Backup Camera

[mharrel]

I can pretty much back anything anywhere if it's in a relatively straight line. As all of us with TTs know, that's rarely possible in an RV park. In fact, often you're backing at close to a 90 degree angle and you see only one side of the trailer and it can be difficult, even with a good spotter. So, after many years, I've decided to get a backup camera. I think I want to go wireless as it is a TT [20']. Any do's and don'ts and things to avoid? There are so many systems, it's hard to know.

[jd50i]

I use a haloview MC7108 and so far I love it. It will take up to 4 cameras and you can have it monitor or wire it to come on for reverse. It can also be a surveillance system recording video and audio. You do have to buy a memory card separately.

[SailorSam20500]

I would get one that is also functional while driving. Gives you a chance to see if there is a chuckle-head tailgating you. Also, absolute confirmation you are ahead of someone if you need to quickly change lanes.
I have a Furion which does the job. However, based on reviews on a couple of RV sites, if I were getting a new one, I would seriously consider the Haloview mentioned by JD50I. They have a bracket designed to mount into a Furion bracket, if your trailer was "pre-wired" by FR.

[mharrel]

Mine is an older TT and is not pre wired and has no bracket--which brings up another question. In my case, how does one mount the camera. I have seen license plate mounted ones, and I was wondering about mounting it directly to the bumper.

[jd50i]

all of the factory mounts I have seen are mounted near the top of the back and use power from the running lights. I don't see why mounting to the bumper would not work, you'll just have a lower view. I don't know if that is bad or good, I just followed what the factory did for newer ones that came with the mount when I mounted mine.

[SailorSam20500]

I think a high mount is preferred. Mounting high gives a view of tree branches and such when backing into a parking spot and avoids some headlight glare if driving after dark. May also be less likely to get damaged if up high.
Only issue with tying into the running lights - they have to be on for the camera to work. If you use a dedicated, always on power supply, camera can be used as a security cam.

[madatme]

I just got halloview 7108, mounted it (existing furion) have not road tested it yet but a nice clear picture, nice unit for 200 bucks

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by mharrel

Mine is an older TT and is not pre wired and has no bracket--which brings up another question. In my case, how does one mount the camera. I have seen license plate mounted ones, and I was wondering about mounting it directly to the bumper.

I mounted mine where the rear middle clearance light is. A friend made a galvanized plate to mount over the existing hole, where I used the light wires to power the camera.
That way I didn't have to drill new holes.

[Branch711]

Have a 2019 Minilite 2507 being pulled by a 2016 MB SLE350 4MATIC. Have backup cameras on back and both sides of the RV. Wired to the running lights.the cameras require 12 volts but the trailer hitch puts out less because of the MB computer reduces the voltage to the factory installed hitch. How to fix this or do a work around.

[pppitiful]

Originally Posted by mharrel

Mine is an older TT and is not pre wired and has no bracket--which brings up another question. In my case, how does one mount the camera. I have seen license plate mounted ones, and I was wondering about mounting it directly to the bumper.

I would be a little leery of the license plate mount...this video review by Long Long Honeymoon showed some lag time when mounted at the license plate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSHSaRoGH78

[ptt87]

I also went with the Haloview, and wired it into the top center clearance light. The only modification I had to make was drilling a small hole in the clearance light lens in order to run the wires through.

I use my camera more for visibility while I'm driving than for backing up. Changing lanes is a lot less stressful now that I'm able to clearly see what is behind me. My camera is roughly 46' from the monitor (TT length + truck length), and I haven't had any issues with range. If needed, Haloview sells an antenna that can be mounted on top of your rig to extend the signal.

[Theo]

Originally Posted by pppitiful

I would be a little leery of the license plate mount...this video review by Long Long Honeymoon showed some lag time when mounted at the license plate...{snip}

Remember, their TT is an Airstream and all that aluminum skin may be the cause of the lagging. However, IMHO, the view from a high, center-mounted camera is preferred for reasons previously mentioned.

[mharrel]

Thanks for the advice. I'll post a wireless unit up high using the wiring of the running lights. When I want to use it while driving, I can just switch on the running lights which isn't a bad idea anyway. The only thing that worries me somewhat is drilling holes in the aluminium skin for the mounting bracket, but I guess I'll figure that out when I get there. I haven't figured out which unit yet, but I am going to look at all those that were recommended. Thanks again to all who responded.

[jd50i]

I used butyl tape to seal my camera.