Back up camera on Scamp

[parmm]

Planning on installing a wireless backup camera on my Scamp 19. I read in some literature found in the bundle of stuff that the previous owner gave me that the insulation used by Scamp prevents wireless signals from passing thru. Am I going to run into that problem?

[AC0GV]

Originally Posted by parmm

Planning on installing a wireless backup camera on my Scamp 19. I read in some literature found in the bundle of stuff that the previous owner gave me that the insulation used by Scamp prevents wireless signals from passing thru. Am I going to run into that problem?

Astro-foil, reflectix and others like it attenuate but do not totally block radio frequencies.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by AC0GV

Astro-foil, reflectix and others like it attenuate but do not totally block radio frequencies.

Exactly.. and there are windows... the only way to know if it will work is to try it.

But I will say, the "faraday cage" Scamp insulation does reduce radio and cell reception inside my Scamp by a considerable amount.

[AC0GV]

Originally Posted by gordon2

Exactly.. and there are windows... the only way to know if it will work is to try it.

But I will say, the "faraday cage" Scamp insulation does reduce radio and cell reception inside my Scamp by a considerable amount.

I keep reflectix in the windows to keep the sun out. At the campground that I am at tonight I had to remove it from the window in the direction of the antenna to get a good signal. Not that it helped much, for you that do not need a TV because you watch the internet, note the speeds. (yes I ran several tests and this is a week night, weekends would have more users.)

[WDavidG]

Originally Posted by parmm

Planning on installing a wireless backup camera on my Scamp 19. I read in some literature found in the bundle of stuff that the previous owner gave me that the insulation used by Scamp prevents wireless signals from passing thru. Am I going to run into that problem?

Pat,
I installed my wireless backup camera inside the rear window of my Scamp 13 and have had no problems with transmission. Good luck.

[EllPea in CA]

I am wondering if the wireless backup camera would help for a rear view when driving? I am not confident I'm getting a good view behind my trailer with the mirror extensions. In fact, I'm certain I'm not.

I've already researched other mirrors, and also queried my Volvo owners' group. No one had a better mirror to recommend, but some did mention installing a camera.

Any thoughts on this appreciated! I'm thinking I would mount my iPad to the console... but am open to suggestions.

Thanks for any help!

[Glenn Baglo]

Being able to watch your rear will make you more nervous and take your eyes off the road ahead.

[EllPea in CA]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

Being able to watch your rear will make you more nervous and take your eyes off the road ahead.

LOL. Obviously you've never had to keep an eye on two children in the back seat while dealing with an irritating (fortunately now long ex) spouse and driving in city freeway traffic. (But not while towing... )

BUT, not knowing what is behind me, or how much traffic might be building up because I'm traveling more slowly would make me nervous, and has done so. I also prefer not to follow a semi too closely, because I can't see what is ahead of the truck.

[Glenn Baglo]

I just wag the trailer or look for shadows and check my mirrors on curves. Not that I can do anything about a tailgater anyway.

[EllPea in CA]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

I just wag the trailer or look for shadows and check my mirrors on curves. Not that I can do anything about a tailgater anyway.

Hmmm. That never worked with the arguing children or the annoying spouse. Slamming on the brakes had great effect though, and would probably get the attention of a tailgater

I did once stop the car and make my daughter get out and walk home.
#don'tmesswiththemama

[WDavidG]

Originally Posted by EllPea in CA

I am wondering if the wireless backup camera would help for a rear view when driving? I am not confident I'm getting a good view behind my trailer with the mirror extensions. In fact, I'm certain I'm not.

I've already researched other mirrors, and also queried my Volvo owners' group. No one had a better mirror to recommend, but some did mention installing a camera.

Any thoughts on this appreciated! I'm thinking I would mount my iPad to the console... but am open to suggestions.

Thanks for any help!

Ellpea,
I find the backup camera AND towing mirrors to be important to my safe operation (towing a 13' scamp with a Highlander). The mirrors (I like the Milenco, the Highlander stock mirrors are not sufficient) provide the information I need about vehicles behind me, and approaching beside me, while driving. In my experience the cameras have a fairly wide angle lens so aren't especially useful for this purpose. Unless the vehicle in question is exceptionally close to your trailer bumper it is too small in the viewer to be easily discernible. In addition, the mirrors cover a critical blind spot that a rear camera cannot see. I would not want to change lanes based on what I see in my camera. However, when at a stop light, or parking lot, or gas pumps, the camera does what the mirrors do not - it lets you know that a vehicle or person or bicycle, or lamp post is immediately behind your trailer. Very valuable information if you are wiggling around a tight spot.

Good luck in your adventures.

[EllPea in CA]

Originally Posted by WDavidG

Ellpea,
I find the backup camera AND towing mirrors to be important to my safe operation (towing a 13' scamp with a Highlander). The mirrors (I like the Milenco, the Highlander stock mirrors are not sufficient) provide the information I need about vehicles behind me, and approaching beside me, while driving. In my experience the cameras have a fairly wide angle lens so aren't especially useful for this purpose. Unless the vehicle in question is exceptionally close to your trailer bumper it is too small in the viewer to be easily discernible. In addition, the mirrors cover a critical blind spot that a rear camera cannot see. I would not want to change lanes based on what I see in my camera. However, when at a stop light, or parking lot, or gas pumps, the camera does what the mirrors do not - it lets you know that a vehicle or person or bicycle, or lamp post is immediately behind your trailer. Very valuable information if you are wiggling around a tight spot.

Good luck in your adventures.

Thank you David. Do you have a camera to recommend? Any installation advice? Is your camera mounted inside?

[wanderingjo]

I have had nothing but difficulty with the installation of 3 separate cameras on the roof line above the rear window in my 13' Scamp. Upon installation, there is reception until I turn the car on then there is no reception. The car is a 2019 Ford Edge. It was finally determined that the car was not sending sufficient current to the camera, less than 12v, which is sufficient for the running lights. We then ran it directly to the house battery. This worked until I took it out for a recent camping trip. The monitor is now no longer recognizing the camera. This is frustrating, but I, too, would like to know what is happening behind the Scamp.

[EllPea in CA]

Originally Posted by wanderingjo

I have had nothing but difficulty with the installation of 3 separate cameras on the roof line above the rear window in my 13' Scamp. Upon installation, there is reception until I turn the car on then there is no reception. The car is a 2019 Ford Edge. It was finally determined that the car was not sending sufficient current to the camera, less than 12v, which is sufficient for the running lights. We then ran it directly to the house battery. This worked until I took it out for a recent camping trip. The monitor is now no longer recognizing the camera. This is frustrating, but I, too, would like to know what is happening behind the Scamp.

M J,
Yikes! These are the problems everyone fears and hopes to avoid! Were your cameras mounted inside or outside of the Scamp?

Also, I just noticed what Gordon said above in post #3 about the Scamp being a "faraday cage," which might be more of an explanation than the 12v thoughts.

[wanderingjo]

The camera was mounted outside above the rear window. I am unsure how well mounting it inside with the Scamp insulation surrounding it would make the reception any better.

[BridgetMills]

I have a wireless backup camera on my Scamp 13, mounted centered high on the outside and I've had no problems with reception in the TV. The camera was the first upgrade I made to the camper when I bought it two years. ago. I believe having a clear view of traffic behind me is essential and would not travel without one.

[Markz]

I installed a WIFI camera in my Boler. I installed a replacement WIFI antenna on the tongue to boost transmission. To date, I have had good reception via an Android cell phone I rubberband to my rear view mirror.

[wanderingjo]

My last camera is a Nuoenx with the monitor that was paired with it. What camera and monitor are you using?

[EllPea in CA]

Originally Posted by BridgetMills

I have a wireless backup camera on my Scamp 13, mounted centered high on the outside and I've had no problems with reception in the TV. The camera was the first upgrade I made to the camper when I bought it two years. ago. I believe having a clear view of traffic behind me is essential and would not travel without one.

Bridget, I completely agree! What camera did you get? Would you post a photo of the installation? Does the power wire run inside?

[parmm]

I have a Auto-Vox two camera system /w split screen monitor for my Scamp 19. One is mounted on the front of the trailer for lining up the goose neck to the hitch in the pickup bed. The other is mounted high on the rear of the trailer which I use a rear view camera. I also use clamp on Milenco Grand Aero 3 towing mirrors I am a retired petroleum transport driver, who has hauled everything from 8 axle double bottom flat bed tractor trailer to 6 axle petroleum trailers (East Coast and Ontario Canada). My feeling is that you can't get enough mirrors, and that backup camera systems are must have. No more distracting than looking in a normal mirror. When pulling a trailer you must always have a way out from any situation. If you have vehicles to you left and to your right, where do you go if you need to avoid a accident right in from of you?