Rear camera for the TT.

[peg110]

Okay, I did find an "OLD" thread on this. (Just one) but I didn't want to resurrect it because technology changes SOOOO much in such a short time, that those responses aren't as relative today.

Anyway, we got a new TT which is no less then 6 (probably closer to 8) feet longer then the old one. What I'd like is a camera system (preferably wireless) that I could install that allows me to, well, see behind the TT. Not just the rear though, side views to (for lane changes).

The DW is absolutely paranoid now of me driving this, especially going through the DC area (even if traffic isn't too bad. I have to say, though, while I am not afraid of driving it, I would feel much better with a better view.

I'd like a wireless system. The camper (Coachmen Catalina 343QBDS) is already wired for a "Furion" camera, but the camera only gives a downward and what appears to be maybe 20 feet behind (still at a downward angle) view. This is great when backing, but not quite what I want. I want it to be like a rear view mirror with 2 side mirrors (cameras).

I have found one from Tadibrothers but on amazon there is little to no reviews. I have found several "Positive" reviews Here though. My biggest concern is that from the back of the TT to the front where the monitor would/could sit is probably at the fringes of 50 feet which is what is claimed to be the range.

Does anyone have any experience or suggestions on cameras that are both good, not terribly difficult to install (don't want to have to tear walls down of the TT to run wires)?

If anyone has experience with this, I am sure it's on this board.

 

[daemom]

I'm going to watch this because we're very interested in this too!

 

[mtlhd]

I can't help with everything you've asked, but I can say I've never had great luck with wireless cameras. Either signal strength wasn't great and resolution was grainy, or there seemed to be caching issues and video would stop and start and then speed up ... oddities like that. I've thrown in the towel on wireless and on our last two TT (both over 35' long) and just bought a wired camera. I run the wire along the top edge of the camper and down the side, mounting it with some inexpensive cable holders, right along the edge and then tied it up and snaked it all the way up to the hitch, under the camper. The set up I have comes with a pig-tail with quick disconnect to connect it to the tow vehicle. While it can be a long undertaking hiding/snaking all the cable, I just find the end results much more reliable. Anyway, the camera system I've used on the last two TT's we've had, I got through Amazon. Here's a link to the one I purchased. It's a single camera set up. They have another with multiple cameras, but it only shows one camera on the monitor at a time, so I just stuck with one camera mounted to the rear of the TT.

Happy Camping!!

 

[Teamubr]

We got a new TT which is no less then 6 (probably closer to 8) feet longer then the old one.

That's not much. My new 5er is 12 ft longer than my old one.

I have found one from Tadibrothers but on amazon there is little to no reviews. I have found several "Positive" reviews Here though. My biggest concern is that from the back of the TT to the front where the monitor would/could sit is probably at the fringes of 50 feet which is what is claimed to be the range.
Does anyone have any experience or suggestions on cameras that are both good, not terribly difficult to install (don't want to have to tear walls down of the TT to run wires)?

I had a wired camera on my old 5er that I installed 10 or 12 years ago. It worked great. Wireless cameras were available 12 years ago, but had poor distance and I was told that aluminum framed trailers (like my Cruiser) blocked almost all of the signal. I also have a Coachmen now and could have had the Furion added by the dealer. I'm on the Forest River Owners Forum and there are several posts about the "best" rear view cameras. Tadi comes up a lot and nearly all comments are positive.

I specifically asked how the wireless cameras were today, especially on a 42 1/2 ft trailer. Here is a partial reply from FR Forums.

"RVS and Tadi both have good reputations, both for price and support. Furrion is a great camera...when it works. I had one and it was totally unacceptable with only a 31 foot TT. Sold it to a friend with a 38 (maybe 39) foot Keystone and it worked perfect."

The consensus was the new wireless cameras generally work for 40 ft trailers, but performance varies a lot from user to user. Too many factors that may interfere with the signal.

I would definitely consider the Tadi cameras. They have quite a few options on their web site. If you get a wide angle lens (that's what I had before) it will give you a good view to the rear... Much more than the 10 ft or so with a down pointing standard camera.

I'm still debating getting another one for the new trailer. I got used to towing long trailers with the race team (48 ft and 44ft) without a camera. I will probably spend the money elsewhere for now.

As for installing a wired. Not sure what type under trailer cover you have, but my Coachmen has solid panes that are screwed into place. Pulling them down to get access to pull wires is pretty easy. Most people on the FR Forum are powering the camera off a running light on the rear of the trailer. This means you have to drive with your parking/running lights on all the time, but also means you just have to pull a wire to the truck for the video signal. I used coax cable in my old trailer. Fairly tough, made for outdoor use, easy to repair and connectors can be found at any WalMart. I have a coax to RCA jack adapter once the cable was inside the truck.

j

 

[jaredjohn4]

I bought the Furion and mounted it on the back of my new rig in the freezing cold last week before my trip to the fort. It was a big switch moving from a conversion van and a popup to a Ram MegaCab and 37 foot fifth wheel. The camera is not a rear view mirror, but it did exactly what I need. It showed when it was safe to pull in after passing someone or if there was room to change lanes in tight traffic. We drove 22 hours straight through that include at night in the rain. The picture wasn't the best in that situation, but with everybody running with headlights on, I could still make out when there was room to change lanes. The picture never cut out. My camper wasn't pre-wired, I had to splice into the upper clearance light and then it comes on when I have my running lights on.

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