Can this RV Gadget Save Your Relationship?
I’ve heard some say that backing up an RV is the test of a good relationship. I would have to agree. There have been times when my husband and I were communicating well and everything went smoothly with few pull forwards, adjusting, yelling, etc. We just got it right the first time. Then there have been times when we couldn’t seem to get it together and an RV backup camera might have saved the day—or at least our moods.
So, in short, no you probably don’t absolutely need one unless you are solo. Even then, there are usually others around willing to help. But, if you are a gadget lover and need a winter project, check out these tips and a few cameras that I chose to highlight.
How to choose the best RV backup camera
There are tons of RV backup cameras on the market so a good place to start is with the basics. Ask yourself a few questions. Which features are important? How much do I want to spend?
Note also, digital video tends to display better than analog and you will want one with ample field of vision.
Bigger is not necessarily better for your screen choice. A clear and reliable picture is key. Rather than the size of the screen, focus on the resolution. A smaller screen with a higher resolution is better. Choosing a color, rather than a black and white picture will make it easier to distinguish between obstacles.
Your monitor should be able to display the picture quality that your camera provides so a camera and monitor should work well together. Choosing a monitor with multiple camera input ports will give you options for adding side-mounted or front cameras later.
Types of backup cameras
- Wired – These offer the best quality and the most stable picture but are considered harder to install than a wireless system.
- Wireless – These are easiest to install but are susceptible to interference causing loss of signal. Wireless camera systems are not recommended for RVs with a metal bumper, such as an Airstream.
How much do RV backup cameras cost?
The cost for an RV backup camera can run anywhere from $39.99 on Amazon to $500 and more. Reliability and durability are some things to consider when you choose your price point.
Check out this video for an example of the installation process:
Five Top Rated RV Backup Cameras
1. Furrion Vision S (FOS43TASF)
Price: $433.95 on Amazon
Coming in at one of the more expensive models, this one has a lot of bells and whistles and boasts the latest wireless technology and best signal range, which makes it good for long rigs. The model is said to handle interferences well giving the user less signal loss.
The camera comes with an anti-glare display that shows clear images in every light condition. This model also incorporates motion detection which could be used as a security camera.
Photo via Amazon
2. Zeroxclub W01 RV Backup Camera
Price $159.99 on Amazon
This RV backup camera is a little more budget-friendly and boasts many features including easy installation into your cigarette lighter. The unit can be set to automatically turn on while you are backing or can stay on all the time.
According to online reviews, with 2nd generation digital wireless, the signal will stay clear with no interference up to 85 miles per hour and you will get superior night vision with a 149-degree wide view.
“Was having trouble backing my RV with my wife telling me what I was looking at. Got this backup camera and what a relief. The wireless unit is clear and works at night. The picture is perfect for backing and seeing what is not only directly behind you but also what is around the area behind you. Life is easy again and don’t have to figure which is her left and my right.” Amazon reviewer Bill Scriven.
3. Amtifo RV Backup Camera System
Price: $169.99 on Amazon
This model boasts split-screen ability with four-way video input. You can add more wireless cameras for the monitor and use four cameras at the same time. This one also gets power with a cigarette lighter plug and can flip between rearview and front view.
A built-in record function is also available and the camera is waterproof and weather resistant with a wide viewing angle of 150 degrees. The image quality is HD with 18 infrared lights. The screen allows you to see a clear picture at any angle without reflection or blurring.
4. Rohent RV Backup Camera System
Price: $129.99 on Amazon
This RV backup camera system boasts clear signals up to 150 miles per hour and a no-interruption signal under 80 feet. You can add up to two cameras to the system. The wireless backup camera is designed with 15 infrared light and CCD sensor display. The advanced technology to generate HD color night vision gives excellent vision even in a dark environment.
The waterproof camera has a 150-degree viewing angle with a fog-resistant super night vision ability. The monitor can be affixed to the dash or windshield and the rearview camera is activated when the vehicle is in reverse.
5. Yakry Y25 RV Backup Camera
Price: $89.99 on Amazon
The Yakry Y25 RV backup camera has received positive reviews for a number of reasons. The camera bracket can be hidden behind the license plate for a low-profile setup. Because of its digital signals, the Yakry is less vulnerable to interference compared to other systems.
The signal is stable up to 36 feet, waterproof, and has a 150-degree viewing angle. HD color provides the clearest view. The camera connects to reverse lights for reverse use or by connecting to running light/12V battery for continuous use.
The setup produces high-quality images in an assortment of conditions. The Yakry Y25 has a low power consumption, easily keeping it powered and a good choice for rigs with delicate power grids.
Find more easy RV upgrades
For more RV upgrade ideas, check out these Easy RV Upgrades That Anybody Can Do.
Terri and her husband, Todd, are full time RVers and work campers. They have been living full time in their RV for nearly three years with their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Newton, and their Mini Aussie puppy Remi. They are currently wintering in Arizona with plans to continue their travels next summer. Writing is Terri’s passion but she also loves hiking, kayaking and anything she can do outside.
I went thru Tadi Brothers. Purchased the camera and 7″ monitor which can receive up to 4 camera signals. It was $432.00 and works great. Tadi Brothers also has great service after the sale for additional cameras and accessories.
I have to say , with your first comment you can’t lose. No you really don’t need one. Is it nice, yes, you can’t lose. But from a new guy with a 5th wheel, listen to what those old farts tell you. (hey..I say that with love in my heart). If you are thinking of a camera system for a trailer; TT or 5th wheel. You always have a blind spot, it’s either passenger or driver side. Unless your spotter knows to RUN from one side to the other {to be visual in your mirror} you will lose visual reference. HA.. nice way to say you won’t know what your backing into or scraping the side of. So what I’m saying is get a 3 camera system, 2 sides and a rear view for at home and on the highway, lets you know when you can change lanes safely…
Hope this helps the new kids on the block….Just have to say ..after bringing my brand new trailer and backing it into the yard I sort of scrapped the tree’s that I had previously cut because I knew I was bring home a big trailer. BUT…I could have cut them more, or if I had a spotter could have avoided the dent… All I’m saying is go easy on the wife (spotter) you’re all ready there. Take the time, put the trailer where you want it. Go over to the guy that’s waiting to get past you and just say, Sorry my wife is having a had time getting past her mother dying before we left on this trip. That should cool em down. Happy Camping..
Having pulled a 37 ft. 5th wheel for the last 12 years. I’ve been using back up cameras and side-mounted cameras since 2008.
I mounted a clip-on rearview mirror that’s also a 7-inch monitor. (available on eBay for under $50. I bought high definition cameras for $25 a piece on eBay and ran the wires from the roof down through my refrigerator vent to the basement and used an ethernet cable to connect the cameras from the rig to the truck. I also mounted two 5 inch monitors on the dash on either side of the steering wheel for the side-mounted cameras. Now I don’t even have to turn my head to change lanes.
This also helps me when backing into a campsite because my wife is disabled. now I don’t have to get out od the truck to see if I’m going to hit a picnic table or something when backing into a site.
Great article. We’ve used a BU cam and left right side cams for a few years now. Also, my wife goes back to keep a special eye on low posts and/or low trees which can be out of the width range of the rear camera. Haven’t hit anything yet – however…. “…there are those that have and those that will!”
The only difficulty I have with my wife and her lack of patience, is having to continually explain that a 34′ motorhome rear end does not turn as quickly as the front. Rather than watch her frantic flaying arms – a little more meaningful signals would be welcomed – with a little more lead time for an object I can’t see – which is why she is there! I know how to back up – just can’t see everything including her when she leaves my mirror view! (Maybe a short course on an aircraft carrier launch or landing signalman signals would help – heaven knows I can’t teach her!)
Sorry, I forgot to mention: Don’t overlook EBay as a source for Backup cameras. Some great prices and cams too!
So you’ve got all new cameras, a bank account freshly depleted and what did you end up with? Chances are if you had a factory installed system before, you now have migrated and down-graded to a very sub-standard back up camera system that is of very little use and you’ll find this out soon enough after you use it for a while. If you are new to the world of back-up cameras, then you likely won’t know any better and anything will be an improvement. In reality it seems what these cameras being sold now were all designed originally (and re-packaged) for home security cameras and thus where super wide angle views aren’t practical because you need to catch the face and details of any potential thief. The very opposite is true while in a large vehicle backing up – it’s totally a different story where wide angle views are needed and in contrast to most of the cameras on the market today which are a joke at best when it comes to a wide angle of view. Today’s discount house cameras don’t even come close to dedicated back up systems costing in the $1000+ range. Also if you are waiting for me to unload some magic solution here, let me warn that I don’t have one and by all means do share if you have insight to what I am about to ask for.
My old B@W system was by Voyager and a traditional composite video system (low definition and B&W) but it has what I call a “hitch to horizon view” that has been impossible to duplicate and I have ordered and returned every true HD camera that Amazon or Ali Express sells because the 170 degree or 180 degree view they all advertise is in reality about 90 degrees and even if that. When I bought my 4 camera hard-disk HD “trucker’s system” from Amazon recently to replace my faded and dim factory LD B&W system, I was totally pumped as I opened those four HD (AHD) cameras, 10″ monitor and the cigar box-size 12V DVR (4 cameras on a single 7″ display I knew wouldn’t cut it for me). I was tickled pink – that is – until I tried to use the setup and discovered the extreme narrow angle of view.
So the bottom line is to hook anything up you buy first before you get too far invested with the drills and screw drivers and past the return window. If you already have anything at all in the form of a factory camera installed, especially in the old B&W Voyager line, you may be better served leaving well alone while discovering new and modern is not always better. Yes a HD setup and converting to color sounds marvelous until you see you lost your whole angle of view.
So what did I end up doing? I used silicon sealant and glued a large iPhone wide angle lens on the surface of my rear camera. It really gets dirty, it’s harder to clean and that wasn’t enough the other thing I have to deal with is the IR displays inside the new cameras also fog up the glass on the inside during the colder months. The limited angle rear view doesn’t affect the side view angle so much since there is no toad in the picture. So be careful what you invest in, as that box of surprise goodies may have been previously owned by someone better known as Pandora.
I would love it if someone did an article on digital backup cameras that could simply plug into old existing multi-wire camera wiring.
As a rule they have on/off and backup light activation already built in and no wires need to run, just figured out.
Then ditching the heavy CRT is a no-brainer.
im with you on this
Thought this decision would be a no brainer, WRONG A trip in 2 weeks and I am terrible at backing my 5th wheel.
agree
We used to use a Furrion S series system, but the monitor just getting darker and darker until it was almost impossible to see anything on a sunny day. Since we were 2 months out of warranty Furrion told me a new monitor would be costly, besides they were none is stock, with no idea when they would be.
After some research, we decided to go with VisionWorks for their RV system. The system we ordered came with a camera with a very tight view (I believe it was 30 to 45 degrees) which apparently is used by semi trailers and agricultural users.
I contacted VisionWorks customer service, explained we were on a long trip and the camera was basically useless. The company shipped to our location a newer version of their camera along with an extended antenna and a new mount with 2 day UPS at no charge.
I replaced the camera and there is a world of difference. The new camera has roughly 170 degree of view, is sharper and brighter than the Furrion ever was and the monitor has the ability to record.
There was no charge for the camera exchange. We were even able to handle returning the original camera after we returned to our home base several weeks later.
The equipment cost was under $500, works great and the customer support is outstanding. If you are looking for a RV backup camera and/or rear monitor while driving, I would highly recommend your checking out VisionWorks. And I also suggest you check out what people report about customer service for the equipment you are thinking about purchasing.
I purchased theDohones Best digital wireless back-up camera kit for my 30-foot travel trailer. This setup is really a great value for the money and such a helpful tool backing up. I have 2 cameras, both on the rear. One is pointed down to get a good view of the bumper and help judge how close I am to objects behind me. The other is pointed back to get a good view of traffic behind me while driving. It is very convenient to be able to swap between the two without needing to have a separate monitor. We have not taken it on the road yet but I believe it will make the next camping trip much easier to park and back up.
Worth article to read. Your article is really interesting and helpful for me. Thanks so much for sharing!
After reading many reviews about the backup camera from Furrion, I decided to buy it. It is supposed to be plug-n-play. My 2019 Coleman RV was built with rear camera wiring already installed. I downloaded the user manual online which gave me more information on how to set up this camera. I think one of its strongest features is the 4.3-inch anti-glare screen, which is effective at automatically adjusting contrast, brightness, and color day or night.
Installing this backup camera is as easy as connecting the associated peripherals, mounting the camera at the back, and powering the unit. People can start backing up their RVs with confidence while improving their situational awareness on the road.