Back-up camera install Coachmen Freelander

[B D HOWie]

Almost finished with the installation of a hardwired back-up camera system. Just need to finish sealing a couple areas to help keep the bugs out.
Camera kit from Amazon <$50





The far point visible at top of screen is about 36' back at ground level. The near point red line is about 6' back, again at ground level. I am really pleased with the picture quality.

I was disappointed with the appearance of the camera that came with the unit so I ordered another from Amazon <$30.




OC thank you for the flashing recommendation for the rear camera back wall mounting cover.

NOTE: I do have one suggestion for others doing this mod related to the rear camera. I believe the camera I ordered separately has a 90 degree viewing angle. I recommend purchasing one with 120-150 degree viewing angle. I think this might improve the near and far viewing limits as well as the lateral.

If anyone is interested in additional information I will be glad to provide more info or pics.
Paul

 

[CLT]

So can this be used when driving down the highway also or is it back-up only?

 

[B D HOWie]

I wired into the radio's power supply. This enables me to use it anytime the ignition key is on. It also ensures that it is off when I remove the key.
Paul

 

[jgahlhoff]

so BD, you got the entire kit with the upgrade for $100-150 complete??

 

[CLT]

How are you running the wiring for it? It looks as if it is internal.

 

[B D HOWie]

so BD, you got the entire kit with the upgrade for $100-150 complete??

Yes, the $50 kit has the monitor, a camera, a mounting bracket. It also has a double din (7" diagonal screen) mount for your dash if you have the space to install it there. (I could not figure out a place to move the radio so I did not dash mount the monitor.
Even with the better camera and windshield suction cup mount I purchased and wire, etc. I was well below $150. The wider angle camera upgrades are a little more than $30, but you should still be below or near $150 total.
Paul

 

[B D HOWie]

How are you running the wiring for it? It looks as if it is internal.

Yes, it is partially internal and partially under chassis.

Rear camera comes in upper cabinet. Then it is routed through the full length closet to the basement.




Our FW tank is under the bed. Wiring is brought from the basement to the FW bay and down and out floor for the under chassis run.



The two white tubes are the FW over flows.

I used RG6 for the video cable and had some difficulty pulling it through the conduit so I just notched the pull boxes and ran it outside. I ran my electrical in the conduit all the way to the front door step well and came back to the interior.


You can go to either driver or passenger side depending on which side of the chassis you follow.
I came up behind the kick panel and ran wires as needed to radio for power and the monitor wiring harness.
Paul

 

[CLT]

Great job on the pics. Looks like it is just something that takes a little time and patience. I might have to attempt this at some point.

 

[B D HOWie]

CLT
You are correct time and patience.
Ronald Ross with Coachmen was a great help. I emailed him, told him what I was planning to do. I ask about the location of marker light wiring and chase routing. He confirmed that the area on the Freelander between the rear window and marker lights was clear for drilling into upper cabinet.
After noodling out a routing plan I contacted Mr. Ross again and inquired about coming up under the dinette. He recommended the driver's step well since other wires already come in at that location. Pulled the step well cover to look at the routing. (Ron, thanks for all your help and quick responses to my inquiries.) I chose to route to the passenger's step well do to my ability to more easily access that side of the RV with my creeper. I routed on the outside of the chassis frame, running through small framework that was available to support the conduit and video wire. I used zip ties to help secure. Also used Great Stuff to fill between conduit and body where all the conduit entered/exited house. Used rope putty on each end inside the conduit where the wiring comes from camera and enters the upper cabinet. This will keep critters out and not get hard if I need to change camera later.
As is typical the Chinese instructions are minimal. An example is the blue wire on the monitor harness and the kits camera is labeled Aux. no other explanation. I can guess that it may be to hook up a trip power feed for a turn signal or something as the monitor does have the ability to support two video inputs. I just capped it off with a wire nut to be safe. Also be cautious with the video RCA plug. The male exterior contacts are very flimsy.
Best of success when you decide to install yours.
Paul

 

[CLT]

Have you had it out on the road yet? I'm wondering how the camera does with the sun shining on it.

 

[B D HOWie]

Have you had it out on the road yet? I'm wondering how the camera does with the sun shining on it.

Yes, we drove it Monday evening near sunset. The plastic kit camera does not have a cover shade, but the better one I bought has the adjustable shade and the case is all metal. The camera does not tilt up any further than my pictures show. It cannot be used for traffic approaching behind you unless they are tail gating very close. That may change with a 120-150 degree field of view camera. You should have a good view of a toad.
We just purchased a bike rack and I am wondering how much of that will be visible.
Paul

 

[B D HOWie]

Sorry, I did not answer your question.
I did very well, but the sun was low and we were in the country with trees part of the time. Really did not notice any concern with the sun.
Paul

 

[CLT]

That's a plus. So there is a screw on the swivel mount for both the shade and the camera from what I see. That should work very good.

 

[B D HOWie]

That's a plus. So there is a screw on the swivel mount for both the shade and the camera from what I see. That should work very good.

Yes, there are screws. The shade and the wall mount are slotted which limits the adjustment. If you left out two screws on each side the limit would be eliminated. These are very small screws so I would be concerned using just one screw per side.
Paul

 

[B D HOWie]

I have intended to post a picture of the cover I placed over the camera last year to protect it from rain and sun. The camera indicates it is water resistant, but moisture gets in. We had several days of heavy rain last year so I was not surprised.


The flashing is held in place with 3M all weather double sided tape.
This has done a good job of protecting the camera.
Paul

 

[B D HOWie]

The latest update:
I just replaced the Jensen single din dash radio that came in the Freelander with a Kenwood DDX374BT and a SiriusXM receiver. This unit is able to display the backup camera input. Nice to have the radio upgrade and the backup viewing built into the dash.

Old radio

New radio


Backup camera, all I had to do (other than install the radio, lol) was move the RG-6 cable RCA connection from the old display unit's input to the Kenwood's camera input.

Paul

 

[Mikele]

I've got a similar kit ordered for my Sandpiper. It should be here Fri. Whole kit from EBay was 69.00 and it has 2 cameras and uses the 4pin cable as opposed to the standard RCA cables. The 4 pin supplies power to the camera and receives the signal all on one cord.Also comes with a 7in monitor.