. I have a rear window and my camera rides inside with suction cups on the window.

The only experience I have had with a rear camera is my 2010 Ford Truck Rear Camera that is mounted on the bottom of the FORD EMBLEM on the rear tailgate. This is perfect for Backing up to my trailer and can see the trailer BALL go under my truck hitch on first try. Having the foot markers is also a big plus for me...

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This is DAYTIME only use setup however as at night when anything with lights is approaching me from behind the CAMERA SCREEN on my truck dash flares up big time. Even small rain drops on the camera lens makes it impossible to use. I have even had a small spider/bug go crawling across the lens and makes it impossible to use.

Mounting an observation camera on the rear on the trailer in my opinion would have to be mounted up high as you can get it and pointed down at a rather sharp angle... Much like in this photo... Otherwise it will only be a daytime use camera setup...


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This high position is great as you can tap into an always 'ON' 12VDC line associated with the Trailer DOT Safety Marker lights when the trailer is plugged into the 7-way truck connection... If you need the camera 12VDC Power to be tied into the trailer 12VDC Battery setup you can run some wiring to this high position very easy...

If daytime only observations are only needed then mounting the camera in the lower positions listed in the above post threads trailer positions would be ok...

Just my observations...

Roy Ken

Why don’t you try the Outdoor wireless IP camera with night vision. I’m not sure about its cost. I’m going to buy it from Canadian security professionals in my locality (Toronto) and let you know about its cost and functionality. I have heard that it can be connected with our smartphones and all the notifications are sent to the phones.

I mounted our camera on the bumper. Sits about 12" above the bumper. I used some scrap steel from my garage and mig welded a U-shaped piece that just sits on the bumper tube and is secured with some zip ties. Works well and has a good field of view. No way was I going to drill through our rear fiberglass cap. Not a great photo but all I can do while out camping at the moment.

I ran wires from the camera to the transmitter in the cabinet aboe the bedroom at front, concealed via the ceiling space and down inside a cabinet. Power from the 7-way connector was run under the frame and tie wrapped to the propane line.

All so easy peasey.... :M

I ran my wires underneath the trailer and mounted the camera on the tire rack (initially after relocating it in the middle). But now the camera is mounted on jerry can carrier.