Community Forums

knightstorm · 05-07-2017, 05:17 PM

As others have noted, the backup camera from Newmar does not provide a good view of the rear of the toad, making it difficult to see if it is safe to merge with traffic.

Another post stated that the camera can be adjusted higher to fix this but it will no longer provide the view needed when backing up.

Since I already have a Garmin GPS, I was thinking of adding the Garmin wireless backup camera for backing up and adjusting Newmar's camera higher to see what is behind the toad when driving.

How difficult will it be to tap into the backup lights? Will I be able to fish a line from a backup light through the end cap to the license plate light?

Right now, in a pinch, I can have my copilot look out the rear window.

"007" · 05-08-2017, 05:56 PM

Have you considered a wireless camera to added monitor up front so you have control over both views needed.

Dan McMartin · 05-08-2017, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knightstorm

As others have noted, the backup camera from Newmar does not provide a good view of the rear of the toad, making it difficult to see if it is safe to merge with traffic.

Another post stated that the camera can be adjusted higher to fix this but it will no longer provide the view needed when backing up.

Since I already have a Garmin GPS, I was thinking of adding the Garmin wireless backup camera for backing up and adjusting Newmar's camera higher to see what is behind the toad when driving.

How difficult will it be to tap into the backup lights? Will I be able to fish a line from a backup light through the end cap to the license plate light?

Right now, in a pinch, I can have my copilot look out the rear window.

I have no idea but post pics when you get it figured out

l1v3fr33ord1 · 05-09-2017, 04:39 AM

knightstorm-

I have a Garmin RV760 LMT GPS and its companion BC-20 wireless camera. I ran with that combo on the former Class C. At the moment I have the camera that came with the current coach wired into the video-in port on the GPS.

The BC-20 camera has its drawbacks:

1) It's a wide-angle view (Note: This is common). My attitude was "If I can see anything (in it), it's too close to move over." The problem is that by the time you identify vehicles and estimate their approach speeds, they are already too close. Mirrors work better than the camera on the highway, for me at least.

2) Range. You should test the range of the transmitter in the location where you intend to mount it.

As far as power goes, I suggest tapping into the clearance lights instead- if you drive with them on- or any other constant 12V source.

The tough part is mounting the BC-20 transmitter (space, weather protection, orientation).

I have thought about mounting the camera on the toad. I'd have to experiment with range to ensure that I didn't lose signal. However, as long as I'm using the wired video input I can't use the BC-20, so that idea will have to wait.

knightstorm · 05-09-2017, 09:52 AM

My initial plan would be to aim Newmar's camera higher so that I could see behind the toad, disconnect the camera 1 signal lead at the rear view monitor, and add the Garmin BC-30 as a backup camera. I can tie into the backup light circuit at the 7-pin plug and mount the camera by the license plate. Any hole made through the rear cap would be hidden behind the plate.

It also looks like I may be able to tap into the backup light wiring in the rear electrical bay - I'll check with Newmar to see if the right wires run through there.

If this all works the rear view monitor would function as if I never went into reverse and the BC-30 would cut in on the Garmin when I go into reverse.

If I put the camera on the toad, I would power it from the battery charge line before the relay so it would only be powered when being towed.

My first testing will be with external wiring from the 7-pin plug

petewolff · 05-09-2017, 10:10 AM

I installed a second back up camera in my Thor Vegas because I use it as a full time rear view device.
What I purchased was a Tadi Brothers wireless unit with a 7" monitor.
I had nothing but trouble with the wireless transmitter and receiver .
It was installed as per their instruction , connections were tight and the transmitter and receiver were installed "line of sight".

After deciding that I was done trying to get the wireless to function properly I purchased a video cable and hard wired the camera to the monitor.

After that no more problems. The picture quality is great , it doesn't drop the picture and there isn't any interference .

Others may have had success but I did not. I might add that Tadi Brothers was good and did try to help but I wanted a reliable system so in my case hard wire was the way to go.

Just something to consider as you shop for a system.

knightstorm · 05-11-2017, 03:27 PM

First test of Garmin BC-30.

The Garmin camera is on the license plate and I haven't changed the Newmar camera.

Right now the Garmin camera is always on and I need to switch between camera and GPS manually

knightstorm · 06-15-2017, 02:22 PM

The Garmin backup camera did not let me see if my toad had cleared traffic when merging.

I re-aimed Newmar's camera a little higher so that I could see the back of the toad. The field of view runs from about 5' behind the coach to 85' or more and I can use the Garmin camera when I need to see closer.

I also added a selector switch so I could override the automatic camera selection as needed.