Wired or Wireless?

[hmedeiros0912]

I am an extreme newbie. We just purchased a 27ft TT and then purchased a 3 camera wired system on amazon (rear view safety). Took it to the dealer to install, they was $1000 to install and now they say we need to get an extension cable to reach into our truck. I am having doubts now. Should I just return and get the wireless and save the money or stick to the wired and pay the money and order a cable? I thought I bought the correct kit but apparently they say this was intended for a true motor home rather than a TT. Any advice?

[CavemanCharlie]

My first car only had one outside mirror. Did have the one near the windshield too though. I say near because in those days it was hung from above the windshield on a arm.

[dodge_guy]

CavemanCharlie wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
How do people drive without a trailer and a rear view mirror hanging from the windshield?

There is no law saying you need to have a rear view mirror hanging from your windshield. All the law says is that you need to have 2 ways of looking backward. A lot of bigger trucks don't even come with a center rear view mirror because it's figured they will either be towing something or have a big box mounted on the back.

Right! And when it's available it's a big help!!!

[wmoses]

westend wrote:
I've been looking at the cameras as a mod for my rig. I was pretty well decided to get two cameras, one for hitching to the ball and one on the back of the trailer. After reading about the distraction involved when under way, I might just opt for one

I was also looking into the 2-camera system and as for the distraction, I plan to only use the one on the rear of the trailer in traffic. When cruising on the highway it would likely be off. The way I figure it, when not towing my present windshield mirror is not really a distraction so I don't see how the camera will be that much the worse. Also, looking at my dashboard layout and in consideration of security, I think I may end up mounting the monitor low down, in the centre seat knee panel of the dash.

Since that time I have decided that my mirror aid works quite well when hitching up so I may end up skipping one camera.

Anyone have any direct experience buying and using equipment from Tadi Brothers? Their prices are not bad.

[CavemanCharlie]

dodge guy wrote:
How do people drive without a trailer and a rear view mirror hanging from the windshield?

There is no law saying you need to have a rear view mirror hanging from your windshield. All the law says is that you need to have 2 ways of looking backward. A lot of bigger trucks don't even come with a center rear view mirror because it's figured they will either be towing something or have a big box mounted on the back.

[westend]

wmoses wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
How do people drive without a trailer and a rear view mirror hanging from the windshield?

I see these fools daily here in Houston. Usually the rear view mirror is angled at them so they can see their own face.

How are you going to put the makeup on your eyelashes without angling the mirror?:R
When I first saw my Daughter do this, as my passenger, I became unglued. What is going to happen with that small, pointed eyelash brush in the event of a sudden stop? Please, for the sake of yourself and the traveling public, smear that******on your face at the house, not on the road!

I've been looking at the cameras as a mod for my rig. I was pretty well decided to get two cameras, one for hitching to the ball and one on the back of the trailer. After reading about the distraction involved when under way, I might just opt for one. BTW, I drive a truck, daily, that has no view rearward from the windshield mirror, I manage quite well with the side mirrors..

[wmoses]

dodge guy wrote:
How do people drive without a trailer and a rear view mirror hanging from the windshield?

I see these fools daily here in Houston. Usually the rear view mirror is angled at them so they can see their own face.

[dodge_guy]

I use my camera as a rear view mirror and to keep an eye on the bikes. Can't do that with side view mirrors or the wife! How do people drive without a trailer and a rear view mirror hanging from the windshield?

[mdfenley]

I purchased This a couple of years ago. I can't remember how much I paid for it, I don't think I paid what they have listed. Anyways, I have a 28 ft TT and I have a perfect picture. It easily attaches to the bumper of the TT. I also use it to back the truck to the TT.

Mark

[Lantley]

The rear camera maybe beneficial when backing into a site, however I have found it distracting when traveling down the road.

[kend40]

I have to add my 2Cents here. Being new to towing a TT last year I was nervous about towing not just backing into sites. I splurged and bought the Voyager wireless system and put it on the back wall of my 27ft TT. The installation is as simple as finding a power supply on the TT, then hanging the rather large monitor on a bracket inside the truck. It cost less than the $1000 that you are being told is the cost of installation of your wired system! Furthermore I like to be able to use it when driving as a rear view mirror alternative. As far as picture quality....its great. For wireless you need to find a system that has the Camera Sync to the Monitor in order to get away from interference! I get Zero interference!

[BurbMan]

avoidcrowds wrote:
OP stated he wanted a rear-view camera, not a backup camera. Different purposes.

I put a wired rear-view on my trailer, so I can see the narrow cars that get too close, and are not visible in the side mirrors. I like to know if there is someone there if I have to hit the brakes hard in nasty traffic.

So if you have to stop short because the guy in front of you did, but you look at the camera and see someone is tailgating....so what? Do you not stop so you don't get rear-ended?

Do you see semis with rear view cameras? What do they do about small narrow cars that tailgate? I've driven my TT in/out/through NYC more times than I can count and have never thought I needed a rear view camera while underway.

Why it's generally accepted that if you get rear-ended you are not at fault...your job as a driver is to watch the traffic ahead of you, just as it is for the guy behind you. With my mirrors I can see all the way down both sides of the trailer so I can change lanes safely. Watching a rear-view camera a) is just a distraction from looking ahead at the road where I should be focusing my attention and b) telling me about stuff that I have no control over.

I can see a back up camera to help you when in reverse so you don't run over toddlers and such, but running down the road it's more of an impediment to safety than a benefit IMO.

[avoidcrowds]

OP stated he wanted a rear-view camera, not a backup camera. Different purposes.

I put a wired rear-view on my trailer, so I can see the narrow cars that get too close, and are not visible in the side mirrors. I like to know if there is someone there if I have to hit the brakes hard in nasty traffic. I leave extra space in front of me if I know I can't stop as fast, so I don't get rear-ended.

I looked at wireless, but techs told me they get too much interference. So, I got the wired kind, got an extra cable, and ran it myself, both on the trailer, and on my TV. simple to do, and completed in about an hour. Not worth paying someone more than $100 to do, if you just don't have the time or inclination.

[Lantley]

BurbMan wrote:
If you have a good set of towing mirrors so that you can see down both sides of the camper, there is no need for a back up camera. I also installed back up lights on the bumper of the TT so folks know I am backing up. If backing into a tight spot it helps to have a spotter but I have done it many times solo as well.

Remember the GOAL method: Get Out And Look!

Burbman I've been pretty much in the why do you need a back up camera camp! What's wrong with your mirrors!

However at the end of the camping season I crossed over to the camera side:E

I purchased a Garmin 760LMT RV gps and they have a wireless camera option for $130.00 plus a $35.00 extension cable.
I installed the whole mess and it works fairly well. The picture is decent from the rear of the fiver to the cab of the truck.

Funny thing is now that it is installed. I don't know what to use it for.
Am I supposed to trust it when backing into a site?
Or should I be using it to watch traffic behind me?

I know how to use and rely on my mirrors, however I have been slow to warm up to the rear camera thing.

Maybe in time I'll will learn to trust it..so far it has been a slow process..
It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks

[Jframpey]

Nvr2loud wrote:

Jframpey wrote:
Do you have an iPhone and iPad? I found this app on the ap store: AirBeam.

It allows you to set one as a camera and the other as a receiver. Originally designed as a baby monitor, it has sound as well.

I either have my wife walk to the rear of the trailer and hold the iPhone or I tape it to the bumper... Then I watch the iPad from the drivers seat. Works great. Just remember to retrieve the iPhone after parking!

I think it is available for other smart phones as well.

Joe

Do you have a wifi router running in your truck or trailer while you do this? or do the two iOS devices just connect to each other? If they just connect to each other, then what is the range?

The AirBeam reviews I've read describe it as a wi-fi router only app.

No router needed if wifi unavailable links phone to iPad via personal hotspot.

Oh, and yeah I don't use it going down the road... Although I guess u could if you trust the tape!