Community Forums

johnboy2 · 11-22-2014, 05:02 AM

Since I have my dash out and the front end of the bus torn apart I thought it would be the perfect time to replace my backup camera system. I've had a new color system sitting on the shelf for a year now as I hate to take the das apart. My question is can I use the existing video cable to the camera and just rewire the connectors or do I have to run the new cable?

johnboy2 · 11-22-2014, 05:03 AM

OOOS I forgot to ask does anyone know where the existing cable runs?

deSanford · 11-22-2014, 07:42 AM

Just a couple of thoughts John: are there adapters available to go from the existing cable to your camera? If not I would see if you can buy the connectors and make your own adapter, but you would need the schematic of both cameras in order to have the right information going where it is needed. If the "channel" that the present cable runs in is large enough and the present cable isn't "locked" down along the channel you might be able to pull the new cable attached to the old cable to the rear camera. Just a couple of thoughts early in the morning. Sanford

Mike Canter · 11-22-2014, 08:24 AM

John, I would highly recommend calling RV Cams at 877-378-2267 or go to their website at www.rvcams.com. They are experts in this area and should be able to advise you and let you know if adapters are needed or supply you with them.

MSGulfCoast · 11-24-2014, 01:14 PM

Can't speak on the adapters but I can say that in our '98 Dynasty the cable runs overhead and it is bundled/tie-wrapped with a whole bunch of other stuff so using it to pull a new one wasn't an option unfortunately. I ordered a 50ft RCA video cable which I routed under the coach as someone else had done on this site. It has a little noise but it's good enough.

Fred Cooper · 11-25-2014, 09:18 PM

Assuming that your existing cable has enough wires in the bundle, you can just cut off the old connectors and splice into the new wires. You'll have to determine how the rear camera gets it's power. Your old camera probably was fed power through the wiring from the front of the coach. Your new system may be designed with a short lead for power expecting you to find a power source close to the camera.

If all else fails, it's not too hard to run a new cable by dropping down the hollow space inside the rear cap, running along the frame rail, and then back up into the driver's area. Just be sure to protect the new cable from abrasion and heat.

Fred