DIY Camera Installation

[ArTravler]

I could use some recommendations on installing a rearview camera. I have a 1996 Holiday Rambler Vacationer. I purchased a wireless camera but I still need 12 VDC source at the top of the rear shell cap. Anyone have any idea on how to get power / access up there? The only thing I can think of is getting access through the bedroom by removing the top storage cabinets and cabinet liner. It would be a lot of work so I thought I would ask for some advice first.

[Mandys Man]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArTravler I could use some recommendations on installing a rearview camera. I have a 1996 Holiday Rambler Vacationer. I purchased a wireless camera but I still need 12 VDC source at the top of the rear shell cap. Anyone have any idea on how to get power / access up there? The only thing I can think of is getting access through the bedroom by removing the top storage cabinets and cabinet liner. It would be a lot of work so I thought I would ask for some advice first.

You should be able to drop a wire through the hole where you are going to mount the camera down to where you can reach it and then pull it to a hot 12v somewhere nearby. Put a 1 oz fishing weight on it if necessary to get it to go down.

[ArTravler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mandys Man You should be able to drop a wire through the hole where you are going to mount the camera down to where you can reach it and then pull it to a hot 12v somewhere nearby. Put a 1 oz fishing weight on it if necessary to get it to go down.

That is a good idea. I have a back window so it will present a probelm to get around. There is also a spare tire / storage compartment below the window. So there are some obsticals to get around but it may be worth a try.

[pkendzor]

With a flashlight look under the coach to see if you hace a clear area between the fiberglass end cap and the rear wall. Mine has a 2 to 4 inch space. Drill a 3/8 to 1/2" hole that will be covered by the mounting bracket.

Take a metal coat hanger, straighten it out and 1/2 " from the end put a few wraps of electrical tape . Tie the 1 oz swivel sinker to the fish line and put the end of the coat hanger thru the eye of the swivel. The tape will stop the sinker from sliding back more than the 1/2".

Pull the line snug the length of the coathanger and fish it past the window. Once you are past the window, let go of the fish line and shake the coat hanger to release the sinker.

Best Of Luck On Your Project
Paul

[Open Roaders]

On our previous MH we had a back window and we mounted the wireless camera inside the window. It worked perfectly and kept it out of the weather.

We took power from the supply line to the 12v lights in the cupboards overhead the bed and added a switch to turn the camera on & off.

Of course when wet weather covered the window in road grime we couldn't see much but then it would have covered the camera lens if was outside anyway.

[ArTravler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Open Roaders On our previous MH we had a back window and we mounted the wireless camera inside the window. It worked perfectly and kept it out of the weather. We took power from the supply line to the 12v lights in the cupboards overhead the bed and added a switch to turn the camera on & off. Of course when wet weather covered the window in road grime we couldn't see much but then it would have covered the camera lens if was outside anyway.

I thought of that idea right after I posted the question. I will temporally mount the camera in the two locations to see if there is a big difference in the camera view. The window has a valance box and blinds so I would need to figure a way to install the camera without it looking like a Sows
Ear!

Thanks for the recommendation!

[RUNDLC]

Having just gone thru this with my 96 HR you should see an access panel in the rear upper storage area. Now there is a lot of insulation there so be careful, Since your are using wireless, like someone else mentioned you could take power for the side lights and run thru the storage. It is not to difficult to mount the camera in the OEM location since you can access those wires.

Just look for the panel and let us know if it's there, you then should be able to feel around for the original cable.

[ArTravler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUNDLC Having just gone thru this with my 96 HR you should see an access panel in the rear upper storage area. Now there is a lot of insulation there so be careful, Since your are using wireless, like someone else mentioned you could take power for the side lights and run thru the storage. It is not to difficult to mount the camera in the OEM location since you can access those wires. Just look for the panel and let us know if it's there, you then should be able to feel around for the original cable.

No access panel in my RV. It probably was not prewired for a camera. It did get me to thinking about cutting an access hole in the top of the storage compartment or just drilling into the storage compartment from the outside where the camera will be mounted. Then it would just be a matter of connecting into the existing power circuit for the bedroom lights over the bed along with a on / off switch.