Rearview Camera? Anyone use?

[Bob Penn]

Originally Posted by jeffminnesota

I have been thinking it might be nice to have a camera on the back of my 13' Scamp to see behind me, does anyone have any experience? Use of? Recommendations?

Jeff, I think that every aid you have to safely go from point A to point B is a good idea. If you feel a backup camera would be a good aid to you, I would go for it. In the end, it is you who has to be happy with your towing and camping experience.

My tow vehicle has a built in backup camera. I find it extremely helpful when backing up. It has allowed me to easily get perfect alignment of the TV hitch and the trailer tongue.

Some opt to get a wife or husband to serve that function. I respect their choice. It is always handy to have a second person around to do your bidding. However, when that person is not available, things can get difficult.

When I am driving without a trailer behind me , I use ALL of the mirrors to constantly be aware of my driving environment. I try to be a conscientious driver at all times with or without a trailer behind me. I feel less secure when that rear view mirror is obstructed by my trailer.

Bottom line, do what you feel is right and works for you. We can all agree to disagree on our choices and opinions.

Happy camping! That is really the goal here.

[Bob Penn]

Originally Posted by jeffminnesota

I have been thinking it might be nice to have a camera on the back of my 13' Scamp to see behind me, does anyone have any experience? Use of? Recommendations?

I just reread your post and realized that none of us really answered your questions. Mostly you received everyone's opinion on the subject including mine.

Should you elect to have a rear view camera on the Scamp, you basically have two options. One is a wireless camera. The advantage with wireless is easy and fairly quick installation. The negative for wireless cameras is you are depending on radio waves to send a picture to your monitor in the TV. When in congested areas, these signals and may be disrupted by all of the radio signals in that area causing you to loose your picture.

The second option is a wired camera. This option eliminates (if properly installed) the loss of signal in highly populated ares. The drawback of the wired camera is that installation is more difficult because you will need to not only provide power to your camera, but you will also need a video feed to the monitor in the T . Thus you have to wire BOTH the Scamp and your TV for the camera. Depending on your skills in such matters, you may need to pay an experienced technician to do that for you.


For the wireless camera, since your Scamp is only 13 feet long, the distance between the camera and the TV monitor is relatively short and will reduce or eliminate potential problems with loss of signal between the camera and monitor.

Which camera system to get and how many cameras? That question, I can not help you with. Fortunately, Amazon Prime allows you free returns if a product does not meet your expectations. Each RV dealership promotes different options. Maybe visiting several and checking out their offerings will provide you with the information you need.

If getting a camera, there are many decisions to be made such as the angle of view of the camera, the size monitor, recording capabilities if desired, night vision, where to mount the camera, whether to use a license plate camera or one mounted elsewhere. License plate mounted cameras are easily installed. One disadvantage of the license plate option is they are relatively close to the ground and will provide a poor view of traffic behind you. Whether to mount the camera inside the back window of the Scamp or to mount on the exterior. Are you willing to drills holes in the FG shell to mount the camera? What other mounting options are there. Where will you get power for your camera and how to route that power to the camera? Will the camera provide guide lines on the monitor to aid in determining the sides of the trailer? Do you want the camera on full time? How will you turn the camera on and off? For many, one very serious consideration is what is your budget?

As you can see, there are many things to think about. There are advantages and disadvantages to each option. Do your research. Consider all of your options and go for what you think works best for you.
Best wishes with your project.

[jeffminnesota]

Originally Posted by hp in va

I use a Haloview MC7101 2.4G digital wireless camera system with a 7-inch monitor. This system can use four input cameras and monitor that many inputs on the split screen option of its monitor. I only have one camera that I use full time while towing. The camera is hard wired to power inside my Parkliner with a toggle switch to turn it on/off. I have had no wireless camera to dash monitor communication issues. The monitor is large but one gets use to it on the dash. I had a problem with the monitor staying put on the dash until I discovered that a tablet computer mount (from Walmart) would work much better than the supplied mount. I tried other systems that did not work out for me before getting the Haloview. This Haloview has been a faithful system for 2+ years.
I installed the first unsuccessful camera system after an incident in heavy traffic. I needed to make a lane change and the other vehicles would not let me merge into their lane. With only the mirrors, I could not see far enough behind me to see if there could be a merging hole before my lane ran out. Now, I can see what is going on behind me much better than with mirrors.
I use mainly my mirrors to backup, but the camera system does help.

Thanks Harry, that is the kind of information I was looking for!

[LindaandPat]

Originally Posted by jeffminnesota

I have been thinking it might be nice to have a camera on the back of my 13' Scamp to see behind me, does anyone have any experience? Use of? Recommendations?

Bought Voyager and had it installed on our new trailer . Wouldn’t be without it. Love that can see behind also on the road . I an sure lots of more uses too! When we back up at home can see to not back into the house etc. Pat

[jeffminnesota]

Thanks Pat, will check out Voyager!

[LindaandPat]

Originally Posted by LindaandPat

Bought Voyager and had it installed on our new trailer . Wouldn’t be without it. Love that can see behind also on the road . I an sure lots of more uses too! When we back up at home can see to not back into the house etc. Pat

I also wired a on and off switch . How Escape wired it , camera was always on even at campground . Not good I found out not wired right ,and the first camera burned out. That was 5 years ago and everything works great since .My switch has a blue led light so we know to shut it down when not needing . And you can install more then one camera which is handy . Don’t understand backup camera ‘s are on all new vehicles today as a safety issue but you still use your mirrors . As was said everything you can do for safety is to your advantage . Since our camera purchase lots of manufacturers out there now , just do your homework . Oh ours is wireless and never had any drop offs . Almost 40 ft truck and trailer length . Pat

[Stephen Migotsky]

I own a Scamp 16 and I've used a wireless camera installed by my RV shop mechanic/electrical wizard. I only rely on it for seeing traffic behind me, or traffic passing me. It helps me do lane changes on the interstate and see if 12 cars are following me on a two lane road. The monitor sits on my dash with power from the cigarette lighter. The camera is powered from the running lights, so I have to turn on my headlights for the camera to work. It is not perfect. The monitor has a jerky picture and is a little delayed in its updates, but I'm used to it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Romerohiker]

I use Rear View Safety's Wireless Hitch Camera, for a simple plug and play answer as a backup camera for my Scamp 13. The camera is powered by a 9 volt battery, the monitor plugs into the tow vehicle's cigarette lighter/12V accessory plug and requires no additional wiring.

https://www.amazon.com/Rear-View-Saf.../dp/B00O513V8S

[MJo]

I was thinking of getting a rearview camera but now after taking a trip to Minnesota to pick up my 2020 Scamp and thinking about the trip, I find that keeping my eyes on the road ahead of me is probably the best idea. So much can happen, so fast and others on the road don’t know or care about your limitations when pulling a trailer. When I pull in in front of someone, I leave lots of room and if I’m pulling in ahead of an 18 wheeler, most of them flash their lights for me. I have looked at rearview cameras, there are lots for under $150. on Amazon.

[Gompka]

I mounted a wide angle backup camera behind the rear window of my scamp 13, I use an android wireless video sender and a spare android phone as the monitor. I have a windshield mount so I don't have to look down at the screen. I use it mostly to see what is behind me, I can see pretty well in my mirrors, but its nice to see a wider angle that covers potential blind spots. I really enjoy it and use it as an aid in addition to the mirrors, I'll glance at the screen to see if anyone is behind me and then look in the mirror as I merge.

[MelH]

Some of us have Air Conditioners that stick out on a side at the same height as mirrors. Mirrors don't work for me.
If anyone is interested in my Hensley Mfg. mirrors please PM me.

I'm close to adding camera on back of my Aliner (has side A/C unit).
It will connect to the large display screen in my 2018 Toyota Highlander.
My local car sound sound dealer directed me to this after-market system by Beat-Sonic CS6EP (made for adding front camera).

I haven't yet implemented yet but recommend talking to your aftermarket car specialist for recommendations. I also like buying and having service from local specialists.

[Rzrbrn]

I tried using the camera on the back of the Casita to merge a couple of times. Speaking for myself only, I simply cannot handle all the visual information when doing so; mirrors, video from camera on a separate monitor from my dash monitor...wife trying to direct me, very confusing having to make a quick decision.

As far as backing up, the camera is basically looking down and it is the overhead things that would catch me. I have my wife gesturing... talking into the walkie talkie thingies...looking at both mirrors, watching the back up camera...I am getting confused just typing this out and remembering...Help, panic, help, panic...Sorry, wife just came in and told me to quiet down, I'm at home sitting in front of my computer...Whew...

[Bob Person]

I installed a wireless system I bought online from Tadi Brothers. It has not been problem free, but, on balance, I like it fine. I wired it in to switch that allows me to turn it on and off when I like. My main purpose was to give me added assurance I had passed another vehicle completely - I've not developed great judgment with the mirrors and scared the snot out of myself once (the trucker did not help me much then). I've recently been concerned I may have an electrical fault somewhere as the trailer battery runs down badly when the camera is on but not when off. My unit is a 16' Scamp.

[MelH]

Originally Posted by Rzrbrn

I tried using the camera on the back of the Casita to merge a couple of times. Speaking for myself only, I simply cannot handle all the visual information when doing so; mirrors, video from camera on a separate monitor from my dash monitor...wife trying to direct me, very confusing having to make a quick decision.

As far as backing up, the camera is basically looking down and it is the overhead things that would catch me. I have my wife gesturing... talking into the walkie talkie thingies...looking at both mirrors, watching the back up camera...I am getting confused just typing this out and remembering...Help, panic, help, panic...Sorry, wife just came in and told me to quiet down, I'm at home sitting in front of my computer...Whew...

Thanks for the response!
My OEM mirrors work great for merging and lane shifting. I don't need to know what's directly behind for those activities.
My goals with a rear camera are to:
1) Be able to see if someone is behind me (emergency vehicle, another vehicle traveling with.
2) Ensure I'm compliant with states laws for visibility. After an 'incident', any decent civil attorney is likely to check all safety compliances (weight, visibility, etc.) that owner controls and MAY have contributed to the accident.
3) Be able to see my current rear camera if I want to without stoping and putting TowV in reverse.
The system proposed to me accomplishes all of the above.
Again, thanks for your feedback.

[jeffminnesota]

Thanks for the information from Bob Person, MelH, Gompka, I think I will get a wireless one that is on sale at Costco, see how it goes, go from there. I will you all know how that goes, if anyone is interested.... Jeff

[captfrog]

We have a 21’ TT and added a camera to the rear and have found it to be very useful. It eliminated the need for the clamp on trailer mirrors. Adjusted properly, it can tell you what traffic you have coming up and passing and is helpful for backing into your site but does not eliminate the need for personal observations.

[NW Cat Owner]

I have the rear view/back up camera that was offered as an option when we got our 21' Escape the end of 2016. Heck if I remember the brand. Lemme go look at it .... RVS Systems if I'm reading the dinko name on the front properly. 7" wireless monitor according to the sticker on the back.



Several things we did to improve it. The feed was always dropping out, especially when I was in a high occupancy area with lots of people on their wifi or whatever. Husband suggested I use the wired, screw in antenna that came with it. He got some u-shaped bit of metal that I stick over the top of the middle of the rear seat in the Tundra (with some cushioning on it). That way the antenna is a bit closer to the trailer (has a magnet on the bottom of the antenna), as opposed to the stickie-uppie one that attaches to the monitor itself. That really improved the feed and it rarely drops out now. And if it does, it's not for very long.


(Side note - it rattles like crazy when I'm coming home from one nearby campground and only on a certain portion of the road, which isn't bumpy. Startles the willies out of me when it starts doing that!)


I also don't use the window suction mount that came with it, but got a dashboard mount that works for Garmin GPS units. That way it sits on the dashboard and it's both closer to me and to the trailer. However, that monitor is heavier than the GPS units, so I sewed a fabric beanbag for the front of the monitor to rest on. It keeps the monitor in place and it doesn't bounce around like before. Nor do I have that stupid suction mount circle on my windshield.



I don't have a problem with it being wired in to the headlights. Why anybody would is beyond me. It's safer driving with your headlights on and I'm in the habit of turning them on all the time anyway in all of the vehicles I drive.


Since most of my trailer usage is by myself, I find the backup camera really helps when backing into a site. Yes, I use my mirrors. Yes, I check out the site before backing and many times while backing in to the spot. The camera is one more bit of information that I find invaluable. And yes, my instructor wouldn't let me use it when I took professional driving lessons after we got the trailer.



I don't find the monitor to be a distraction while driving. At first I used to freak out over everyone behind me, until I learned to just ignore all that. I also thought everyone was right on my rear and then realized they're a bit farther away than they appear in the camera. Whew. If I'm driving early in the morning, I can turn off the monitor as all you'll see is bright headlights - now that's distracting! Most of the time I don't even look at the monitor while driving so I just leave it on all the time.


But, your rig - your decision.

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by MJo

When I pull in in front of someone, I leave lots of room and if I’m pulling in ahead of an 18 wheeler, most of them flash their lights for me.

I wouldn't rely on truckers doing that for ya all the time. The vast majority of them don't do that - least in the areas I'm driving (Pacific NW as well as other portions of the USA). I've also found that the vast majority of them will not flash their lights at you as "thanks" when you flash your lights at them to let them know it's okay to get back in your lane.


It used to not be that way. I had a discussion with a long-time trucker and he said many of the newer drivers aren't very experienced in etiquette like that and it didn't surprise him to hear that. He said the truck driving schools don't spend at much time as they used to on teaching drivers and especially on little things like that.


Of course, that's his opinion/thoughts and I don't have any way of knowing if others think the same. I just know years ago almost all truckers would flash their thanks and now the vast majority don't. I've done plenty of cross country drives over the years, which has formed that opinion.

[TBrown]

I'm in the camp of whatever makes you feel more secure on the road. I added one to my current stick and tin camper and while I don't always refer to it there have been times when I wanted to know whether it was clear to change lanes that it was nice to have. As far as backing goes I still rely mostly on my spotter (wifey) to tell me if I'm about to back over someone. If she's not available I get out and look but always slow spotter or no spotter. I'm getting my much narrower Casita in March and will make the trip home from Texas without a camera I'll be interested to see what I can see behind me. Most likely I will get one after I get home.