Backup cameras---the good---the bad?

[elira]

My 1996 Shasta class C has no rear window therefor I want (need) a backup camera. Price matters but around $250 would work. What are your experiences with what you have?
Thanks, elira

[tedward1555]

go with the cheapest one you can find that will give you a view of obstacles right behind you.... very few of them give you a good perception of how far away things are. I use my rear view mirrors mostly and just look at the back up camera when I know something is close to me and I want to know if I have a few more inches to back up... The "left/right" cameras in my view are WORTHLESS!!!
Just my humble opinion and I have an 08 Fleetwood Providence with a nice Sony system... it's still mostly worthless

[Chuck 1935]

You can find one at Auto Zone (Wireless $79) It is distributed by Peak Antifreeze ...look at this unit. You can find a list of retailers here if you don't have an Auto Zone.

[hamguy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by elira My 1996 Shasta class C has no rear window therefor I want (need) a backup camera. Price matters but around $250 would work. What are your experiences with what you have? Thanks, elira

My '02 Itasca has a rear view camera and I couldn't get along without it. It is a 'fisheye' type so objects are "closer than they appear". I have it tilted such that the back end of my toad is at mid-screen level. This way I can see the road up close and at a distance .

It didn't take long to adjust to the real view and understand what is going on. It isn't perfect but I can't complain.

[Wayne M]

On my class A, I'd replace it in a minute if it should ever fail. Mine is black & white. It is adequate. I wish I had color, but I really cannot justify the additional costs. I really believe that it will be a benefit to your rig.

As for distance, when parked, go back and measure different footage, like 3, 6, 9, or whatever you are comfortable with. Mark the ground with a good reference material, or an "orange cone." Go inside the coach and put a piece of tape as a marker at each reference point you see on the screen that the marker is at.

Now when you back up you will have a reference point on the screen of how close you are. However, it should never take the place of a "live person" ground guide when backing.

Happy trails.

[Batman_777]

I too have an 08' Fleetwood Providence and agree, the side cameras are just about worthless. Well,,, The problem is not with the side cameras but the monitor viewing. The monitor is way too far outta immediate sight. When I need them, it takes to long to look at the monitor for viewing. If the monitor was more in the immediate driver's vieiwng area, they may be worth using.

[teacher]

My problem with the side cameras is that I lose the rear view when I turn on the blinker. I can judge whether to change lanes using the rear view with reference to the toad that i am watching. As soon as the side camera comes on I can no longer see the distance between toad and vehicle I am pulling in front of (not very many of them at just sixty five mph). this means I can't signal early to express my intent. I think this is almost getting dangerous.

[nalcon]

Home page around $200 I love mine

[BookIIRoadtrash]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nalcon Home page around $200 I love mine

nalcon, is your's wireless?

[HMXDave]

I tried a wireless one on my Triple E Embassy as it never came with one. It was very fussy about interference and was basically useless 90% of the time. It's sitting in a box in the garage now. Most reviews I read on line warned me that the wireless ones were marginal at best, but I had to try anyways. My Safari has a B&W built in deal with a motorized up and down switch. It's as Hamguy described...very wide angle. But when backing up I point the cam down and can see the bumper....so if I go slow I shouldn't ever hit anything. Beats watching the mirrors trying to figure out the DW's ever changing flailing arm signals and screams. Hahaha.

[BookIIRoadtrash]

HMXDave, Thanks, I have been looking but not to serious and was hoping that wireless had made some big improvements.

[Max Hubrich]

HMXDave,

Quote:

Beats watching the mirrors trying to figure out the DW's ever changing flailing arm signals and screams. Hahaha.

AMEN!!!

[MuckSavage]

Quote:

Originally Posted by teacher My problem with the side cameras is that I lose the rear view when I turn on the blinker. I can judge whether to change lanes using the rear view with reference to the toad that i am watching. As soon as the side camera comes on I can no longer see the distance between toad and vehicle I am pulling in front of (not very many of them at just sixty five mph). this means I can't signal early to express my intent. I think this is almost getting dangerous.

This is EXACTLY how I feel.

[nalcon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodhicker nalcon, is your's wireless?

No, mine is wired. It comes with heavy duty waterproof cable.

I drilled a hole just below my marker lights on the back of MH into the cabinet above the bed. I routed the cable along the upper corners of the walls where the other wiring was placed. I placed the 7" color monitor on my doghouse temporarily until I decided where I wanted to mount it. It's still there and works fine.

The camera itself is mounted where I drilled the hole.

This camera has night vision, color, sound, and inputs for DVD player and MP3and remote control.

I bought it from B&H photo online. REARVIEWSAFETY RVS-770613

You can add up to 2 additional cameras.