Side View camera Systems

[EDALLSAILS]

I would like to mount a pair of side view cameras in my MH. All I've found are part of a back up camera system. I'd like to install and use a separate TV to monitor rather than tie into the backup camera. Any suggestions? Safe travels.. ed

[Dr4Film]

Where do you want to install them and which way will they be facing?

I can make some recommendations once I know the answers to my questions.

I am up to six cameras now, 4 on my cargo trailer and I am adding another 2 that are set into the lower glass of a new set of mirrors I am installing on the coach.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[mikf]

just a hint. I would have to go to the rv to see wahat brand I have, it has a really nice color pic on a seperate screen mounted on the dash. it is wireless and the dw can not use her laptop using the hot spot from my att Iphone when it is power on. other then that I love having a side camera.

[EDALLSAILS]

WOW, I would like to mt on ea side of mh. Interesting how many u installed. I ran over apost & BIG rock. After reading your note i might even consider mounting 2 more to view placeof rear wheels. Safe travels ed

[Dr4Film]

Cameras come in all shapes and sizes. There are ones that are front facing and ones that are rear facing or mirror image view.

If you are planning to side mount them looking rearwards, make sure you purchase cameras that are mirror image or can be programmed for mirror image.

I purchased my cameras for the trailer from Active-Vison, link below.

Wholesale CCTV Security Video Cameras, Surveillance Systems, DVR, GeoVision Digital Video Recorders

The first time through this project I purchased the wrong facing cameras for the left and right side of my trailer. When the images were displayed on my monitor they were always in the wrong orientation to what my brain was accustomed to viewing. Just recently, I replaced those with upgraded Sony cameras that are programmable so I can now set them up with a mirror image.

I have four cameras for my trailer. One inside looking at the cargo. One in the rear that gives me about a 130 degree angle view of the rear. One on each side of the trailer showing me about 1.5 lanes in both directions.

So I can watch traffic on each side of my trailer, then when passing, once I see the front of the vehicle in my rear-view camera, I know that it is safe to pull over to the right lane. can also watch for vehicles approaching from both sides of the trailer.

Next, you need a DVR with a hard drive. They come in various sizes. I chose the eight camera size and bought a 2 TB hard-drive. I am now using 6 of the 8 positions available.

You will also need a monitor. I purchased one from Amazon which is called IView. It's 15 inch and mounted on a flip down TV mount (purchased from eBay) that is secured to the bottom of the overhead cabinet above and in front of my driver's seat. When in position, it does not block my vision for driving.

I am now working on removing the OEM mirrors from the coach and installing the Ramco upgraded three-head mirrors with In-Vue cameras built-in to the lower mirror. That will give me complete rear side views for both sides of my coach. They will be active all the time, not just when the turn signals are active which is the way that the OEM Factory systems work.

Everything is powered by 12 VDC, cameras, DVR, monitor, etc.

I can take some photos later and post them if needed.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[bukzin]

Are your cameras all wireless?

Would you give us an idea of costs for each of these?

Did you tie the your camera system into something like a Silverleaf ?


Can't wait to see the photos!

[Dr4Film]

Originally Posted by bukzin

Are your cameras all wireless?

Would you give us an idea of costs for each of these?

Did you tie the your camera system into something like a Silverleaf ?

Can't wait to see the photos!

All of the cameras that I am using on the trailer and coach are wired except for one specific camera that I only mount and use for hitching up my cargo trailer tongue to the ball of the hitch on my coach.

That one is wireless BUT it took me multiple tries to find one that ACTUALLY worked as described. Most of the ones I ordered did not work worth a damn. That specific camera comes from TST and is expandable up to four cameras if needed. The display is only 2.5 inches but comes with a RCA cable to attach it to a larger monitor. I plug it into my Garmin RV760-LMT which is a 7 inch screen. I tried my 15 inch screen too but I didn't like the resolution. Maybe by playing around with the display controls I could get the 15 inch screen display to be better with the wireless. That camera gets mounted with a suction cup on the rear engine cover until finished then it's packed away until needed the next time.

The wired cameras were purchased from Active-Vision for $80 each.

3-Axis Varifocal Infrared Vandalproof Dome Camera, 750Res Sony EFFIO

These are the NEW ones with the correct image orientation for each side. The most important aspect of these cameras is that they need to be weatherproof or have an IP rating of 66 or higher.

The DVR was maybe $300 and the 2 TB hard-drive was another $100.

Here are a couple of links to the DVR.

8CH CCTV Video & 4CH Audio 700 TVL High Res D1 H.264 DVR

Empire Security Camera's ESDVR2 - H264 D1 DVR for 700TVL Sony Effio Cameras - YouTube

I bought my newest mirror conversions on eBay last summer from a distributor who had excess stock. Those are not mounted yet. It is a work in progress project that is underway currently.

Here is a current link to a RH model that is presently listed on eBay.

New Ramco RV Mirror RH Triple Head Chrome 16" Arm w Muth w ASA Color Camera | eBay

I will get some photos posted within a week or two.

My system is NOT tied into the SilverLeaf. It's a stand alone system. The SilverLeaf system I am currently running is the VMSpc using a 10 inch Dell notebook.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[CoCoDave]

I'm getting ready to install a wired "backup" camera and want to connect it to my Garmin RV 760. The Garmin has a female 3.5mm video input jack and the camera presents a female RCA plug. Garmin has an adapter cable as shown below. Using it requires an RCA male to male cable. I'd like to use as few connections/cables as practical.

To that end, is there an RCA male to 3.5mm male single element cable available? I have not found any in a cursory search.



Thanks,

[brunsje]

My Motorhome has a Voyager 3 camera system, all wired.

Has a great color display that is 7".

JohnnyB

[falconman]

In thinking about adding side cameras as well. Currently, like most, I have the factory rear camera which displays on the in dash monitor. I naturally look towards the mirrors when lane changing so why not mount small monitors in the lower corner of the dash on each side, wired to the appropriate side camera. That way when I'm changing lanes I will look to the mirror and also be able to see the side camera monitor. My last TV/TT had three cameras mainly for backing and cargo. I purchased the units off ebay at a much better price than other online outlets. I had to replace the cameras once but the monitor kept going strong when I sold it. I'm not a big fan of too many electronic distractions requiring me looking from where I should be looking.