Blind spot camera.

[pace89]

I recently purchased a wheather proof color security camera that I plan on using to view the right front blind spot similar to the ones installed on newer coaches. I have thinking of possible installation methods/locations. Wondering if anyone has been sucessfull & how it was done. Thanks in advance for any input.

[RobRV]

I put one on the right hand side Mirror. The Camera had such a wide angle view it was possible to see the entire Ditch Side!

[Doggy Daddy]

As my dog Ultra is my co-pilot and that I learned from mistakes my father made with his RV, I had a color digital camera system from Total Vision Products installed on my Outlaw. Scroll down to bottom and you'll see two nose cameras, side cameras (in the mirror bracket), a pan & tilt (180 degree view) back-up camera, and two interior cameras. When it comes to safety equipment to include tires, I do not cut corners.
My cameras are used when under way and for security when parked. Their cost was minimal compared to what RV body repairs, other personal property damage, lost time in repair facility, insurance deductible, would cost along with the memories and aggravation of doing something dumb.
One only needs to look at the backs and sides (fan tails) of other RVs to see damages that could of been avoided.
All camera connections should be hard wired, soldered, taped and zip ties to prevent loose connections in the future. Cameras are made for the abuse of vehicles and other are made for stationary structures. Cameras come in various sizes and in wide angle, mirror image, and various degree of angle for the best visual picture.

[pace89]

Hi Rob. Do you have any photos of your instalation? Where did you get parts?

Thanks in advance for any input.

[pace89]

Hi Dog Daddy. Great installation. What I would like to do is the embedded mirror camera for the right side. Is there a specification that I need to look for when I search for a suitable camera to do a similar installation.

Thanks in advance for any input.

[pace89]

This is the solution that I came up with. Photos at:

Picasa Web Albums - Terry & Bev + Cookie - Blind Spot Ca...

[Doggy Daddy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pace89 Hi Dog Daddy. Great installation. What I would like to do is the embedded mirror camera for the right side. Is there a specification that I need to look for when I search for a suitable camera to do a similar installation.

The camera placed in the mirror is very small and fit in a hollow cavity of the mirror base. The degree of vision of the lens in important. I suggest you call Rod of Total Vision Products and he will answer your questions regarding camera lenses and how he installed them. Just mention my Outlaw.

[RobRV]

Sorry Terry ,
I no longer have the MotorHome and didn't think to take any pictures. Basically it was a very small Waterproof Keyhole Camera that I Mounted using an L Bracket ( Metal) made from a piece of aluminum. I Fed the wires through the Rubber Boot using a grommet and up through the Mirror Mount then through the wall and under the dash.
I will be doing a similar install on the New to Us Dutch Star, but will recess the Camera into some sort of housing instead of the bracket. I'm thinking something similar in shape to a Teardrop .

[pace89]

Hi RobRV.

If interested check out our solution:
http://picasaweb.google.com/sight04/BlindSpotCamera

Comments Pro/Con appreciated.

[RobRV]

That looks great!
My Cameras don't have any housings but appear to be the same otherwise. That would save having to drill holes to the Outside for sure.
I have a switch that I will use to select between 3 different Cameras on the Dutch Star. The Monitor that I used on the Old rig had 2 Camera Inputs the New one only has one so I need the switch.
You are using the Front TV, is it hard to see from the Drivers seat? I am going to use a ceiling mount Monitor that swivels. I got it on E-Bay along with the Cameras from a place in Montreal.

[pace89]

It is not hard to see at all. I do not plan to keep the TV on all the time, however there are those occassions in very busy highway traffic, that being able to get a better look would be nice. I got this camera from Harbor Freight $30.00.

[RobRV]

That's a great price for the Camera, I will have to check HF out the next time I'm in one of their stores. I hadn't noticed any , but then I wasn't looking for one then either.