Audio for back-up camera

[KnC]

Apparently, our 2017 Sunseeker 2860DS didn't come with audio integrated with the back-up camera. Anyone else notice this with new 2017 Sunseekers?

Our RV is currently in for warranty and we'll be picking it up next week, at which time I'll be able to confirm with my own eyes.

I only mention this because when we ordered it in September, one of the things the salesman mentioned was that the backup camera had a microphone to aid communications with the driver. When we picked up the unit in November, the tech who did the PDI tried to show us how the audio worked but couldn't figure it out. When we took the RV in for other warranty work last month, I mentioned we weren't sure if the audio wasn't working due to operator error or possibly some other reason.

Anyway, I've now been informed the shop called Forest River and our model didn't come with audio integrated with the rear camera.

I don't really care about the audio. I can always get some walkie-talkies. It probably would have been nice if it worked. Also, I understand changes are always occurring during the production year. However, it just came as a surprise due to what we had previously been told. Mainly providing this for others' situational awareness.

[Garrette]

This is a silly suggestion, trying turning up the volume. If you get sound, it will be one way.

[KnC]

Originally Posted by Garrette

This is a silly suggestion, trying turning up the volume. If you get sound, it will be one way.

Will do

[kenandterry]

FWIW....our motorhome has the audio package with the factory back up camera, but be aware that it only allows the person outside to be heard, not the driver. As long as you might only need one way communication, I guess it might be worth chasing.

We can usually get positioned with hand signals only, with the understanding, if I (the driver) can't see you in the mirrors or the monitor, I WILL STOP.

If it's a complicated set up, we use walkie talkies for two way verbal communication.

[Garrette]

My volume only works when in reverse with the coach running.

[GL1800Rider]

Are you certain your model does not have audio. I find that hard to believe. If you have an owners manual check that. Also, Joshua Cavett may be able to verify for you. When our 2016 audio was not working I thought it was operator error. Dealer verified it was not working and replaced the camera. Problem solved.

[BILL49]

Using two cell phones set to speaker phone also works quite well !

[KnC]

According the the dealer, he called Forest River and did a VIN check to determine it didn't have it. That's why I posted in the forum because it was surprising news to me. I will be picking up the RV this evening and check again with my own eyes.

[KnC]

I've attached a photo of the camera which shows the port for the mic (not that this means it has a mic). I've tried volume adjustments with the RV in reverse and running and get nothing.

I have not had a chance to access the video control box (multiplexer) to see if it has a blue wire which is not hooked to the reverse wire. I may do this some time in the future when I have time. Unfortunately, the RV is stored a long distance from my house so it's not readily accessible.

For Joshua Cavett if you read this: Do you know if some of the cameras currently being installed are not equipped with the mic?

[Wolverine 1945]

Originally Posted by BILL49

Using two cell phones set to speaker phone also works quite well !

Not any better that a pair of little Walky Talkes !!!
LOL !!!

[Wolverine 1945]

When we first got our Sunseeker I did not know the camera had audio,,, I started to wonder why when I backed up I was hearing static ??? Then I read here about the audio,,, maxed the volume out,,, and there was the wife telling me to STOP !!!

[hikerjohn7]

Originally Posted by KnC

Apparently, our 2017 Sunseeker 2860DS didn't come with audio integrated with the back-up camera. Anyone else notice this with new 2017 Sunseekers?

Our RV is currently in for warranty and we'll be picking it up next week, at which time I'll be able to confirm with my own eyes.

I only mention this because when we ordered it in September, one of the things the salesman mentioned was that the backup camera had a microphone to aid communications with the driver. When we picked up the unit in November, the tech who did the PDI tried to show us how the audio worked but couldn't figure it out. When we took the RV in for other warranty work last month, I mentioned we weren't sure if the audio wasn't working due to operator error or possibly some other reason.

Anyway, I've now been informed the shop called Forest River and our model didn't come with audio integrated with the rear camera.

I don't really care about the audio. I can always get some walkie-talkies. It probably would have been nice if it worked. Also, I understand changes are always occurring during the production year. However, it just came as a surprise due to what we had previously been told. Mainly providing this for others' situational awareness.

I know you would like to get the system's audio to work but a quick work-around I have found is to call my wife when she's behind the RV and set my cell phone on speaker and lay it on the engine cover in the cab. Then I can hear her directions for my backing; especially when she yells "STOP!"

[Wolverine 1945]

I think there are some of us older folks that don't have 2 Cell phones,,, Maybe ???
Walkie Talkies are way cheaper than a 2nd Cell Phone !!!

[hikerjohn7]

Originally Posted by Wolverine 1945

I think there are some of us older folks that don't have 2 Cell phones,,, Maybe ???
Walkie Talkies are way cheaper than a 2nd Cell Phone !!!

That works too. But you need a good quality set. Cheap ones don't work well.

[Wolverine 1945]

Originally Posted by hikerjohn7

That works too. But you need a good quality set. Cheap ones don't work well.

We have a small pair we bought from Radio Shack many years ago,,, if your only going to use them from RV to backup helper you don't need to spend much

[High Desert]

Picked out 2017 today and there is no audio on the backup camera on ours. I do not think these come with audio as a standard feature.

[Wolverine 1945]

Originally Posted by High Desert

Picked out 2017 today and there is no audio on the backup camera on ours. I do not think these come with audio as a standard feature.

I did not think ours had it either,,, till I read about it here !!!
And turned the volume up !!! 2013 2500TS...

[Gidyupgo]

Sorry, have to chime in. Like HikerJohn, I can usually hear her scream STOP!!!!!
Matter of fact, ..... sometimes, any other vehicle motion in the vacinity halts briefly as well. 《grin》

[Wolverine 1945]

Originally Posted by Gidyupgo

Sorry, have to chime in. Like HikerJohn, I can usually hear her scream STOP!!!!!
Matter of fact, ..... sometimes, any other vehicle motion in the vacinity halts briefly as well. 《grin》

Even with out camera audio ???
LOL !!!

[KnC]

Just seeing if anyone has any updates on this topic of 2017 Sunseeker models and the microphones with the back-up camera or relevent info. Specifically, if you have a 2017 Sunseeker, do you hear any sound from your back-up camera microphone?

My gut feeling is that the camera is equipped with the one-way microphone and at least in my case, it's just not hooked up. I believe the dealer who told me it wasn't equipped, very likely didn't know what they were talking about or just wanted to give me an easy answer. However, I could be wrong.

Also, understand I'm being a little lazy because I haven't checked the multiplexer with my own eyes. I probably should do that so I can post it on here as helpful info. It just hasn't been a high enough priority for me and I'm not even sure how much of a task it is to pull the dash part off to access this area.

Polite request....we don't need any more comments on walkie-talkie or cell phone workarounds or how loud your spouse can yell STOP! Not that they aren't cute.

Finally, if Joshua Cavitt can provide any definitive words, that would be very nice.