Community Forums

MartinGale · 08-09-2020, 04:13 PM

My 2003 Winnebago Journey has the original black and white Sony dash mount monitor with a newer Sony camera. I would like to upgrade to a color system but I am not sure where the camera cable is routed.

I thought it was run below the floor but I have read in several places that it could be run in the ceiling. Does anyone have first hand experience upgrading the camera and cable? I am probably going to install an Android GPS head unit that supports backup camera and forward facing DVR camera.

Thanks for reading.

FleetMan · 08-09-2020, 04:39 PM

The cable is run in the ceiling. There are adapters available to use the OE cable with a newer camera or monitor, you’ll have to do some research or questioning when you decide on the components you want to use. You can always run a new cable underneath as a fall back position.

MartinGale · 08-09-2020, 10:03 PM

I have searched for the adapters to use the old cable, but I fear that I am behind the curve upgrading now. I have looked at the larger online sources without seeing any adapters.

I have wondered if the replacement camera will have a higher current draw than the original black and white camera? The original cable is very small diameter.

If I opt to run a new cable, how do I get the cable fished up the rear wall to the camera location? I assume the rear wall is foam core, so it could be interesting to fish the cable up that 4 feet from the engine compartment.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 08-10-2020, 05:02 AM

Martin-

Call Tim at RVCams. Web site here, phone number is (225) 261-9946. He knows a lot about adapters, monitor and camera options, etc. I appreciated his patience; he must have heard the same questions hundreds of times.

FleetMan · 08-10-2020, 07:18 AM

I replaced my camera and monitor with a system from rearviewsafety.com a few years ago and ran a new cable underneath. The rear cap is hollow between the cap and the RV wall. I dropped a string with weight attached down through the hole for the camera wire and used it to pull the cable end up to and through so I could work with it. On the front end, I ran the cable up through the boot around the steering column and on up into the dash to attach to the monitor. If you replace your monitor, carefully review the wiring schematics of the power connection. I had to reposition a wire or two in the plug to make everything compatible.

MartinGale · 08-11-2020, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FleetMan

...The rear cap is hollow between the cap and the RV wall. I dropped a string with weight attached down through the hole for the camera wire and used it to pull the cable end up to and through so I could work with it...

I made the false assumption the rear cap would be foam insulated. You have just given me hope that it will not be like Pandora’s box when I start this project. It is these false assumptions, as I made, that can hamper attempts at DIY on motorhomes. It is great to have a community to seek advice from.

Thanks again FleetMan

FleetMan · 08-11-2020, 12:04 PM

Martin, search the archives for rear cap work. Several years ago a member posted pictures of his Journey with the rear cap removed for A/C duct work. It will give you a good idea of the construction there. I posted some pictures after I replaced my rear view camera and monitor. At the top of the website page, click on Photos, then Members Galleries and enter FleetMan in the search box. You may have to navigate an additional step but that will get you to my pictures if you are interested.