Fifth Wheel Cameras

[shill]

We are planning on side cameras and a rear camera on the NH. However, after thinking about it and pulling a TT for the past week, I'm wondering if there really is any point to the side cameras.


I should be able to see down both sides in my 2017 F450 mirrors plus I have the blind spot system which can be extended to the end of the trailer. So are the side cameras a waste or am I missing something? BTW, if towing a NH was as consistently full of "adventure" (left on side of road in the middle of nowhere at night last Wednesday and again Friday with cracked rims that let the air out of the China bombs...) as the TT was last week, I would take up something different and forget any traveling.



Any info on the side cameras in particular would be much appreciated. Thanks.


Skip

[Ray,IN]

I think you have a good handle on side camera benefits. FWIW, there are wireless BU camera systems that transmit 60', and wired systems with a factory disconnect near the umbilical cord plug.

[Burrington]

Shill: If have 4 cameras, rear, sides, and one on top looking forward. I use the rear all the time, the front one regularly to watch for trees that are too low, and the side ones rarely. The sides are useful, but I really only use them to help parking on the blind side.

[mjdenn]

Shill

BLIS is restricted to a 33' trailer so I don't think it will work for you. Ford Ultimate at it's best again.
Glad you had a good visit to the factory.

[shill]

mjdenn.....33' BLIS...


Burrington.....I hadn't thought about the blind side backing up or the value of a forward view. Very good insights. So the forward view camera gives you a view that allows you to avoid low hanging tree limbs like maybe driving through a campground? I have the Ford camera that works under 3 mph on the front of the truck but I don't think it will do much good for obstructions that may impact toward the top of the rv. Thanks for the ideas.

[sbpierce]

I put side views on mine and you don't really need them........till you do. On the blind side situation they make all the difference in the world, and cut the parking time and frustration in half, if not more. If I had it to do over again, I would.

[grindstone01]

Our GM dealer offered a camera package on our new truck that included side cameras and rear camera for a camper that would view on the in dash screen. It wasn't cheap at $1400 and we already had a wired rear camera system to switch over, so it wasn't for us. Ford might have a camera package.

[mjdenn]

Ford does offer a camera system for the back of the trailer but they cripple the system when driving. I have a third party add on that modifies this behavior but it might not be for everyone.
We have the Ford mirrors that extend when towing and love them. We only use the cameras when parking.

[shill]

Originally Posted by mjdenn

Ford does offer a camera system for the back of the trailer but they cripple the system when driving. I have a third party add on that modifies this behavior but it might not be for everyone.
We have the Ford mirrors that extend when towing and love them. We only use the cameras when parking.

mjdenn.....You don't find the rear camera useful at highway speed? The one thing that is annoying to me when towing is when a vehicle gets right up behind me and I don't know they are there. Then if I begin to change lanes, they shoot out from behind....... Putting turn signal on and waiting a couple seconds helps, but it would still be nice to know when a vehicle is following too closely. As I'm sure everyone has noticed, truckers frequently have a message on the back of their truck indicating that if you are too close to see their mirrors, they can't see you. I may be over-thinking this issue.

[grindstone01]

The biggest benefit of the rear camera is to take the place of the rear view mirror. It also works to watch the bikes on the rear bumper. I still use the wife for a look out while backing up.

[mjdenn]

I agree that there is some benefit in your scenario. But most of these rear cameras have wide fields of view and distort your perspective on distance.
For driving on the highway a normal field would be a great help. For parking a wide field of view is desirable. Anyone know of a camera with a zoom?

[mjdenn]

Went to Hershey to window shop. Found this rear camera which I think is a great solution.

https://www.innotechrv.com/Dual_Rear...4_8403947.aspx

The cameras have a field of view of 120°/45° and are switchable from the cab.

NH had a very nice Summit 37IKS.

[shill]

Originally Posted by mjdenn

Went to Hershey to window shop. Found this rear camera which I think is a great solution.

https://www.innotechrv.com/Dual_Rear...4_8403947.aspx

The cameras have a field of view of 120°/45° and are switchable from the cab.

NH had a very nice Summit 37IKS.

So that's a wired system apparently. I didn't see anything about how it's controlled. Wonder if it's compatible with other systems? The longer lens would be great for highway safety.

[mjdenn]

Originally Posted by shill

So that's a wired system apparently. I didn't see anything about how it's controlled. Wonder if it's compatible with other systems? The longer lens would be great for highway safety.

Yes its wired. Switchable from the monitor.