Minimally Invasive Rear Camera Mounting

[John&Vicki]

I just bought a backup camera, an off brand that uses an iPad or iPhone as the monitor. It evidently broadcasts its own WiFi signal. Kind of an experiment, I’ll report back after I see how well it functions.

The immediate manner at hand is to get it mounted. I’ve drilled new holes in some pretty expensive Porsches but I really hate the idea of drilling olds in my not so expensive Airstream. I’d like to mount it high up to get the best view and have it in a secure location. At this time it looks like I need to drill 2-3 holes (or use self threading screws). Then of course a bigger hole for the power cord.

And I need a power source. I’m thinking running lights or maybe on of the bedroom reading lamps. I know there have many here who have tackled this who are much more clever than me and I’d love to hear some ideas.

Oh, more more thing... Are cameras available that are powered by batteries?

Thanks!

[Al and Missy]

I just saw this, hope it's not too late for a suggestion. I used a regular webcam mounted inside at the rear window. There was a 12V cigarette lighter outlet right there to power it. I put a router, also powered from 12V, in the front window to act as a relay in case the signal got too weak from all the glass it had to go through.

Al

[Mr. Merk]

My Furion camera is mounted up between the Airstream logo and the running lights, high enough to get a good signal to my monitor mounted near my rearview mirror. It is tied in to the upper running lights. So all I need to do to turn it on is have my parking light switch on.

[RamRider]

I replaced the center clearance light with our camera it saves a lot on drilling new holes and you have access to power. I could find no law requiring any of the three clearance lights and I still have two lights that function.

[brad1]

Originally Posted by RamRider

I replaced the center clearance light with our camera

Clearance lights, huh? Makes sense. You learn something every day.

[fran&frank]

You can also mount it with 3M VHB tape and sikaflex-- no screws or holes required! Search the forum for many examples of use of VHB tape to mount solar panels.-- Frank

[Jim Flower]

Camera peeking out the window, wired into light. Works fine. Router in the Jeep. Also put a little LED and a switch in the lamp base. Jim

[Mollysdad]

I also mounted mine inside the rear window.
The camera is a Garmin that mates with the GPS.
I put a threaded insert into the rear cabinet, then used an assortment of RAM parts. The bracket I found at a ultra light aircraft supplier.
I got power from one of the USB outlets. The transmitter just lays on the bed. Never drops out.

I did have to cut the screen. The camera is so wide angle the screen is in focus!

[CRH]

I would run a wire from the tongue under the trailer, then use adhesive clips to run it up the back of the camper. I would disconnect the wire and coil it up under the bumper when not in use. I would probably take the camera off of its mount as well. That would probably extend its life. As far as the mount goes, I would mount it with 3M VHB tape.

[skitger]

I used a RAM mount for my Voyager camera and it stick on the back window, I pull power from the license plate with a SAE plug I wired in. I have a second suction cup as back up (belt and suspenders), I can take it off it I need, not as elegant as some, but technology changes, and I did not want holes.

[John&Vicki]

I’m sure glad I waited to hear from my fellow members here before moving forward with mounting my backup camera. There are some really outstanding tips and recommendations here. Many thanks.

Cheers,
John

[BeSerious]

Originally Posted by John&Vicki

...
Oh, more more thing... Are cameras available that are powered by batteries?...

Yes. And they can be solar charged too!

Costco is selling a TYPES Wireless Backup Camera Solar Powered with 6.8” Wide Screen HD Monitor (monitor is 12v or mini USB) for $160 (in the warehouse). This is a "license plate" style camera so it doesn’t fit your specs. But it shows just how quickly this whole backup/rear-view camera technology is changing. I’m hoping that solar powered wireless rear view cameras will be available from multiple vendors “soon”. That’s why I installed a TYPES on our 2019 NEST today. It isn’t perfect but it will do enough to let me delay drilling holes in the roof