Rear View/Backup Camera

Draughty

Draughty

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 21, 2017
Posts
298
Location
Sudbury
Ok..been thinking about a backup camera fir the trailer and got to thinking it may be cheaper/better/ more interesting to use something like a GoPro (probably a cheaper knockoff!) Mounted inside the rear window of the trailer and wirelessly connected to one of our smart phones or an old one I have laying around?
Anyone know anything about this? Or tried it? Heard of anyone doing it??
This is an amazing resource for RV information so I have my fingers crossed!

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There are plenty of wireless cameras out there monitor and all that are not real expensive no sense reinventing the wheel.
 
Thinking more dual duty than reinventing the wheel....

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Draughty said:
Thinking more dual duty than reinventing the wheel....

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Oh yea, a go pro or equivalent for double duty for sure. I have not seen them used on a camper, yet anyway. A question, do you just want it for backing into a campsite or for looking back while towing down the road? A portable clip on works at the campsite well, but maybe not towing down the road in all the weather and other bouncing conditions.

We have had members do permanent mounted cameras powered off the 12 volts in the camper. I have not made it to this upgrade yet but it is on the list.
 
Yeah kind if what I was thinking..and yes I'd like to use it as a rearview...just starting to consider it and have a couple upcoming trips it could be very handy..
Have to do some research as a GoPro type could be useful in other situations...hmmm...

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Yes I'm doing some research tonight and this SVT came up as a strong contender.
A GoPro brand is more expensive than a less expensive knock off but the biggest issue is that the dedicated rear view cameras show the property perspective as in a mirror...a camera not doing that mirror image shows it as though you were facing that direction..

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You might consider checking if you can use them inside, or through a additional pane of glass? Some are designed to focus without the additional glass. A reflection from the glass might distort the image or focus?
 
Will a GoPro transmit wirelessly to a receiver? If it doesn't (and I don't think they do since I own one and it doesn't), it's pretty useless for a rear view camera.

I bought a camera and receiver for my trailer and it works okay (except it picks up audio interference from an adjacent channel). When you get one, make sure it can transmit a clear signal the length of the trailer plus the length of the tow vehicle. If it can't, you'll be buying an antenna extension cable and attaching the antenna further up the roof (like I did).

I hooked my power to the trailer running lights so that I can turn on the camera by switching the parking or head lights on. And I put a 12v cigarette lighter plug on the receiver so that I can easily unplug it and store it when I'm done travelling.
 
Actually I don't have a camera I was considering it..as I did some research I realized that a GoPro would give me a reversed view and be more confusing than it was worth!
I ordered an inexpensive (relatively speaking) setup that is dedicated and I can see correctly. Planning to wire it into the running lights at minimum. I'd like it in always on so I can see the lineup behind me better!

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I have been considering a backup camera for my 19-year old Silverado. I am leaning towards a wired solution for the truck and maybe setting up a wireless unit for the rear of the camper, wired to the running lights (like jorick & Draughty)
 
dkasten39828 said:
I have been considering a backup camera for my 19-year old Silverado. I am leaning towards a wired solution for the truck and maybe setting up a wireless unit for the rear of the camper, wired to the running lights (like jorick & Draughty)
Click to expand...

Wonder if a more modern Chevy tailgate handle would fit your old one they didn't change them much and the camera was inside.
 
I purchased a similar unit but it is wireless.
Getting ready to install this weekend (hopefully!) and while it says to hook it into the backup lights I don't think I even have backup lights on the trailer?
Want it always on when I am towing as a supplemental rear view anyway so I figure to wore it into the running lights up high.
Any other suggestions?

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mainah said:
Wonder if a more modern Chevy tailgate handle would fit your old one they didn't change them much and the camera was inside.
Click to expand...
You know, I'm not sure... it might... but you would have to run wiring thru the tailgate back to the cab for that. Not certain if there are other differences, maybe to the tailgate itself, that would complicate the project. It's certainly worth checking out!
 
Draughty said:
I purchased a similar unit but it is wireless.
Getting ready to install this weekend (hopefully!) and while it says to hook it into the backup lights I don't think I even have backup lights on the trailer?
Want it always on when I am towing as a supplemental rear view anyway so I figure to wore it into the running lights up high.
Any other suggestions?

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Click to expand...

Most modern 7 pin equipped vehicles have a backup output more so for surge brakes then reverse lights but the effect is the same. If you want it on with the key or lighting there is such a thing called a fuse tap you remove the fuse place the fuse tap on the fuse and put it back in. This leaves you with a pin sticking out that will except a 1/4 spade connector
 
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