Camera upgrade

[jbaker400]

Hi All,
First time posting!.... I am looking at a used LaPalma, and to my surprise it only has the one back-up camera [as opposed to the 3-camera]. This seems like a decent option to have [I pull a trailer]. It was an option apparently, but this particular unit does not have it.
Is upgrading a difficult job?, can it be done?, is it expensive?

Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks,
jbaker400

[adonh]

Originally Posted by jbaker400

Hi All,
First time posting!.... I am looking at a used LaPalma, and to my surprise it only has the one back-up camera [as opposed to the 3-camera]. This seems like a decent option to have [I pull a trailer]. It was an option apparently, but this particular unit does not have it.
Is upgrading a difficult job?, can it be done?, is it expensive?

Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks,
jbaker400

Check with these guys they should be bale to answer your questions.
RV Cams, Inc -- Wholesale Distributor of Premium Backup Camera Systems

[jroethke]

I did mine with a 4 camera system but the only issue I had once it was all said and done was the new LCD screens and glare. I did however install a glare screen which helped a lot.

Running new cables was also a bear as I needed to get the cable from the back all the way to the dash but it can be done just takes time.

[Cousin Ed]

We have three cameras on this RV and I use them but, I could make do with just the rear one easily. I would not go to a great expense to have 3.

[Doc Hugh]

Originally Posted by Cousin Ed

We have three cameras on this RV and I use them but, I could make do with just the rear one easily. I would not go to a great expense to have 3.

I agree with Cousin Ed. Our MH has the rear, left-turn and right-turn view cameras as well, and I do use them. I have found the rear camera essential but the left and right view cameras took some getting used to. After 5 years experience with the three camera system, I must admit I prefer the combination flat/convex side view mirrors along with the rear view camera, over the side view cameras.

[bamaboy473]

Originally Posted by jroethke

Running new cables was also a bear as I needed to get the cable from the back all the way to the dash but it can be done just takes time.

Were you able to tape new cable to old (and a tail cord to new) and then pull it through, or is there another trick we should know about?

Hard to imagine pulling a cable 40' through the ceiling without hanging up on something, and that's the sticking point for me getting a color camera.

[pasdad1]

A neighbor of mine has these at his house and they work great. I see no reason why they wouldn't work great mounted to an RV ? Just run power cables to the cameras. RadioShack or another source has DC-DC converters to adapt 12 volts to whatever voltage the cameras need ( I've seen 5v, 9v as the most common)

Fully weatherproof. Strong wireless signal (not wifi so doesn't need routers and such) wireless 8 inch color display. This is what I would probably try.

[bamaboy473]

Originally Posted by pasdad1

A neighbor of mine has these at his house and they work great. I see no reason why they wouldn't work great mounted to an RV ? Just run power cables to the cameras. RadioShack or another source has DC-DC converters to adapt 12 volts to whatever voltage the cameras need ( I've seen 5v, 9v as the most common)

Fully weatherproof. Strong wireless signal (not wifi so doesn't need routers and such) wireless 8 inch color display. This is what I would probably try.

Attachment 68371

I have 8 of that type of camera around the house, and resolution is iffy at best...especially if somebody is moving (walking). The image blurs.

I imagine that milspec systems would have much better resolution, but add another 0 to that price, then. After hooking everything, I wasn't impressed.

[pasdad1]

Originally Posted by bamaboy473

I have 8 of that type of camera around the house, and resolution is iffy at best...especially if somebody is moving (walking). The image blurs.

I imagine that milspec systems would have much better resolution, but add another 0 to that price, then. After hooking everything, I wasn't impressed.

You say "...of that type" but they are not specifically Lorex? Maybe the Lorex brand is better in this regard?

Wouldn't it be okay for backing up or seeing what cars are in the lanes beside the RV? And I like the recording feature !

[bamaboy473]

Originally Posted by pasdad1

You say "...of that type" but they are not specifically Lorex? Maybe the Lorex brand is better in this regard?

Wouldn't it be okay for backing up or seeing what cars are in the lanes beside the RV? And I like the recording feature !

The brand I have is LaView, at about the same price point, and cameras look identical (likely made in the same Chinese factory?)

My original comments about clarity were made because my application's goal was positive facial recognition.

Considering that most images on your MH's screen will be following traffic (same speed) or backing up (very slow speed), I agree with your application.

Also, the images I look at are on a 21" monitor, and they would surely look sharper on a 7" screen. I say, Try It, and let us know what you learn

[JCM]

Originally Posted by pasdad1

A neighbor of mine has these at his house and they work great. I see no reason why they wouldn't work great mounted to an RV ? Just run power cables to the cameras. RadioShack or another source has DC-DC converters to adapt 12 volts to whatever voltage the cameras need ( I've seen 5v, 9v as the most common)

Fully weatherproof. Strong wireless signal (not wifi so doesn't need routers and such) wireless 8 inch color display. This is what I would probably try.

Attachment 68371

They are not weatherproof. I have had 3 get "wet" inside with rain - resulting in failure. This is at my house not traveling down a road.
They have extremely short range.
Basically they are junk.

[JCM]

look at AliExpress.com - Online Shopping for Electronics, Fashion, Home & Garden, Toys & Sports, Automobiles from China. and or Wholesale - Buy China Wholesale Products from Chinese Wholesalers on DHgate.com for similar products from the original suppliers.

[bamaboy473]

Originally Posted by pasdad1

You say "...of that type" but they are not specifically Lorex? Maybe the Lorex brand is better in this regard?

Wouldn't it be okay for backing up or seeing what cars are in the lanes beside the RV? And I like the recording feature !

Two more thoughts about using wireless home cameras:
a. They are generally a 65 degree viewing angle, compared with a 120 or 130 degree angle for rear view cameras. Seeing alongside of you will be reduced by a bunch.
b. Wireless cameras chew up bandwidth (according to reviews), so that might be worth knowing if you use your computer on the road.

For the same price as the Lorex, here's http://www.rearviewsafety.com/home-p...er-rv-cam.html

I wish I knew what the differences are between a $250 system and a $750 system?

[tom076]

I don't want to hijack your thread, but I will anyway. My 2000 Coachman has an Audiovox AOC-75 B&W camera that has quit, can I simply put new camera onto same cable? I think that they no longer make the AOC-75.