back-up camera anyone?

[richard lane]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone has installed a backup camera on the back on their Airstream. I am thinking about using the camera while driving not just backing up. Any thoughts? Thanks, Richard Lane

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by richard lane

Hello, I was wondering if anyone has installed a backup camera on the back on their Airstream. I am thinking about using the camera while driving not just backing up. Any thoughts? Thanks, Richard Lane

Depends on what quality you want and how much you want to spend.

Costco has them for about $90.00.

We tested one by letting it run continuous for right at 2 weeks, with about 150 feet between the camera and receiver, and with concrete walls lined with steel to boot.

Andy

[cosmotini]

I have one. I bought this kit and installed it.

The two 30' cables that come with the kit were more than enough for my application.

I ran one from my pickup cab to the end of the truck. It's attached to the chassis with zip ties.

The other cable runs from the jack to the rear of the trailer underneath.

I used little cable holders that are screwed into the belly pan.

The camera is attached to a metal plate (galvanized tin) that is attached to the bottom of the license plate bracket.

Using the camera is great because with this and my side-view mirrors, there is NO blind spot.

This camera has a really wide-angle (120 degree?) view so objects are much closer than they appear and you need to adapt.

I'd prefer one with not such a wide-angle view.

I have some pics somewhere that I'll post.

I bought a 2nd camera to use on the back of my pickup but I don't really find that I use it very much.

[cosmotini]

HEY!

That almost looks like a 2air post

[jerrypeterma]

I,ve used back up camers on fire trucks for the last few years, but they really are only good when you start backing, I've always loss where I was if I watched the camera when the truck was in motion. Since a AS is has a hinge point (the Hitch) I think I would be lost sure enough.
Jerry

[jnerges]

My wife wants to know if this will help with back up arguments?

She just doesn't understand me. Right means right, my right

[74"Twinkie"]

I use a back-up camera on my tow vehicle and it works great. I also have two cameras on the back of the trailer (one on each back corner). I use them for traveling down the road more than backing up. Since the cameras are pointed out and not down I have no point of reference, which makes it harder to tell distances. But I can see closing rates and if someone is behind me. The cameras are hard wired though a seperate trailer pluged and swiched inside the cab for which camera to use

[Wayne&Sam]

Originally Posted by cosmotini

I have one. I bought this kit .

That's a bad link.

It should be this

[richinny]

see next post :-)

[Wayne&Sam]

Ok, THIS!!

[richard lane]

Many thanks for your camera advise..I will be ordering the unit today! Richard Lane

[cosmotini]

I meant to post some pictures a few weeks ago of my install but didn't have any. So I took a few today.


This is a picture of the monitor from inside my truck. The camera is attached to the rear of the trailer. Even with the sunlight, it's got a pretty bright picture. One odd problem is if you wear polarized sun glasses, you may have to tilt your head one way or another.


This is a picture of connecting the two camera cables between the truck and trailer.


This is the camera attached to a piece of galvanized sheet metal. I then attached that to the bottom of the license plate frame.

[millvalleyca]

Hi Dennis
Nice looking camera! How do you power it up? Does it just plug into the cig lighter?
I think I found my Xmas present!
Thanks
Dennis

[henw]

I used the Costco make twice, then put it away. Too unreliable transmission from back of AS. And, I could see 90% of what it picked up in the truck side mirrors.

[cosmotini]

Originally Posted by millvalleyca

Hi Dennis
Nice looking camera! How do you power it up? Does it just plug into the cig lighter?
I think I found my Xmas present!
Thanks
Dennis

Plugging into the cig lighter is an option but I just wired into the fuse box since it was near where I ran the cable.

The cable carries power, video and audio.

I did put a toggle switch on the power line and mounted it under the dash since it was always on. I just reach under and flip the switch.

[ncbambi]

I have a 2008 Jeep that has a navigation system in it already, and a camera on the back of the jeep for when I back up. Do you know a way to attach a camera to the back of the AS and display on my lcd?

[thecatsandi]

Ok I was looking for a new GPS for my truck. It has a Video input. While I was talking to the salesman it hit me. Why cannot I set it up so my Video input for my Audio Head unit to switch over from my hitch mounted camera to a back of the airstream camera when I hook up the trailer. The only solution I can come up with is a simple switch. I would like it to be automatic. Yeah I know keep it simple but that is no fun!

[richinny]

automatic, like a relay activated by the reverse lights?

[thecatsandi]

Originally Posted by richinny

automatic, like a relay activated by the reverse lights?

Ok I though of that but the big question is does the backup line come alive when trailer is not connected? The answer for my truck is yes! I use that line to power the camera on my hitch.

What I need is a current sensor that activates a relay. Running lights or backup lights on trailer on backup camera on trailer active.

[GlenCoombe]

I vote for a manual switch. That way when you need/want to see the rear view while moving forward you can.

Nothing like having to put it into reverse to powerup the camera when you just need a peek.

There are lots of low cost cameras out there that you can put anywhere. The most important feature is the ability to reverse or mirror image the view. This can be done on some cameras and on some monitors.

BTW when faced with the choice between a CCD vs. a CMOS camera the image will be much sharper with a CCD.