Backup Camera

[lncoop]

Who's got one. Dost thou like it? Pros? Cons? Had no idea how affordable they were. Seems like a viable option for those of us who have to hook up solo.

 

[jbetzelb]

Re: Backup Camera

Mine came factory on the truck. It is great for placing the drawbar ball directly under the trailer. Doesn't do that much for launching but is helpful when you have a empty trailer and you back in to retrieve your boat.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Backup Camera

Friend of mine has a SUV with a dark tint on the rear window. She tows/launches a gnat. I've helped her launch/retrieve numerous times and I gotta say that backup cam is great for seeing that tiny trailer during retrieving...not so much on launch.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Backup Camera

I keep looking at them, seems like a good idea.
I plan on installing it as a temporary installation on a magnet mount.

Point it at the ball; Hook up.
Move it to the roof or right fender; Look behind or see in the blind spot while towing.
Move it back on the trailer; Watch the motor flop around, or not.
Lots of options!

For those that tow with a SUV; if you just open the rear hatch while backing up, everything is extermely easy to see; just turn around and look!

Launch and recovery is a breeze.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Backup Camera

Dad has one on his Lexus SUV, I like to use it for launching his jetski since the trailer is so little that it hides from the side mirrors on my Ram. Don't really use it for hooking up trailers.

 

[Water logged]

Re: Backup Camera

Hey Incoop are you looking at a rearview camera for regular rearview use, or a camera to aid hookup to a trailer? When I use my pickup, I have this http://www.swifthitch.com/default.htm to help me see the ball and hitch. The swift hitch allows 1st try connection every time. When I use the motorhome to tow it has a rearview camera to aid hookup, but doesn't work as well as the swift hitch.

Glenn

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Backup Camera

So my car has a backup cam, works great for hooking up! Although its not really boating related, I've got one of those cheaper wireless cams/displays. I've got the camera on the back of my snowmobile trailer, and it is powered off the running lights. The trailer is 8.5 feet wide and covered, so its impossible to see around it. The camera is my rear view mirror when towing, works great!

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Backup Camera

The SwiftHitch looked great until I saw the price.

You could get at least 3 of These for the same price.
Bigger screen, continuous use, no recharging
Not wireless but you pay for convenience.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Backup Camera

It would just be for hooking up. I don't have any trouble seeing the trailer even when it's empty.

 

[tboltmike]

Re: Backup Camera

The SwiftHitch looked great until I saw the price.

You could get at least 3 of These for the same price.
Bigger screen, continuous use, no recharging
Not wireless but you pay for convenience.

How does this hook up, electrically and mount on the tailgate?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Backup Camera

helped a friend install one he got at the local FLAPS (Friendly Neighborhood Auto Parts Store). works great for backing up to the trailer with his suburban. it mounts on the license frame, and has a great view of the ball. also works to see things when the trailer isnt there.

 

[Chip Chester]

Re: Backup Camera

So, you folks with wireless cams... how do they perform in the proximity of cell phones? How is the clarity when separated by the length of a Suburban? Length of Suburban plus 25 feet?

Reason I ask is, I have one from an auto parts store, and it is absolutely lousy. Poor picture, cell phones present strong interference, and it'll barely transmit 18 feet. It's 'tuned' to the right channel (one of four) and the connections for power and ground are good at both ends. Good lighting, too.

Sadly, it sat in the garage for a year and a half before I used it... so there's no returning it.

Chip

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Backup Camera

havent noticed any problems between the license plate and the rear view mirror of the suburban (about 13') if your looking for a length of a Suburban plus 25 feet, my guess is that your looking to install in an RV. unfortunately the transmitter may not be strong enough for 40 some feet.

 

[Chip Chester]

Re: Backup Camera

Scott, thanks for your response. Could you tell me the brand name/model and source of your setup? Either here or by PM is fine.
Also, no RV application here... just want to be able to see behind my enclosed trailer.

Thanks!
Chip

 

[jkust]

Re: Backup Camera

I would love to have back up cams. Both my SUV's have the large factory nav screen but sadly no abilility to feed a source into them.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Backup Camera

Mine is factory gm on the mirror and it is awesome!! the only time there is trouble is if I am facing the sun, it makes a shadow at the hitch.

 

[halfmoa]

Re: Backup Camera

Backup cams are amazing. When I pull anhydrous tanks all day long I don't have to turn around a single time. Just back up to a predetermined point and off ya go! Worth every penny!

 

[lncoop]

Re: Backup Camera

Okay, y'all have convinced me. Think I'll go ahead and spring for a wireless even though they're a little more coin.

 

[hrdwrkingacguy]

Re: Backup Camera

I just put this in my truck...No camera yet, that should be this weekend or next...I was thinking about a standalone camera because I have to hook up to my boat alone at the storage and its a pain....I figured kill two birds with one stone, new radio and a backup camera at the same time...definitely expensive, but I have a 2000 watt stereo and my old head unit was crap...