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Mounting wireless backup camera
I am in the process of mounting a wireless backup camera to my mid bath.  Because it has a microphone built into it I would like to install outside above the rear window so I can easily see and hear my wife giving me lots of instructions when I’m backing up.

 I am thinking I can get power from the running lights because I will mount it under the middle rear running light.  I hate drilling holes but it’s the only way to both secure the camera and also worm my way to the 12v.
If I drill in below the center running light will I hit anything important or is this a safe place to drill?
2006 MB
Re: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #1 –
My question is, which camera?  The Garmin BC-30 uses the backup light circuit for power.  I could provide some input on that, having installed one in my TOAD, but I have nothing to offer for other setups.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #2 –
I use Haloview cameras (which also has a microphone). Over the holiday I had one installed by connecting to center running light but the camera was attached to the railing. I did not have to drill into the LD at all.

I have since driven from Texas to California with no problems.
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #3 –
I have a TadiBrothers wireless camera and monitor.  Works perfect mounted on the inside except I can’t use the microphone/speaker.  Attaching to the rail on top was a great idea.  I have no rail.  I am sure I will need to drill but my courage is failing me at the very thought.
I am thinking there is nothing behind the metal above the back window but would love to hear from someone who actually drilled up there below the running light.
2006 MB
Re: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #4 –
Quote from: debinvenice  - 
I use Haloview cameras (which also has a microphone). Over the holiday I had one installed by connecting to center running light but the camera was attached to the railing. I did not have to drill into the LD at all.

This is the simplest way of providing power for a wireless camera, eliminating having to drill any holes. 12-volt power is available at the clearance light. It does require having either the head lights or running lights on to operate.
Mounting the camera on the rail is a great idea but later year models do do not have the roof rails.
Without the rail, mounting the camera on the rear wall is the only option.
 In Rear-Baths, I used aluminum plate, screwed and glued to the sheet aluminum, to mount the cameras onto. It was probably overkill but I was never impressed with how secure the camera felt when screwed directly to the rear wall. 
Marine through-fittings are a good way to bring  wiring inside the upper rear cabinet, a method I used when installing hard-wired cameras. Blue Seas Cable Clams allow changing or adding wiring at a future time.

West Marine Cable Clams



Above is a photo of  the back up camera on our 2003, taken in 2005.The camera has been changed, the clam fitting permitted changing to a new cable a few years ago. It has remained leak free.

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: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #5 –
Also now considering using 3M VHB double sided tape to mount the camera so as to avoid drilling.  Has anyone used this tape?
2006 MB
Re: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
This is the simplest way of providing power for a wireless camera, eliminating having to drill any holes. 12-volt power is available at the clearance light. It does require having either the head lights or running lights on to operate.
Mounting the camera on the rail is a great idea but later year models do do not have the roof rails.
Without the rail, mounting the camera on the rear wall is the only option.
 In Rear-Baths, I used aluminum plate, screwed and glued to the sheet aluminum, to mount the cameras onto. It was probably overkill but I was never impressed with how secure the camera felt when screwed directly to the rear wall. 
Marine through-fittings are a good way to bring  wiring inside the upper rear cabinet, a method I used when installing hard-wired cameras. Blue Seas Cable Clams allow changing or adding wiring at a future time.

West Marine Cable Clams



Above is a photo of  the back up camera on our 2003, taken in 2005.The camera has been changed, the clam fitting permitted changing to a new cable a few years ago. It has remained leak free.

Larry

Larry ...thanks.  This looks like what I want to do.
2006 MB
Re: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #7 –
I've used VHB #5952 tape for a lot of things--mainly mounting solar panels--but I'd be leery of using it to mount a backup camera on a near-vertical slope. The camera's cast housing is heavy and its bracket adds a lever arm. And the consequences of one falling off and hitting a following vehicle don't bear thinking about.

Believe me, I understand the reluctance to drill holes. But the LD's roof and sides are full of holes already, and if properly bedded and sealed, a camera need not be a source of leaks.

It's a good idea to shape the cable into a "drip loop" below the camera; this will discourage water from running down the cable and into the entry of the camera case. Yes, they are supposed to be waterproof, but I drowned several cameras before I learned this lesson.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #8 –
Andy- thank you for the good advice.  I would not have considered the cable issue.  What did you use for the “bedding and sealing “?
2006 MB
Re: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #9 –

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   If anyone wants to check it out, I’ll be  at Morro Bay next month...

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Daryl 
2007  26.5’ mid-bath, “Blu Tent“
2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport S
  (previously 2006 23.5’ front lounge)
SKP #145689
Re: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #10 –
Daryl, since the LD's license plate is on the driver's side of the rig, is the camera's range of vision still wide enough to display what one might be running into/over/through on the passenger side of the rig?
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #11 –
Joan, I am using the same license frame mounted camera as Daryl. There are several adjustments that can be made one of those being able to move the focus area somewhat left or right. Combined with the GOAL method of backing up I find the camera very helpful.

Nikki
2008 Rear Kitchen
Re: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #12 –
"What did you use for the 'bedding and sealing'?"

I use butyl rubber. There are a lot of crappy butyl tapes on the market, but I swear by "Bed-It". Sailors like it. I like it. :-)

Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #13 –
Hi Jack. I'm pretty sure the wiring for the marker lights runs right there.  Inside your MB is a storage compartment above the back window, and it has a hollow floor. 20 years ago today I picked up my TK, and I paid for the camera, so I had little brass screws holding down the inside 3/16" paneling.   You might have staples.  Inside the shelf, there is a 1x2" support 'beam' mounted to the back wall.    You could open up the wall in the center, and cover it with an access panel. About 2"x3" , it won't show inside because of the storage compartment.   A picture of the camera would help us out, or a reference to the type you have.   You could 'fish' for the marker wire (light brown) and the ground wire (white) from inside the motorhome. Are you located anywhere near Morro Bay?   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #14 –
Thanks, Nikki!
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #15 –
Thanks to all.  Much good information
2006 MB
Re: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #16 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Jack. I'm pretty sure the wiring for the marker lights runs right there.  Inside your MB is a storage compartment above the back window, and it has a hollow floor. 20 years ago today I picked up my TK, and I paid for the camera, so I had little brass screws holding down the inside 3/16" paneling.   You might have staples.  Inside the shelf, there is a 1x2" support 'beam' mounted to the back wall.    You could open up the wall in the center, and cover it with an access panel. About 2"x3" , it won't show inside because of the storage compartment.   A picture of the camera would help us out, or a reference to the type you have.   You could 'fish' for the marker wire (light brown) and the ground wire (white) from inside the motorhome. Are you located anywhere near Morro Bay?   RonB

I am in South Orange County but thanks for asking.  I like the idea of opening a hole through the inside cabinet.  I have a camera from TadiBrothers although I’m sure it was made in China.  With all the information I now have this is starting to sound like a straight forward job. 
2006 MB
Re: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #17 –
Ron brings up another source of power, you have several choices.
The tail light wiring can be accessed from either the inside, behind an interior screwed panel or from the inside of the rear, driver's side exterior storage compartment, where the tail light wires are located, on the rear wall, behind another panel.
From there, wire can be run up into the interior, behind the corner valance and the into the upper rear storage cabinet, above the rear window. With a little work, all the wiring can be hidden cleanly out of sight.

The down side of providing power this way is the tail lights must be on to use the camera.
I keep our back up camera on 100% of the time when driving, using it as rear view mirror and as a way of monitoring the toad and bike rack.
Running new wiring from the dash area to the camera, that is energized whenever the ignition is on, is my preferred way of wiring back up cameras.  If you are going that far, a fully hard-wire system would be more dependable and possibly have a better image.

You will be living with this system for a long time, take the time to do it right the first time.
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: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #18 –
If you prefer a constant 12V source, tap into the power and ground for an interior 12V light. Add a lighted switch to the circuit in a visble location, so you can shut it off when not needed.

I installed our wireless camera (Garmin BC-20) inside the coach. In the 1997 MB, there was a 12V plug below the rear window, which I used to power the camera.

Mark
Former owner, 31-foot gas Class A
Former owner, 1997-8 mid-bath
Re: Mounting wireless backup camera
Reply #19 –
Quote from: Nikki  - 
Joan, I am using the same license frame mounted camera as Daryl. There are several adjustments that can be made one of those being able to move the focus area somewhat left or right. Combined with the GOAL method of backing up I find the camera very helpful.

Nikki
Hi Joan,
Yes, what Nikki says!    Not knowing what to expect from this unit, I was pleasantly surprised how much I could see back there— that and GOAL of course 😉
Daryl 
2007  26.5’ mid-bath, “Blu Tent“
2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport S
  (previously 2006 23.5’ front lounge)
SKP #145689