Furrion observation camera

[Gmar60]

Even with mixed reviews, I purchased a Furrion FOS48TA-BL camera/monitor because I wanted to see behind me while driving. Much to my surprise, I found that the "pre-wired" mount on my 2016 Surveyor 226RBDS was wired to back-up lights. I had no idea the 7-pin plug had a reverse light in the mix (I have never seen a TT with back up lights) So....... I removed mount and light and capped back up wiresand switched the power source to the center running light. put it all back together and camera comes on with lights. Now I just need to find a good place to put SMALL monitor so it'll be easy to see going down the road. Will update after a little use.


The worst day camping is far better than the best day working.

[dwebww]

Thanks for the pics and the info, but I have a few questions if you don't mind. 1. I don't see the camera wire in any of your pictures, just the capped backup light wires and the running light wires and bulb. Am I missing something? 2. Did you purchase a new gasket or just reseal it yourself? Thanks, Don

[Gmar60]

I apologize for the lack of pictures😏
Got busy trying to finish and forgot to take more. Standing on ladder perched on cargo rack I was juggling wires, tools, and parts and failed to take pics when putting back together. Furrion came with new mount and gasket and I used black RTV to seal. You feed power cable for camera through gasket and wire to running light (green) and neutral (white) and push wires back into trailer. Don't leave much extra cable sticking out because there is limited room in Furrion housing to coil excess.

[dwebww]

No apologies necessary, I appreciate any help as I am about to tackle this myself.

[B and B]

I wired mine to a 12 v constant lead inside the cupboards at the back, just on the other side of the wall. The new version works great! I have the monitor just below my mirror. It is the same general area as the GPS and regular backup so a normal viewing spot.

[dwebww]

That's what I was thinking of doing too. Did you use a battery pack or pull a wire from a light? I don't want to really use the existing 12v constant leads already in the trailer as I don't want to drain the battery. But was thinking about this

http://www.walmart.com/ip/6225663?wm...660832&veh=sem

[leefl]

Strange that your camera mount was wired to reverse light wiring, ours was wired to the running lights, so I just turn the running lights on while driving for the rear view.
I do find the rear view very helpful when passing or changing lanes, since otherwise I always think I'm not clear to switch lanes, when in reality there's plenty of space.

[dwebww]

Just wanted to provide an update for those interested. Received the camera on Friday. Hooked it up to the factory installed bracket and wiring and voila, camera worked when running lights are on. Easy peezy lemon squeezy. Got to use it on Sunday. Makes changing lanes a lot easier. Thanks for the input everyone.

[tpotts83]

My husband and i just picked up our 2109S Mini Lite. On the brochure, it states "Rear Camera Prep. (Std. All Models)" I have looked through our instruction manual and I don't see anything about this. Does anyone know where this is located? On the brochure it show a black mount under the middle light on the back of trailer. Did Forest River cancel this feature on 2016 models?

[Gmar60]

The black cover comes off and the camera replaces it. Plug and play with the only modifications needed are if power source is back-up lights (mine was) or running lights ( I re-wired mine to this).

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by B and B

I wired mine to a 12 v constant lead inside the cupboards at the back, just on the other side of the wall. The new version works great! I have the monitor just below my mirror. It is the same general area as the GPS and regular backup so a normal viewing spot.

From what I gather leaving the camera on a constant 12v feed will lead to a shortened life span. There are quite a few brands that have an early failure due to this. On my motorhome it is wired to the ignition, so it does get turned off.

Aaron

[BDavis]

I have it wired to my running lights. I do run it on while towing to keep an eye on the back of the rig.

[Gmar60]

Originally Posted by BDavis

I have it wired to my running lights. I do run it on while towing to keep an eye on the back of the rig.

X2

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by Gmar60

I had no idea the 7-pin plug had a reverse light in the mix (I have never seen a TT with back up lights)

My 1988 Coleman popup had backup lights. But I haven't really seen too many others, unless the owner added them.

[Doxies in the Rockies]

Do you have a recommendation on which Furrion system to get? Since our camper came pre-wired, does that mean I get a "wired" or "wireless" system? Probably a stupid question but my husband asked me to order one & I can't reach him to ask!

[leefl]

Originally Posted by Doxies in the Rockies

Do you have a recommendation on which Furrion system to get? Since our camper came pre-wired, does that mean I get a "wired" or "wireless" system? Probably a stupid question but my husband asked me to order one & I can't reach him to ask!

The pre-wiring is likely just for power, so you'll need the wireless system in order to be able to have the monitor in the tow vehicle without having to run extra cables from the camper to the vehicle.

I'd recommend getting the "Observation" camera, since it helps when driving, for checking clearance, rather than just when backing into a site.
Wireless High-Speed Observation System. (For high-speed observation and backup use) - FURRION

It's about $100 more than the back-up only camera.

I got mine from an EBay seller, for about $100 less than buying direct.
I bought from General RV Center's EBay store and had no issues: -
Furrion Wireless Observation System Backup Monitor Camera Long Range FOS48TA BL | eBay

There are a few sellers selling for $50 less, but of course I have no idea if the other sellers are any good.

Make sure to get the FOS48TA if you want the observation/rear-view ability, and also if you need longer range (the other model loses signal on anything much longer than a small popup)

I wouldn't be without mine now, and have it on all the time while towing the 5th wheel (makes lane changes much easier, since I know 100% if I'm clear of that vehicle in the other lane)

[Doxies in the Rockies]

Thank you! That's exactly what I needed to know! Having the camera for backing up will be nice but we definitely want to be able to use it for making lane changes safer & easier.

[Doxies in the Rockies]

Update - we ordered a Furrion FOS58TA from Amazon & it arrived on Saturday. It took less than 15 minutes, in the snow, to get it installed and paired with the monitor in the truck. Now if the weather would just stay cleared up enough for the areas we want to go to melt & dry out!!!

[Doxies in the Rockies]

Oops, we got a FOS48TA! It looks like it going to work great!

[leefl]

Good to hear. Enjoy