What is the best backup camera when towing a travel trailer?

By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
What is the best backup camera to use when towing my travel trailer? I need to determine how much space I have when I change lanes. —Henry, 16-foot Scamp, Layout 6

Dear Henry,
There are dozens of backup or rearview cameras on the market at just about every price point. Since you have a tow vehicle and trailer, you will need a wireless model to transmit from the camera to the receiver or display in the tow vehicle. You will also need to get 12-volt power. Most aftermarket installations tap into the running lights at the top of the rig.

With the different price points comes a difference in quality of image and transmission. For years, the wireless versions had poor image quality and were not very good on longer vehicles that had to transmit 30+ feet. However, you should not have an issue since the trailer is only 16’ in length.

I have installed a few of the cheap versions for videos on RV Lifestyle & Repair and most do not work very well. However, the model by Peak, which also sells antifreeze, did work fair as a backup camera in a campground but not going down the road.

The challenge with a wireless camera is the interference you will get from cell phone towers, Wi-Fi hotspots, and even traffic cameras. There are so many wireless transmissions happening that can cause interference, especially in larger cities and heavy traffic areas. I believe that is why the Peak camera worked in the campground as it was a state park with very little traffic or commercial congestion.

Things to consider when looking at a wireless camera system

Field of vision

Some backup cameras show a narrow view of just side-to-side of the rig. A large 120-degree field of vision is best for seeing the small Toyota hiding in your blind spot while driving down the road. Oftentimes these are referred to as “observation cameras”.

Light adjustment and night vision

In my opinion, it is best to get a camera that can adjust to different light levels and especially night vision.

Large display screen

This is personal preference and also depends on where you are going to mount the display. A large 7” screen is great to see the image at a glance. But if you want to mount the display on the dash or windshield, it would block your vision of the road.

There is also a difference between resolution of the display. Most are 720 pixels x 480 pixels, which, technically, is HD, just not the high resolution 1080p. However, I have found that 720p is just fine in such a small screen.

IP camera versus digital; and what about GHz

IP (internet protocol) cameras are used for residential security and low-end RVs. They use a Wi-Fi signal, which is not always available and can create a lag in the signal. Digital cameras use a dedicated frequency at 2.4 or 5 GHz band, which produces a much stronger signal with very little lag time.

My choice

I like the Furrion Vision S as it has all the attributes listed above. I have personally witnessed it being tested at the CA RV Show and WIT Rally. The image was outstanding. One test hooked it up to a 5th wheel. The truck drove more than 300 feet away and it still had a sharp image. You can find it on Amazon here.

 You might also enjoy this from Dave 

Can I mount a backup camera on RV’s ladder?

Dear Dave,
I have a ZEROXCLUB 7″ wireless backup camera that I want to mount to the back of my 32′ 5th wheel. I do not want to drill holes into the fiberglass or roof EPDM. Do you see an issue with mounting it to the ladder? I do not use the ladder to access the roof and it seems pretty rigid. —Rik, 2012 Forest River Sterling 5th wheel

Read Dave’s answer.

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Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”

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