Side view cameras?

[JimOneil43]

Planning to buy a new 3050s this year...Am wondering about the optional side-view cameras. Do they show any more than you would see with the regular outside mirrors? Also, where does the video from the side view cameras display...is there a separate display screen from the rear view camera? I guess, what I'm wondering, is this option worth it? Anyone have any opinions?
Thanks

[SkipnTerri]

They come in handy when passing and give you a bit more assurance of an open lane to get back in to. When you turn the blinker on, the monitor switches to that side. Once the blinker is off (about 10 seconds later), the monitor returns to the rear again.

[leftyneil]

Great when changing lanes, they elimante blind spots. Much better rear viewing than the mirrors.

[dan-nickie]

Some will say using mirrors while driving is all they need.
I use the cameras just sometimes in special situations while travelling.
For example I can see traffic that is merging into the highway from the right.
But they are useful in other situations also.
Maneuvering slow in tight campgrounds.
Backing into campsite.
Can turn on while stopped/camping to see who is knocking at the door.
Security at night to see all around the RV when you hear things.

[wana65stang]

Originally Posted by JimOneil43

Planning to buy a new 3050s this year...Am wondering about the optional side-view cameras. Do they show any more than you would see with the regular outside mirrors? Also, where does the video from the side view cameras display...is there a separate display screen from the rear view camera? I guess, what I'm wondering, is this option worth it? Anyone have any opinions?
Thanks

As all others have stated, YES get the side mirror cameras.

[JimOneil43]

Thanks, everybody! I think my mind has been made up from the valuable replies so far. Side cameras it is !! For the relatively small option cost, it sounds like they are well worthy it. All it takes would be avoiding one costly accident.

[jrwalkerpa1]

Yes, I believe they are worthwhile. In most driving situations the mirrors are good enough. But, for me the best use of the side cameras is when pulling out at a 45 degree angle. They show that blind spot that the mirrors can't see

[osgood]

I was kicking myself when I did not get the side cams. When my cousin got their new class C with the cams I was so jealous. After a few months I asked them about the cams and how they use them, he said that he never paid much attention to them. The rear view camera is a must. They, like myself, find that the big mirror is valuable but the convex mirrors are priceless.They are great on a 90 degree turn to see your rear tires on a turn. I use the crap out of those small lower mirrors and have always been able to see all traffic coming up both sides. The only place that gets missed by the mirrors is when the vehicle in the other lane is right beside you. I hope that you glance out the side window when changing lanes.

[David100]

I am interested in side view cameras too but already own a 2014 Solera 24R with only backup camera. Does anyone know if side view cameras can be added as a retrofit to my existing system?


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[JimOneil43]

Originally Posted by dan-nickie

Some will say using mirrors while driving is all they need.
I use the cameras just sometimes in special situations while travelling.
For example I can see traffic that is merging into the highway from the right.
But they are useful in other situations also.
Maneuvering slow in tight campgrounds.
Backing into campsite.
Can turn on while stopped/camping to see who is knocking at the door.
Security at night to see all around the RV when you hear things.

How do you turn them on if you are parked and key is off? Do you have to turn on the turn signal or is there another way to turn them on ?

[ORvideoguy]

The back up screen/monitor has its own little remote that you can use to power it on and off and select which camera you want to see and you can also use it to change settings like brightness and contrast. There are also buttons on the screen that allows for the same functions, power on and off, picture settings and which camera you want to view. It's really pretty cool and I'm glad I opted for the side view cameras.

[dan-nickie]

Originally Posted by JimOneil43

How do you turn them on if you are parked and key is off? Do you have to turn on the turn signal or is there another way to turn them on ?

My Berkshire has a switch on the dash to turn the radio/cameras on when the key is off.

Also, I disconnected the 'reverse' wire that triggers the back up camera. This way I can select which camera I want on when backing into a campsite.
Each camera can be selected on the display menu.

[ORvideoguy]

I've only had my Forester for a week and it appears as though my earlier statement may have been based on short term memory. When I was playing with the camera and remote the first time I must have had my key in the ignition because tonight when I went out to load some more stuff in the RV I was playing around with things and the camera wouldn't come on. Then I put the key in the ignition and voila, it worked just fine.

Do the cameras only work when the key is in and turned to on?

[bclemens]

Correct. Just like your car. (if your car has a back up camera)