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Topic: Rear view camera for the towed (Read 522 times) previous topic - next topic
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Rear view camera for the towed
With wireless rear view (backup) cameras and monitors become very popular as their effective range increasing. I incorporate a review view camera to my 2007 Jeep Liberty. I wired the system in a way that the monitor can be used in the 2004 MB when the Jeep is towed behind, or in the Jeep as as a back up camera/monitor just like popular features in modern vehicles these days.

Wireless Car Truck Rear View Kit 4.3'' Monitor + Night Vision...

The camera and wireless transmitter is mounted on the back of the Jeep on the roof, just a bit forward to the tailgate glass. It is wired to the back up light in the tail lamp assembly. The correct wire color is WH/GR (+) and BLACK )(-) in the harness. With a 2x2 select switch, camera/transmitter is also wired to the RV tow cable to the park lamp circuit. This way the camera wireless transmitter is also working when the Jeep towed behind and park lamp is turned on, enable the driver to view what is happening behind the Jeep.

The 5" monitor and wireless receiver is wired together with a single power input jacket to be moved around between LD and Jeep.  There are two mounting attachment brackets in the kit. I used the windshield mount for the LD and dash mount bracket for the Jeep. The 12v power cable is used to plug into the 12v outlet in the LD. A long power cable connects the 12v power from back up light to the monitor so it only turns on when transmission in R position, same as camera/transmitter.

I am a newbie to this forum, I do not know how to insert photos in *.jpg format yet. I hope others will show me how to insert photos so I can make it more visual if others are interested.
2004 Mid Bath,
2007 Jeep Liberty Towed
Re: Rear view camera for the towed
Reply #1 –
Welcome! You may want to take a look at the Site Instructional Guides.  Includes a thread on how to post photos:

Site Instructional Guides
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
 
Re: Rear view camera for the towed
Reply #2 –
Thanks, but the trouble is I do not see the gray box that says, "Add files by dragging & dropping or selecting them". I see only insert an image, insert a link, insert a footnote, insert a spoiler, insert a table, insert a quote, and insert an email. Where is this gray box
2004 Mid Bath,
2007 Jeep Liberty Towed
Re: Rear view camera for the towed
Reply #3 –
Quote from: cli288  - 
Thanks, but the trouble is I do not see the gray box that says, "Add files by dragging & dropping or selecting them". I see only insert an image, insert a link, insert a footnote, insert a spoiler, insert a table, insert a quote, and insert an email. Where is this gray box
I will post a screen shot.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Rear view camera for the towed
Reply #4 –
Screen shot
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Rear view camera for the towed
Reply #5 –
Thank you very much again Chris, I now realize what is the problem. I have been using the quick reply which does not show this box. Now I use the reply button and this box shows up. I will post some photos.
2004 Mid Bath,
2007 Jeep Liberty Towed
Re: Rear view camera for the towed
Reply #6 –
Here are the photos, they are self explainers. The last one is the monitor in LD on the windsheld.
2004 Mid Bath,
2007 Jeep Liberty Towed
Re: Rear view camera for the towed
Reply #7 –
Looks like it works well for you, having a view of what’s in back of the toad is handy.
Most owners want to see the toad itself, our rear camera looks down from the towbar to the rear of the toad, useful when passing.
Wonder if there is a way to add a second camera so both views would be available?

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Rear view camera for the towed
Reply #8 –
Yes, you are right Larry. Our 2004 MB came with a rear view camera and we can check the towed itself. Have to lower the visor down in order to use the camera but it partially block the forward vision. We do not normally using it when on highway. Having the review camera on the back on the towed can enable the driver to see the following vehicle including their turn signals so it is helpful, especially at night.
2004 Mid Bath,
2007 Jeep Liberty Towed
Re: Rear view camera for the towed
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Looks like it works well for you, having a view of what’s in back of the toad is handy.
Most owners want to see the toad itself, our rear camera looks down from the towbar to the rear of the toad, useful when passing.
Wonder if there is a way to add a second camera so both views would be available?

Larry

There is a way to add a second wired camera on the back of LD itself. The monitor does allow second video input so it is very handy. What you need to do is mount the second camera in a location you want to and wire a 33 ft video cable to the white colored video connector of the monitor and power cable to a switchable power source. The monitor stay connected to the wireless camera but automatically switch to the wired camera when it is switched on.
2004 Mid Bath,
2007 Jeep Liberty Towed
Re: Rear view camera for the towed
Reply #10 –
Quote from: cli288  - 
Having the review camera on the back on the towed can enable the driver to see the following vehicle including their turn signals so it is helpful, especially at night.

Our rear view camera’s monitor is on whenever we are driving, it shows the area in back of the lD that is not seen in the mirrors.
It works well when driving at night too, the infrared illuminators light up the area displayed.

I prefer a larger monitor, mounted either on the dash or the center console. We didn’t order the optional rear view camera, I couldn't focus on the overhead image.The close-up part of my glasses are on the bottom and I couldn’t tip my head back far enough to comfortably see the image clearly, it’s a poor design IMO.  Newer cars have soved this problem with the center displays.


Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Rear view camera for the towed
Reply #11 –
Here is a wiring diagram showing a switch to select the portable monitor in towed viewing back up image or in LD viewing towed rear view of what's behind.
2004 Mid Bath,
2007 Jeep Liberty Towed
Re: Rear view camera for the towed
Reply #12 –
Larry, our LD has the factory installed monitor and It sure is nice to be able to see what’s back there, even if we are not towing yet (it’s in our near future plans).  I agree that the factory location is not great and neither is the video quality, in my opinion.  I wonder if there is a way to relocate the monitor to a lower position and improve the quality of the images?  Not sure if it’s the monitor or camera that is the issue?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Rear view camera for the towed
Reply #13 –
Has anyone purchased or has any experience with a solar rear view camera for the LD? Either the Type S or Auto-Vox that amazon carries?
2000 TK
Re: Rear view camera for the towed
Reply #14 –
I bought a DIY solar powered rearview camera with 4.3" monitor last September for the Jeep towed, returned it for the following problems:
Insufficient battery capacity, the lithium battery in the camera bleed in a couple of hours at night. Each time the battery is depleted, you have to re-pair the camera to the monitor , a pain in the neck.

Signal transmission not reliable. The large aluminum body of LD has strong shielding effect, this system has no independent receiver/antenna to be placed near side doors to have better signal reception. It may be better for other RVs without aluminum body.

No experience with the Auto-Vox system.
2004 Mid Bath,
2007 Jeep Liberty Towed