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back up camera
Yahoo Message Number: 156366
I'm ordering a mid bath and considering the back up camera.   Have not seen it in a late mode LD.  $1200 seems a little high.  Is there anything special about this system compared to an after market one?  Can I look up the make/model?  Where is the monitor mounted?
plan B - 2023 Travato

Re: back up camera
Reply #1
Yahoo Message Number: 156368
We have a new 2015 MB. Backup camera is very basic but neatly installed. Monitor is suspended from cab ceiling in the middle of driving area. It has one way intercom. Comes on automatically when vehicle put in reverse, or can be left on. Has volume control for intercom.
 Whether to buy installed or aftermarket has been discussed on this site. Do a search.

Tom

Re: back up camera
Reply #2
Yahoo Message Number: 156372
We ordered our back up camera, hi Def, infra red, 120°, with optional grid. "Wireless".
We are very pleased with it. Installation took about 1.5 -2 maybe. No cost with shipping on the $3-400 range. Check them out.
TadiBrothers.com Sandy KalleAnka Vt

Re: back up camera
Reply #3
Yahoo Message Number: 156378
Be aware that most inexpensive cameras are wireless, as opposed the the Factory's hardwired camera.
I personally prefer hardwired devices since they usually provide better dependability and the ability to replace individual components if they fail. A similar camera system, installed later to Factory levels of construction, will cost about the same. It's a lot of work to run and hide the cabling and wires.

Cheap wireless cameras use the backup lights as a power source and do not allow the use of the camera in other situations..We tow and like to leave the camera on all the time, to keep any eye on the toad.
It's good to be able to use it when you want it, not just when backing up.

The monitor can installed in three places, the visor, on the rear-view mirror or on the console.
Most hate the visor location since it is too close to focus on, for many, and the monitor is small.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157602095131020/show

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: back up camera
Reply #4
Yahoo Message Number: 156379
We bought the back up camera on our 2015 MB. The monitor is mounted high, above the mirror so you have to make a visual shift, which is ok if you use it only for backing. We like to have it on all the time to get more information about what is behind us.  Even with the volume up it is hard to hear the spotter unless they are standing right behind the bumper, ready to be backed over! I do not think it is worth $1200, but we bought it primarily because the wiring was well installed and at a later date we could  replace the monitor with a Tadi or other, if the camera is compatible.

My preference is one of the units which has a 7 inch monitor which replaces the rear view mirror. I asked Todd when we ordered our rig if they would install one of those for us if we bought the Tadi unit. He said no, quite emphatically!

When backing, we use the system taught to us by the RV Training School, so Jean is at the wheel and I am the "spotter", giving her hand signals to direct her backing. Works like a charm!

I have thought about mounting a rear vision camera inside the rig, pointing out the rear window, which might work better, but that is pretty far down the list. We have driven rental cars with a better rear camera arrangement.

Hope this doesn't make he decision more difficult.

Ian "The Silver For", 274 MB, Seattle
2015 MB

Re: back up camera
Reply #5
Yahoo Message Number: 156385
Thanks for your comments.   I agree the rear view mirror monitor sounds like the ideal system.   It appears I will go with the factory set up in spite of it not being quite what it could be plus the cost causing me to cringe a bit.
plan B - 2023 Travato

Re: back up camera
Reply #6
Yahoo Message Number: 156390
The camera we have "cheap"(?) is on when the ignition is on. It is not totally wireless and the camera is powered by the rear 12v outlet which is powered when the engine is on. The front cable was wired into the fuse box in the front.  the camera is clipped on to the rear view mirror and is 7 inches long and wider than the existing rear view. We get an excellent picture of what is going on behind us. We have been cursed with traveling thru Philadelphia over and over again and really appreciate the view we get with the camera.
We tow our 16 ft long car on a dolly. Although we have only had it 2 months, we are very pleased. I also bought a 2 yr warranty Sandy KalleAnka Vt

Re: back up camera
Reply #7
Yahoo Message Number: 156392
When we bought our 26.5 04 RK a couple of years ago it did not have a backup camera.  What it did have was a Pioneer radio with a decent video screen on which all functions were displayed.  In reading the manual for the radio, I discovered that it had the capability of supporting a "wired" backup camera.  I found a small color wide angle camera online.  With a few questions to an automotive electronic shop and using the instructions with the radio and the camera, I was able to install and wire the camera connections.  It has worked fine for over a year now.  Rather than wire it to turn on when in reverse, I wired it to come on any time I use the radio's touch screen to activate it.  I can see behind and up to a few feet either side to the MH while traveling.  This is helpful in heavy traffic where lane changing can be difficult.  The camera cost about $30.  A new radio with the same kind of capabilities can be bought for $400-600.  This seems to be a better value than the systems that I have seen advertised for $1,000-1,200 or more.  Keep in mind this is "not" a wireless system that is reportedly prone to problems in many applications.  It takes patience and, depending on one's capabilities, 4-6 hours to install including a "clean" (provides good quality video) power connection direct from the truck battery to the camera.  I think anyone with a general working knowledge of 12V circuitry and basic installations could install the system that I have.  I was hesitant to take this on but, I am very pleased that I decided to do it.

Jim NC

Re: back up camera
Reply #8
Yahoo Message Number: 156394
The screen on our 2013 has 2 inputs. Back burner project is a 2nd camera for the side or ?? Joel & Mary 2013 31IB 2011 CRV towd
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE

 
Re: back up camera
Reply #9
Yahoo Message Number: 156395
I took the easy way out and paid to have my backup camera installed. Of all the upgrades I have done this is the most useful. Was at a gas station and had to backup into a tight space to refuel. This guy came up to me yelling "your going to hit my car". I said no I have about a foot left. Showed him the camera screen which is mounted on the doghouse. He was speechless.

I would be careful with a wireless unit. Too many people have complained of problems with these.

bobmoore14