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acstokes · 11-27-2014, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Understood. I am just thinking if I put the router under the front bench it would be out of the way, not taking up normal storage spce, and I would not need to remeber to unplug it.

Yes, your idea will work. Anywhere near the front inside of the trailer.

aircampr · 11-30-2014, 12:21 AM

Fred Stokes,
I am also thinking of getting a tire pressure monitor system, which would communicate to an iPhone app via wifi.

Trucks : TPMS for smartphone with free app

Would I be able to utilize the router WAP from your system for this in addition to the camera? (As a go-between, to facilitate communication between my iPhone in the TV and the TPMS module in the trailer)

Charlie

acstokes · 11-30-2014, 06:55 AM

Charlie,

I'm sorry, but I don't have any expertise regarding TPMS. I believe in them and have a Dill system myself. However, the LAN router should be able to serve other internal applications besides the camera. The tire pressure sensors would need to transmit to the router and the router to the smartphone that has the appropriate TPMS app installed. At least in theory, but I haven't researched any TPMS apps so I really don't know.

dznf0g · 11-30-2014, 07:42 AM

I believe that TPMS all (that I know of) broadcast a radio signal, not "wireless". I don't think any phones are capable of receiving radio signals, even if there were an app.

acstokes · 11-30-2014, 08:54 AM

Quote:

I believe that TPMS all (that I know of) broadcast a radio signal, not "wireless".

Rich,

Your're right. I had forgotten about this. That also explains why there's no RF interference between TPMS and wireless devices.

Wayne&Sam · 11-30-2014, 09:50 AM

The link for that TPMS says its repeater converts the sensor signal to a wifi signal, which goes to your phone. Doesn't sound like it needs the router, just mount their repeater at the front of the trailer. As long as their iPhone app will send alerts when running in the background it should be OK.

KJRitchie · 11-30-2014, 10:05 AM

Have you tested the router in the back of the Airstream? That is where my 12v plug is located in the cabinet over the rear dinette? Thanks

Kelvin

acstokes · 11-30-2014, 10:14 AM

I have not, but I'm pretty sure at that distance the signal would more prone to break up. It's so easy to wire in a 12vdc socket I'd definitely recommend doing that instead.

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lsbrodsky · 11-30-2014, 01:36 PM

I just installed the Garmin BC-20 backup camera on my trailer license plate, ran the extension cable under the airstream with cable ties to existing piping, and terminated in the battery box, with the wireless transmitter in the battery box. Works like a charm with the Garmin GPS. Better than some other things I was trying. I do not have it hooked up to the reverse so it will function as a rear view camera since my GPS is on the dash when pulling the trailer. I have a disconnect in the battery box for when I park for the night.
Larry

TinTin · 11-30-2014, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

I just installed the Garmin BC-20 backup camera on my trailer license plate, ran the extension cable under the airstream with cable ties to existing piping, and terminated in the battery box, with the wireless transmitter in the battery box. Works like a charm with the Garmin GPS. Better than some other things I was trying. I do not have it hooked up to the reverse so it will function as a rear view camera since my GPS is on the dash when pulling the trailer. I have a disconnect in the battery box for when I park for the night.
Larry

Larry, I recently purchased a Garmin 760 LMT with BC20 and plan to install my camera in exactly the same manner (in the spring).

I thought I might have to rivet a few cable holders to the belly pan to route the cable, but if I can get away with cable ties all the way to the front of the trailer so much the better. I've been considering mounting the transmitter high up on the inside of the propane housing. I will put a switch on the transmitter red wire for disconnect, and connect directly to the batteries.

Did you drill holes in the bumper tray to route the wire underneath, or just pass it over the back of the bumper?

rmkrum · 11-30-2014, 01:50 PM

Why not power it from the umbilical running lights connection? Then there is no switch to forget...

That way it shuts off when you turn the lights off. It's also a good idea to have the running lights on when you are towing-makes you more visible to other drivers.

We run our headlights when towing both day and night like a big rig. I just adjust the dash light dimmer for conditions as needed.

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TinTin · 11-30-2014, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmkrum

Why not power it from the umbilical running lights connection? Then there is no switch to forget...

A superior solution!

rmkrum · 11-30-2014, 01:57 PM

From a forgetful engineer 😃

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TinShack · 11-30-2014, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

I just installed the Garmin BC-20 backup camera on my trailer license plate, ran the extension cable under the airstream with cable ties to existing piping, and terminated in the battery box, with the wireless transmitter in the battery box. Works like a charm with the Garmin GPS. Better than some other things I was trying. I do not have it hooked up to the reverse so it will function as a rear view camera since my GPS is on the dash when pulling the trailer. I have a disconnect in the battery box for when I park for the night.
Larry

Sounds similar to what I was thinking only connect to the running lights. How did you run the cable from the license plate to the bottom of the trailer? I was also thinking of mounting the camera up high near the clearance lights and running the cable along the roof and down through the refer vent, then mount the transmitter in the refer compartment.

TinTin · 11-30-2014, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CA Streamer

I was also thinking of mounting the camera up high near the clearance lights and running the cable along the roof and down through the refer vent, then mount the transmitter in the refer compartment.

I considered this method as well, but felt the dis-advantages (transmitter further from the receiver, more solid material for the signal to go through, camera mount would require screws or rivets, how to secure wire running to reefer vent) outweigh the advantages (higher point of view, more security for camera).

Inland RV Center, In · 11-30-2014, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinTin

I considered this method as well, but felt the dis-advantages (transmitter further from the receiver, more solid material for the signal to go through, camera mount would require screws or rivets, how to secure wire running to reefer vent) outweigh the advantages (higher point of view, more security for camera).

Back up camera's have a usual working distance of about 150 feet, at least by those that we have tested.

Andy

lsbrodsky · 11-30-2014, 02:21 PM

I ran the cable down from the plate to the bumper across to the end and down around the side of the bumper. I used heavy duty stick cable clips for this part. At that point there is a piece of aluminum you can fish through. I used the curb side because there is more piping to cable tie to. I did not want the system on the running lights as I leave my headlights in AUTO. A disconnect in the battery box better meets my needs.
Larry

TinTin · 11-30-2014, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

I ran the cable down from the plate to the bumper across to the end and down around the side of the bumper. I used heavy duty stick cable clips for this part. At that point there is a piece of aluminum you can fish through. I used the curb side because there is more piping to cable tie to.
Larry

Good information. Thanks.

rmkrum · 11-30-2014, 02:31 PM

Makes sense. My Tacoma lights have auto-off with ignition switch, but have to be turned on manually. I just leave them on when we're on the road.

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Ponyfvr · 12-02-2014, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

I just installed the Garmin BC-20 backup camera on my trailer license plate, ran the extension cable under the airstream with cable ties to existing piping, and terminated in the battery box, with the wireless transmitter in the battery box. Works like a charm with the Garmin GPS. Better than some other things I was trying. I do not have it hooked up to the reverse so it will function as a rear view camera since my GPS is on the dash when pulling the trailer. I have a disconnect in the battery box for when I park for the night.
Larry

I have a 2014 23D FG and would like to mount a backup camera to the trail license plate. the Garmin BC-20 looks interesting. Has anyone else mounted a different brand of backup camera to the license plate? I am also thinking about mounting the camera inside looking out the rear window but i am concerned about the glare

Thanks for your help.

Bob