Usefulness of RV Backup Cameras

Backup cameras are becoming standard on trucks, cars, and even RVs. They take the guesswork out of backing up and add loads of safety by being able to see if there is anyone behind you. In a car or truck, backing up is the camera’s primary function. For an RVer, however, backup cameras provide a whole host of uses.

Backup Assistance

First and foremost, a backup camera makes backing up easier. All vehicles have rear view mirrors that we rely on to back up. Putting a backup camera on an RV gives you a rear view mirror. This can have many advantages. For one, it makes it easier to back into things. Being able to see behind you as you are backing up also allows you to check for children, pets, cars and any other obstacles that weren’t there when you started to back up. In other words, back up cameras add safety to backing up not only to your rig but to others around you.

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Road Safety

On the back of many semi-truck trailers, there is a sign that reads, “If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you.” This is also true for RVers. RVs are typically not the fastest on the road, and as a result, many people tailgate them. Unfortunately, if they get too close, they are invisible to the driver of the RV. Having a backup camera allows you to see behind you which eliminates the blind spot problem. If you are driving a motorhome, a backup camera can also help you keep an eye on your tow vehicle.

Related Read: Safety Tips for Driving an RV

Security

Have you ever heard a noise or voices outside your RV that sounded just a little too close late at night? When we are traveling, we carry some of our belongings behind the RV on a carrier. Our car is also behind us. If we think there is an issue outside the rig, it doesn’t always feel safe to just blindly walk outside to meet whoever or whatever is out there.

Having a backup camera and even side cameras allow us to take a look around our rig without having to step outside. This puts us in a safer position in my opinion.

Related Read: RV Security: Keeping You and Your Possessions Safe

Wireless

There are two types of backup cameras one can buy, wireless and wired. Obviously, the wireless version requires the least amount of planning to install. Both types come with their own advantages and disadvantages though.

Wireless backup cameras require a power source. Many people use their backup license plate light for this purpose. This does require running a wire so the “wireless” backup cameras may not truly be wireless. There are two types of wireless backup cameras, as well, analog and digital. The analog versions are cheaper but can be disrupted by certain things like diesel engines.

If you are towing a fifth wheel or a travel trailer, the wireless option may be the best method since running a permanent wire from your truck to the trailer isn’t as practical.

Wired

Wired backup cameras have a wire that connects the camera to the monitor. The main disadvantage for this type is that you must run a wire the length of your rig which may require drilling holes. The advantage is a constant, strong, clear signal and picture. The wired kind is also cheaper. Some of the wired setups have the ability to hook up multiple cameras so that you not only have a backup camera but also side cameras that can be switched to when a turn signal is activated.

How to Install One

As with everything in the RV world, it is possible to do it yourself. The wireless variety of cameras are especially easy with a little tech and auto electric knowhow. This site gives a pretty good how-to guide for those wanting to set up their own backup camera.

By far, the easiest method is to take your RV to a shop and have them install it for you. This is, of course, the most expensive method, but at many RV dealerships with service departments, you can pick out the camera and have them install it the same or next day. The install will most likely be a bit cleaner than a DIY job.

Get the Right Camera

Considering they are becoming standard safety equipment, you can find cameras of all different shapes and sizes. That doesn’t mean they are all good choices for RVers. The typical camera intended for a car is meant to be mounted at about license plate level which works great for backing up a car. RV cameras are usually mounted high up near the roof. This provides you with a larger area of view that an RV needs. Since they are mounted high up, they don’t have the benefit of using the backup lights of the vehicle, so getting a camera that has infrared lights for nighttime is a must.

I already had a camera attached to my motorhome when I bought it, but, while doing some research for this article, I came across a camera that would work for all RVs and for the uses I stated above. It is the COMMERCIAL GRADE WIFI BACKUP CAMERA SYSTEM offered by www.rearviewsafety.com.

This camera is a wireless camera intended for RVs and uses a smartphone for the monitor. If you have a smartphone mount in your vehicle, you can use it while on the road, but it can be used while in your rig if you have a towable RV. It also has a built-in microphone so you can get verbal feedback from whoever is helping you back up. I looked at quite a few cameras, and this is the one that stood out to me. If the $300 price tag is a bit high, their website features a wizard to help you find the right camera to suit your needs.

Conclusion

A backup camera offers so much safety that vehicles from the largest trucks to the smallest cars are being equipped with them as a standard feature. If you don’t have one, the couple hundred dollar investment would be worth your while in my opinion.