Community Forums

gallant205 · 01-24-2019, 01:48 PM

I have a little Class A motorhome and I keep thinking: Wouldn't it be nice to have a little drone overhead to show me an outside pic right at my dash as I'm trying to park in a back-in site. Caveat- I'm sure that branches overhead would be an issue, but I suppose you could deal with that.

Anybody ever tried this? How does it work out?

We have a 2009 Winnebago Vista W26P
No toad yet but we'll get there

barmcd · 01-24-2019, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gallant205

I have a little Class A motorhome and I keep thinking: Wouldn't it be nice to have a little drone overhead to show me an outside pic right at my dash as I'm trying to park in a back-in site. Caveat- I'm sure that branches overhead would be an issue, but I suppose you could deal with that.

Anybody ever tried this? How does it work out?

We have a 2009 Winnebago Vista W26P
No toad yet but we'll get there

They now have 360 degree cameras that would be much easier to use than a drone. One time install and instant picture of your surroundings.

brandss · 01-24-2019, 01:54 PM

My DJI mavic drone can actually do what you are asking, although, I'm not sure you would really want to. The way it works is that you can raise it in the air, then choose what you want it to focus on, and then follow that subject (think motocross rider being followed by drone at a very reduced speed, lol.)

In all seriousness, what's wrong with the pull up, walk around, use mirrors and rear view camera. Not trying to be a smart guy.

twogypsies · 01-24-2019, 03:15 PM

I don't believe you could do that in a national park & other places where they're not allowed.

hohenwald48 · 01-24-2019, 07:03 PM

360* installed camera systems already exist. They are available on some Newmar units and can be retro fitted to any RV. They have the advantage of using on board cameras and avoid the problems of banned drone use and operation of a drone in inclement weather. There are many YouTube video demonstrations that you can search for.

V3600 · 01-24-2019, 07:17 PM

Just learn how to park. Or stick to pull-throughs.

Crop Duster · 01-24-2019, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V3600

Just learn how to park. Or stick to pull-throughs.

Bipeflier · 01-24-2019, 08:04 PM

Sounds like a solution without a problem.

astrnmrtom · 01-24-2019, 09:17 PM

When backing into a spot, I stop just long enough to deploy my Back-up assist model 1955. All I need to do it watch out one mirror and if I get close to anything it sounds a loud shriek and flails its arms. Works in all weather conditions and at night when it's dark. Doesn't require batteries although its maintenance requirement are high. I store it in the passenger seat and the only problem is it'll occasionally go off for no apparent reason and scare the hell out of me. Fortunately it somehow resets itself and the shrieking and arm flailing will stop until the next false alarm. If it starts happening too often I just may trade it in on a newer model. It'll cost me though - exactly half of everything I own.

cpaulsen · 01-25-2019, 04:46 AM

Practice learning how to back up.

69Stang · 01-25-2019, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrnmrtom

When backing into a spot, I stop just long enough to deploy my Back-up assist model 1955. All I need to do it watch out one mirror and if I get close to anything it sounds a loud shriek and flails its arms. Works in all weather conditions and at night when it's dark. Doesn't require batteries although its maintenance requirement are high. I store it in the passenger seat and the only problem is it'll occasionally go off for no apparent reason and scare the hell out of me. Fortunately it somehow resets itself and the shrieking and arm flailing will stop until the next false alarm. If it starts happening too often I just may trade it in on a newer model. It'll cost me though - exactly half of everything I own.

LOL. I have a newer model and still get false alarms for time to time. I don't think any model will ever completely eliminate the false alarms.

FatChance · 01-25-2019, 08:53 AM

How to not win friends with your new neighbors...

dons2346 · 01-25-2019, 09:43 AM

What's the matter with plain old hand signals? Been using then for 19 years and they have never failed.

BirchyBoy · 01-25-2019, 09:45 AM

All of the same arguments many are making could be applied to any “new” technology back in the day. Want a back up camera? Learn to use mirrors and get a spotter. Want a 360 degree system? Learn to use mirrors and get a spotter. New methods for achieving anything are only possible through looking for different solutions.

Maybe a drone seems extreme to some but it could be a good aid, like any technology. For instance, I went to a local RV shop to get propane. They told me to drive 300 yards down a corridor and then follow the path to the refill station. It was a tight lane, so I walked it first and found that the lane was blocked as soon as the corner turned. The walk didn’t hurt me at all, but a drone could be a good solution in a scenario like that.

Don’t be so quick to dismiss new thoughts. We’ve all benefited from them at some point.