Rear View camera installation

[TCRoadcrew]

I will be installing a rear view camera on our Itasca IF430V so that we can monitor the Toad (Suzuki Samurai) and back up more safely.  This RV uses the E-350 Ford chassis.  Has anyone installed one of these already.  I was wondering what entry point was used for the cable.  I don't want to drill a hole if there is already an entry point not being used.

I plan on running the cable underneath to the front of the unit and coming in through the firewall or engine cover.

I am open to suggestions while I wait for the camera to arrive.

Thanks.

 

[John Canfield]

Tom - do you know if there was a camera option on your model?

 

[TCRoadcrew]

I have not been able to find one so far.  I will review the wiring diagrams again.  There was an option for a satellite dish, with installed internal wiring and a marked spot on the roof.  Since it does not have a rear window, I am surprised so far that a camera was not an option.  None is mentioned in the owner's manual.

I may be able to replace the auxiliary brake light bar with a camera and use an internal route for the wiring, but I am not optimistic for that option.  We are planning a trip to Orlando (from Tennessee) in February and I would like to have the camera working for that trip.

 

[TCRoadcrew]

The wiring installation - chassis (dwg. 140023) shows a circuit 74J rearview monitor system.  It also shows a three pin connector in the front area.  I am not sure where this connector is yet - maybe behind the overhead light.

It does not show where the other end is at the back of the vehicle.  It looks like the circuit is included in the wiring to the tow plug in. 

Getting closer to the solution, I think.

 

[John Canfield]

At least the cam was an option.  Give the guys in Winnie Owner Relations a call tomorrow and run the situation by them - they are extremely helpful.

 

[TCRoadcrew]

Thanks John.  They sent me the drawing with the locations of the wire ends.  This should now be an easy installation.  I will provide an update with pictures when I finish.

 

[John Canfield]

Tom - sounds like you stuck gold!

 

[TCRoadcrew]

Tim @ RVcams.com was a great help.  I highly recommend them if you are considering a camera system.  I could have saved myself a lot of time if I had just called him first.  Research a lot, buy once.

 

[John Canfield]

Yup - I've been recommending Tim for years!

 

[TCRoadcrew]

I completed the camera and monitor installation and it works great.  For anyone out there looking for a system, here are the components.  They were all purchased at RVCams.com

1. Voyager 5.6 LCD color monitor with audio (AOM562HD).  It has a second input if you want a blind spot camera as well.  A 7 inch monitor is available for a lot more money, but the 5.6 is more than big enough for my needs.
2. Voyager color rear camera with night vision (VCCS150)
3. Adapter cable for color monitor (OCA-85E).  This was needed because the the RV was originally wired for a B/W monitor.  No adapter was needed at the camera end.

I was fortunate enough to have an RV pre-wired for the camera (Thanks Itasca), so this was not a hard job.  It dramatically improves situational awareness on the road and for backing up in tight spots.  I will not have an RV in the future without one.

See you on the road. 

 

[John Canfield]

Most excellent Tom!  Thanks for the follow-up report!  I for one would not want to be without our backup cam - to me it is as valuable and necessary as a side mirror.