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Back up Cameras
Any preferences for a back up camera?  Wireless or wired?  Inexperienced driver here.

Re: Back up Cameras
Reply #1

"...Any preferences for a back up camera?  Wireless or wired..."


Marcie,

When we placed our order for our LD, I pondered the same question.

Wireless seemed like a good option since it would be less expensive (factory installed wired was $1200.00), but then I started reading up on wireless and didn't like what I was seeing (poor reception, cutting out video etc). And installing a wired unit after the fact meant running along the baseboard or under the rig.

Ultimately I opted for the factory installed unit. No visible wires, no video cutting out plus it was installed by people I trust to do the job correctly.

That being said, you're in a different boat. So I defer to others here at LDO to offer more input.

I don't think either is all that difficult to install and like always "you get what you pay for".

One thing is for sure they are indispensable. But remember...when backing up and in doubt...GOAL.

Just my 2 cents.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"

Re: Back up Cameras
Reply #2

A hard wired camera is my only choice, being much more dependable and usually a better image too.

Our back up camera is almost always on when we are driving, even without the toad. I like the peace of mind knowing exactly what is behind the rig, for me, it's a needed safety item.
The camera angle is adjustable, it gets tilted down, when towing and aimed higher when not.
I leave the adjusting screws just loose enough that, with a firm twist, the camera can be easily aimed as desired.

Below is the back up camera system we have used for the last three years. 
Amazon.com : Rear View Safety Backup Camera System with 7" Display (Black)...
It has a good, sharp image and very effective night vision, nice for towing at night or backing into a dark campsite.

Here are a couple mounting options for the monitor and camera.
Backup camera & monitor | Flickr

A monitor can also located on the rear view mirror, actually replacing the mirror.
Sun visor mounts are also available but i do not like them because it sits so close to my face, that I can't focus without tipping by head far back, the bi-focal effect. Might be perfect for young eyes but not mine.
I picked a console mounted monitor because a large, 7" monitor can be made to fit. It's bigger than the sun visor or mirror monitors. When it comes to rear view monitors, bigger is better.

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
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 Cameras
Reply #3
I read many reviews about the spotty performance of the wireless back up camera.  Even though it may be trickier to install I would rather go that way. It probably won't be too long before they improve on the wireless system.
Costco looks to have a set up similar to what you have Larry - $199, not too shabby. 

Re: Back up Cameras
Reply #4
I had a wireless model in our '83, and later transferred it to our '04. The camera was mounted inside, siting thru the rear window, and had no night-time illumination. Performance was marginal, but served its purpose, despite noisy performance at times. When it gave up the ghost, I replaced it with a conventional outside hard-wired model with a 7" monitor screen. Dramatically better performance.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: Back up Cameras
Reply #5
I read many reviews about the spotty performance of the wireless back up camera. 
Costco looks to have a set up similar to what you have Larry - $199, not too shabby.
The Costco system is the same as the one from Amazon and at a much better price.

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 Cameras
Reply #6
I work with a prominent company that has developed driver safety video for trucks, transit, and personal vehicles.  They have more than 800K recorders mounted in vehicles world-wide, most in large trucking and transit fleets. The technology is constantly evolving.  Most recently, their products also capture anything approaching from either side of the vehicle, such as lane-splitting motorcycles or bicycles.  As soon as something is detected, that view pops up on the dash screen and the driver is alerted. That technology is just now being used in higher end autos, but it is only a matter of a very short time before it is standard, along with collision avoidance tech, lane adherence, and event recording.  Insurance carriers will soon be offering steep discounts for that sort of technology.  I wouldn't rule out wireless just yet. I would still go hard wired. But, you should very soon have very reliable and cost effective options.
2017 RB

Re: Back up Cameras
Reply #7
Found another camera system that include sensors, for the rear bumper, that warns of obstructions or object in back of the vehicle.
Since just about every LD's rear bumper has one or more dings, due to backing into things, this may be a good upgrade if installing a new camera system.
RVS-770613-112 | Backup Camera System with Integrated Rear Sensors | Rear...

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 Cameras
Reply #8
Thank you for the link to the camera, Larry. I contacted them and they offer a 10% discount to active military and veterans and free shipping. So, it seems like a good investment.  Please keep your fingers crossed that I sell the R-Pod

Re: Back up Cameras
Reply #9
I used the Garmin BC-20 wireless camera with their RV 760LMT GPS in our mid-bath. It had its moments, but in general worked well. It's a reasonable option for those who may have that GPS.

Mark H.
Former owner, 31-foot gas Class A
Former owner, 1997-8 mid-bath

Re: Back up Cameras
Reply #10
"Since just about every LD's rear bumper has one or more dings..."

Well I never... Mr. Wade I'll have you know that my bumper is pristine! Outside of the dirt that is...   8)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Back up Cameras
Reply #11
Those bumpers are a dirt magnet, aren't they? Kind of a PITA!!
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon

Re: Back up Cameras
Reply #12
Larry said, "Since just about every LD's rear bumper has one or more dings..."
,
Actually, my first ding was to the roof gutter  :'(  ...I was so proud of following the back-up directions from LDy Lulubelle's previous owner, & I have a really nice expansive driveway, & I'm watching the monitor with what looks like plenty of room between my tail & anything when I suddenly felt something--oh, Grrrr  Arrgghh.  I pull forward, GOAL & there is just a bit of a crease to the gutter, apparently from the ladder (which showed no dings at all).  I was glad it wasn't a corner cap or body of the rig, but I learned that the field of vision down & behind may not alert me to all potential obstacles.  More GOAL than I think necessary is always better for me.

Lynne
Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm

Re: Back up Cameras
Reply #13
 >:(  >:(   It's serious kick butt time when that happens for the very 1st time. Grrr indeed!   :(  :(
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Back up Cameras
Reply #14
I found this on Rear View Safety's website

Note: Aluminum causes interference to the wireless connectivity. If you have an aluminum trailer, it's recommended to go with a wired system like the RVS-770613-213.

Would this apply to the Lazy Daze cabin ?

Re: Back up Cameras
Reply #15

I just installed the same wired system the factory is currently using. Voyager AOS562. I was able to find the system from a local distributor for $499. I was at the mothership this week and the latest floor model uses an updated VCMS155 model camera. I removed a Tadi Brothers wireless backup system, that was installed by the previous owner, that did not work. I like the simple mount for the monitor of the Voyager. It fits nicely above the mirror in the cab. If the screen was any larger it would be in the way of the front curtains. It took me several hours, with lots of patience, using a small fish tape to route the cable through the cabinets and drill a few holes, but the completed job is very satisfying and looks like a factory installation. I had a car stereo shop do the final hook up to the power and reverse under the dash. The picture of the mount is from the floor model at LD.

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2005 MB

Re: Back up Cameras
Reply #16
I found this on Rear View Safety's website
Note: Aluminum causes interference to the wireless connectivity. If you have an aluminum trailer, it's recommended to go with a wired system like the RVS-770613-213.
Would this apply to the Lazy Daze cabin ?

Well, being that LDs have an aluminum skin, just like an aluminum trailer, the answer is yes.
Go with a hard wired camera.

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 Cameras
Reply #17
The back up camera is a nice feature, but my motto is GOAL, as has been mentioned before.  Get Out And Look.

I backed down a narrow alley a few years ago and hit an aluminum ladder that was tied to the top of a truck rack and sticking out into the alley.  Invisible in my mirrors.  It went right though my camper and took quite a bit of time to repair.  A back up camera would never have seen it either.

Sometimes my young bride uses the FRS radios and guides me as I back into into tight camping spots, but in reality, the GOAL technique works the best.

Harold
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life