Back up camera, is it worth it?

[Sandy12345]

Good Morning All, I am considering a Furrion backup camera for my 2015 Rockwood Signature Ultralight 8285IKWS 5th wheel RV. Do any of you have any experience with it (Model FOS48TA-BL). My RV came with the mounting bracket and prewired. I've talked with one other person who doesn't think a backup camera helps him when backing. I am interested in other experiences. It is an expensive piece of tech so want to be sure it is something that is worthwhile. Please share your experiences.

[spock123]

DW and I both have phones, when we get to the spot I get out and check it out. I get back in and DW calls me and we put the phones on speaker. Works for us, a walkie talkie is what some people use. I have a backup camera and I never turn it on. But a lot of people have them.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[BandJCarm]

I have one. I can't answer because I THINK mine is maladjusted. When driving down the road, I can't see any car coming up behind me until it just about kisses my bumper. When backing up, I can sorta see stuff, better than nothing, but I have too little experience to comment. It stopped working (unpaired) on way home from dealer, and I did not get it paired (fixed) until the last time I backed it. It would do better if it were pointed to get a wider perspective......which I assume (?) it can do.

But looking in both mirrors, trying to find DW, and looking at this thing.......has proven hard. Not to mention, I can't find an acceptable spot to mount it. The GPS takes up middle of dash.

I honestly don't know what they cost, so not sure it's 'worth it'. I just checked that box as an option when I ordered the trailer. The total bottom line is all I paid attention to.

[Dan 28RKX]

We have one and never use it, fun to watch people driving behind you or double checking the bikes but that about it. I'd spend the money on beer.

[ScottBrownstein]

I have one on my 335ds and I wouldn't be without it. At first I was disappointed that it really doesn't show me the traffic behind me, but then I began to understand that it shows me my rear bumper and anything within 4 of 5 feet as I back up. If I can't see anything but the pavement...all is well. Pointing down gives me assurance to back up easily and safetly and the downward view allows me to gauge distance effectively. I absolutely love it.

It is not a rear view mirror...

[Signguy71]

I bought a wireless camera from Tadi brothers that works with my Garmin RV nav system. I can aim it where I want it. I use it most for changing lanes on the highway.

[raspivey]

Mine paid for itself the first time I used it. Had to back down my street and hit the driveway at a slight angle with no spotter. Went in the first time without having to get out or pull forward and try again and put it right up to within six inches of the garage. The IR on the Furion units works pretty well too in the event I ever have to move in the dark. I have mine set to where I can just see the top of the spare tire cover. No, you can't see really far behind you but, along with decent tow mirrors, you have fewer blind spots when changing lanes.

[Eagle-751]

Originally Posted by Sandy12345

Good Morning All, I am considering a Furrion backup camera for my 2015 Rockwood Signature Ultralight 8285IKWS 5th wheel RV. Do any of you have any experience with it (Model FOS48TA-BL). My RV came with the mounting bracket and prewired. I've talked with one other person who doesn't think a backup camera helps him when backing. I am interested in other experiences. It is an expensive piece of tech so want to be sure it is something that is worthwhile. Please share your experiences.

Greetings, I can only speak of the backup cameras in general, I have a TT not a bus. I love them, my two cars have them from factory, I installed one on my truck ( tow vehicle ) and added a second hookup for a license plate camera on the camper. My wife still has her input when we park it, but the camera shows me what is back there and how close it is. My 06 F150 is pretty high and on more than one occasion I have seen kids/people in it I could not see in the mirrors.
Bottom line... YES get it. If for no other reason than safety. But I think you will use it often. Good luck with whatever you decide, Happy camping.

[jeff64]

I do have a back up camera and like it. I don't use it in the traditional manner of being attached to the back of the TT because the "view" is of the TT turning and is in constant motion which is not real helpful to me at all.
But, what I do with camera since it is WiFi and has about 75-90 ft range is, I made a stake with a steel plate on it for the magnetic mount of the camera. I place the camera at the back of the site( or my driveway) and watch the trailer come into the parking spot and the camera is stationary. Works way better than my DW standing in the back of the site waving her hands and/or not standing in the view of the rear view mirrors. You might relate to that! For me this takes care of the blind spot backing up and is worth the price of admission( RVS-83111)for the camera. If you go for a wireless, make certain it does not get interferrence from bluetooth. In the GMCs you can't shut off the bluetooth. This one you wouldn't want to use driving down the road to see who's in back of you. Backing up yes, as an "electric rear view mirror" no. Camera is 9v. battery

[jtownstumpjumper]

Back up Camera probably would not have helped....lol.

[RV_Fan44]

Originally Posted by Eagle-751

Greetings, I can only speak of the backup cameras in general, I have a TT not a bus. I love them, my two cars have them from factory, I installed one on my truck ( tow vehicle ) and added a second hookup for a license plate camera on the camper. My wife still has her input when we park it, but the camera shows me what is back there and how close it is. My 06 F150 is pretty high and on more than one occasion I have seen kids/people in it I could not see in the mirrors.
Bottom line... YES get it. If for no other reason than safety. But I think you will use it often. Good luck with whatever you decide, Happy camping.

I agree! A great safety addition and I think you will use it often.

[DoggieDaddy]

Buy a good set of walkie-talkies and you will be better served. IMHO. Phones work well also but we like the versatility of the radios.

[spock123]

DW is ten times better than a backup camera


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[MarcS]

I would not be without my rear observation camera. I can see behind the TT about 20'. IMO it works way better than mirrors when I need to pass someone. My DW usually is in one of the mirrors or in view with the camera. I would not be without one again.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[spock123]

I have one but I hardly ever hook it up. I have enough things to distract me when I'm driving as it is. I can't look at the front and back too. It's like everything else if you like it and want it then by all means buy it. Just my opinion


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[RangeMaggotBob]

Originally Posted by spock123

DW and I both have phones, when we get to the spot I get out and check it out. I get back in and DW calls me and we put the phones on speaker. Works for us, a walkie talkie is what some people use. I have a backup camera and I never turn it on. But a lot of people have them.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

You forgot one very important point- IF USING A WALKIE TALKIE, MAKE SURE YOUR WIFE'S IS OFF!

[dstacy969]

Originally Posted by spock123

DW and I both have phones, when we get to the spot I get out and check it out. I get back in and DW calls me and we put the phones on speaker. Works for us, a walkie talkie is what some people use. I have a backup camera and I never turn it on. But a lot of people have them.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

The only problem with that is sometimes we like to camp places that don't have a cell phone signal.

[spock123]

Originally Posted by dstacy969

The only problem with that is sometimes we like to camp places that don't have a cell phone signal.

That's true, we were just at a campground and we had no cell phone service. I can back a camper and I just need DW to tell me how far to back up. I was a commercial driver for awhile and I never had any help on backing up, with power steering I can get get camper in a spot. But I realized a lot of people need help when backing up


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[Big1]

We use walkie talkie.