simple back up camera?

[gorohoff]

My F350 has a back up camera in the tailgate that displays backup video on my rear view mirror when the truck is in reverse. Of course this doesn't do me any good with my camper on (when I really need it). Some time ago I read someones post about how to wire the rear view mirror video to a store bought back up camera and I really wanted to do that, just never got around to it.

But then someone suggested something to me, that I was wondering if anyone here had tried.

Apparently you can view the video from a GoPro helmet camera on a smart phone or tablet. So I could potentially mount a GoPro camera on the back of the camper, and control the camera and view the video on my iPhone. The cheap GoPro camera is $200. If this worked, it would be a really easy and relatively cheap solution.

[Mom_s_Folly]

I wondered if I could hook a camera cable to my Magellan?

[HUNTERJEFF]

Anyone use the masterlock back up camera?

[Simplygib]

gorohoff wrote:
If tried this with a GoPro, it would only be mounted temporarily while driving, and removed the rest of the time.

However, at $14.27 something like Simplygib suggests makes a lot more sense. I guess I didn't realize how incredibly cheap video cameras had gotten. Actually thanks to Simplygib's post, I just found out that Amazon.com has a back up camera buying guide.

It is amazing how cheap they've gotten.

Just a note for anyone contemplating buying that $14.27 camera. It claims to be waterproof, but several reviewers reported it leaking and water getting inside the lens cover. As a precaution I took mine apart (two very small phillips screws) and caulked the gasket between the two halves. No problems so far despite rain and several washings.

[Sheriffdoug]

Hello, go to. www.veise.com For Wireless Camera systems of 1 to 4 cameras

Connect camera at rear of Truck Camper to clearance lights, and attach small antennae.

Connect small tv monitor on dash in position to your liking, and connect to 12v power.

Rear camera works when high or low beam headlights are turned on.

Monitor activates when turned on, and switch to camera position required.

Rear vision is constant, not just when reversing. So you can see how close vehicles
are behind you, or about to pass, or vision when reversing.

Veise is a Chinese manufacturer, selling direct to public. Pricing & quality are very good.

I have had my system 2 years with faultless operation and dose not have wires from front
to rear camera(s).

Check them out, Doug.

[gorohoff]

If tried this with a GoPro, it would only be mounted temporarily while driving, and removed the rest of the time.

However, at $14.27 something like Simplygib suggests makes a lot more sense. I guess I didn't realize how incredibly cheap video cameras had gotten. Actually thanks to Simplygib's post, I just found out that Amazon.com has a back up camera buying guide.

[Specularius]

You may find this thread helpful.
Rear view Camera For Ford Super Duty

[Simplygib]

I have a GoPro, but it's an older, lesser-expensive model. It will stream directly to a monitor, but it only has about a 45-minute battery life in video mode. Video is excellent - HD quality (or not, depending on settings). It can be wired to a power source, but input is 5v (USB). Also, not sure whether or not you can set them to come on automatically when power is detected. Mine has to be turned on manually, which would be a pain as a backup camera. The newer ones have remotes which could be used to turn it on and off, but I prefer a backup camera to go on and off with the ignition. Others prefer to wire it into the truck's backup lights so it only comes on when in reverse.

If you can wire another camera to your existing rear-view monitor, that would be the least expensive way to go. I have one of these which works great, but doesn't have the infra red night vision (I have rear flood lights so don't need it). Has RCA jacks to connect power and a monitor.

[mrkoje]

jimh425 wrote:
It sounds like a good temporary idea, but can you mount a gopro so it isn't easily taken?

I'm thinking that you would only want to mount it while hitching up and then take it off and put it back in the TV for when you need to hitch up again.

[jimh406]

It sounds like a good temporary idea, but can you mount a gopro so it isn't easily taken?

[TheCodeMonk]

Any of the gopro's with wireless can do it (or any non-wireless one can do it with the wifi bacpac accessory), it's common enough that most action cameras have this capability now with smartphone apps.

However, using those seems like a really expensive way to go for it when there are probably cheaper alternatives out there.

All that said, if you just really want an action cam, definitely get one. You can get some awesome shots and it can be helpful in troubleshooting suspension things (hook it underneath, start recording, drive around to reproduce the problem, review video).

[gorohoff]

It looks like only the newer GoPro 3 cameras will do it. It's a good idea perhaps if you already have a GoPro or want one, otherwise a $50 camera seems like the way to go (didn't realize they were that cheap).

I still kind of want one of those GoPro cameras though.

[Raften]

You need to check which Go Pro will do wireless. I am under the impression that only the Black will but might be wrong.

[Texasfour]

I use a wireless camera/monitor https://www.swifthitch.com/.

Have found MANY uses for it as the camera has a magnetic base and monitor is about size of phone. All is wireless and monitor is handheld. I use to back in to storage alone, back up to see when my tires are at the chocks, also see how close to branches too. Many uses beyond the intended help to seeing while hitching.

Rich

[Specularius]

I wired a camera on my 2011 ford f350. Total cost was around $50. I ordered a camera cable from ford and a cheap button hole camera from eBay. Wired the camera to the cable. I'll get some pictures tomorrow if you want.