Anyone tried using Home security camera system as backup camera before?

[Victoreric]

I've done some research on what wireless backup camera is good and haven't had much luck. Most of the reviews I've read said that the signal is poor. Then I got an idea about using the home security camera types as backup camera for my trailer instead. Here are some benefits that I see:

1) the signal is better than the vehicle types
2) I can have up to 4 cameras. I'm hoping to have 3; one for the rear of the TT, and 1 on each side for lane monitoring. Maybe one more for inside for monitoring over IP when we'Re away from the TT.

I see that Lorex has some that are wireless and seem to have good review. Although it's wireless, I will still need to run power to it but won't have to have a cable feed from TT to my truck.

Has anyone have any experience with installing something like this? Are there any issues I'm not seeing which would make this not feasible?

Thanks for your insight.

Eric

[Mr_D]

Can you reverse the picture so you don't get a mirror image (ie backwards) like you can with the RV ones?

[Chuck 1935]

On my previous MH, I used a camera from Harbor Freight, about $29. @12 volt. I mounted it facing TOWARD the back of the MH aimed at a convex mirror from the auto parts store. I also used my front TV as the monitor. It worked great.

[Arch Hoagland]

I installed a six camera system in my home and the learning lesson began.
During the day the picture is great. However at night the IR lights on the camera don't really work too well. So if you are doing much at night you will need more lighting.


I discovered that bugs are really attracted to IR lights so at night it would sometimes appear like it was snowing. A cow farmer wrote in that he had to disable the IR lights and use external lights because of the bug problem.

Where there are bugs spiders quickly build webs. I discovered spiders are very determined creatures and rebuild webs at a rapid pace. My cameras were covered in webs after a few days.

The crowing blow was when my neighbor across the street had his car broken into. His video and mine both recorded the incident. However because of the poor lighting all we could tell was that the thief was driving a white Ford Ranger pickup. Both our cameras were kind of useless.

I returned my $400 system to the store after that.

So, yes, they do work during the day but not so well at night.

[Bumps]

Eric:

Welcome to iRV2!

We use a six camera system like Arch, I think. It is an older system; analog. He is right about the difference in quality between the day- and night-time video modes. And the "falling snow effect" caused by bugs in the night hours. HOWEVER, we do like and use the system quite a bit (we wall-mounted a 7" monitor in the hallway next to the bedroom so we can quickly check out an unexpected noise or watch what is going on around each side of the coach without having to go to a window and open a shade).

To answer your question, since ours is an analog system, we simply installed a "T" in the video cable from the rear camera and ran the second feed from that camera to the in-dash OEM video monitor. Since we drive 99% of the time during the daylight, the system works clearly and reliably for us. The disadvantage is the reversed image, which takes a little getting used to. The advantage is that the driver can quickly/easily see what is going on with the Toad (and bikes and kayaks), regardless of whether it is on the left side or the right side of the Toad.

\ken

[ghaynes754]

Here's another idea if you have an iPhone/iPad. https://www.rvrearviewcamera.com/ The software is available as on the App Store and the camera at Amazon. Pretty much any wireless router will do. If you aren't technically inclined the folks at RVRearView sell a complete bundle ready to go.

Easy way to get power would be to tap into a running light up at the top of your back cap.

[1bigmess]

I use a GoPro camera. Waterproof, uses WiFi, and while it isn't perfect, it has worked well. I got the last one I bought at Costco before thanksgiving was less than $300, and a suction cup mount was bought at WalMart for a few bucks.

[Victoreric]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I was hoping to use this while I'm on the road too so needing wifi won't work. The Rvrearviewcamera.com seems interesting and will look into it.

[1bigmess]

The GoPro is the WAP as far as your phone or tablet is concerned. No internet connection needed.

[pocketchange]

Any chance.. this line of thought could be updated? pc