Camera backing up system

[Cheeplow]

I am looking for an information on what others have used when installing a camera on the tow vehicle that would assist in backing up to hook up your AS. Also has anyone put a second camera on the back of the AS to assist in backing into a camping site.
I am looking for a manufacturer and a model number---thanks

[jspafford]

You're in luck! dznfOg has built the definitive wireless camera backup and hitch system, and fully documented it here:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f450...ras-83497.html

It's been a little while since he installed this system, and I hope he posts an update on its reliability and use soon.

You'll find links to the two most popular online vendors of cameras, and some smart installation tips.

[AWCHIEF]

As a newbie myself hooking up gracefully was a bit of a tramatic experience. I was looking at the different back up cameras available and then discovered if I open the back hatch on my Xterra and drop one side of the rear seat that I can see the hitch and ball. No clearance problems with the hatch when backing straight for hooking up. I do use the fiberglass magnetic base rods to give me another visual clue that I am lining up nice and straight. Problem solved.

[TWaugh]

I saw this two days ago on sale at the checkout counter. I almost bought one. $100.00 - Not bad for a complete system.

I still might go back and get it. There are times I get frustrated when I'm alone and it's raining.

Peak/Wireless back-up camera system with 3 1/2 in. LCD monitor (PKC0RB) | Back-Up Camera System | AutoZone.com

[jspafford]

This system works for hitching if your license plate is mounted right above your hitch ball.

There are several comments from folks who have mounted this system on the rear of the trailer that:
- transmission doesn't work well from the rear of the trailer to the dash of the TV - too far
- a camera at the license plate elevation doesn't work well for rear views on the highway at night due to glare from headlights

[Eric 28]

I just bought the Magellan Road Mate Pro 9165T GPS from Camping World. I also bought the wireless backup camera that goes with it. The camera works only when your are in reverse. But what a view one has when backing up. Its like your looking foward. WWW.CampingWorld.Com

[AWCHIEF]

Tom, check it out from Amazon: $30 cheaper
Amazon.com: Peak PKC0RB Wireless Back-Up Camera System with 3.5-Inch LCD Color Monitor: Automotive

[chefmardigan]

Bought a Boyo Back up camera that hooks up to my "double DIN" Pioneer multi media player. It is mounted on a licence plate frame. When I throw the Tundra in reverse,on it comes on the 6"screen. It is awesome!. You can turn it on by the push of a button on the touchscreen as well. I am planning on getting another camera and putting it on my Tradewind. Once I am hooked up, I can disconnect from the Truck and connect to the camera at the back of the AS. Then I can see what's going on behind the airstream.
Don't go for the cheapest solution, you get what you pay for.

[Gene]

If you keep at it without cameras it gets pretty easy most of the time. I do have sonar (an option that came with the truck) and the number of beeps tells me how close I am to the coupler.

Sometimes I get it the first time, sometimes the 4th or 5th time (they require getting out and looking each time). When my wife is available, I get it a little sooner.

So far as backing the trailer, experience is the best teacher. A camera may make you miss a low hanging branch, a big rock, a post or other obstruction. My wife can usually help and sometimes I get out and look around to make sure of what I am doing. If I am really tired after a long day, it takes longer. In haven't hit anything (yet). Go slowly, don't think about those people looking (they have been there too), get out whenever in doubt, and go slowly.

Some people use walkie-talkies, but although we have them, we never bother.

Cameras are nice, but I can think of a lot of other things I can spend money on for the rig. One of those fiberglass sticks that attaches to the coupler so you can tell where center is would be nice and it is probably cheap, but I never think of it when I am in an RV store.

I know this can be intimidating, but it gets easier with experience.

Gene

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by jspafford

You're in luck! dznfOg has built the definitive wireless camera backup and hitch system, and fully documented it here:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f450...ras-83497.html

It's been a little while since he installed this system, and I hope he posts an update on its reliability and use soon.

You'll find links to the two most popular online vendors of cameras, and some smart installation tips.

Unfortunately, unlike you SoCals....my AS is in storage till March

I will update when I get her back on the road.

[Mike91208]

These do it for me. They're called Hitchin Rods and available from Amazon for $25.

[truckasaurus]

I have a back factory back up camera on my Tundra which I really like and with my next vintage project being long (33') I want a trailer camera too. There's a ton of choices but we'll be testing a blue LED wired version with night-vision as soon as it gets a bit warmer out.

[polarlyse]

I use the magnetic fiberglass rods. Bought them at CW a few years back. I find them usefull when alone but experience has given me the ability to back up and get it very close using my mirrors. It usually takes me 2/3 trips out to eyeball it but while the wife is stowing gear on the inside I can hook up in a couple of min. This only works for me if I have a straight shot at it. All bets are off if I have to aim the ball on an angle.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by polarlyse

All bets are off if I have to aim the ball on an angle.

Me too. I'm still trying to understand the dynamics of being at an angle where the to aim using mirrors exclusively.

I also do a lot better at the end of the season that at the beginning.

Gene

[ROBERT CROSS]

My experience.....

$250 SH

$99 VR

Guess which I choozed?

Bob

[Rjpuckett]

I installed the Peak camera on my rear license plate and it works great.

I had to splice one of the wires to get closer to the monitor to prevent the,picture from breaking up. I also changed my plate bolts to make it harder for someone to steal my camera.


I also painted my ball hitch yellow to make it easier to see.


Works great for me.

[switz]

I put a strip of white electrical tape centered on the stinger probe and centered on the ProPride receiver opening. The truck's backup camera lets me align the connection easily. I still get out to check elevations between the stinger and ProPride open.

I also installed the Voyager backup camera above the rear window on the trailer and got power from the rear roof locker lights. The dash Voyager receiver display works well wirelessly.

[andreasduess]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

My experience.....

$250 SH

$99 VR

Guess which I choozed?

Bob

Robert, is that from the back of your trailer or the back of your vehicle?

[Rjpuckett]

Back of my truck to assist hooking up. G

[m.hony]

Here is my setup:

A view of the stereo/head unit with no camera selected.

The camera on the back of the trailer.

The view behind the trailer.

The switch to select truck camera or trailer camera.

The view behind the truck.