Travel Trailer Rear Camera Basics

[TestMule]

We owned two tear-drop trailers before we purchased out Dutchman Kodiak 201QB travel trailer.

One thing I did not anticipate was not being able to use my inside rear-view mirror! Oh, the things you learn as you step up.

I would like to see what is behind me before they hit me, so I have a few questions:

1. Are these cameras powered by trailer 12V power? If so, I assume there must be a power harness needed. There is what looks to be a Furrion base attached to the rear of the trailer. I have not climbed up there yet to see if there is a plug but for now, I will assume there is.

2. Do today's cameras connect with the display screen in the cab via bluetooth or some sort of wireless connection?

3. Lastly for those of you who have added a rear camera to your TT, what brand and model number would you recommend?

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with this TT newbie!

 

[richclover]

Here’s one example. Amazon. Sorry, I never figured out how to do the abbreviated link. Similar, if not the same, as the ones I had. You’ll need to confirm that you have a Furrion mount. It may or may not be pre-wired. Cameras are usually wired to the trailer running lights. If you run with headlights on the camera is always powered,
Good luck and have fun!

 

[TestMule]

Thank you, @richclover from a former Rock Springs resident.

 

[richclover]

Thank you, @richclover from a former Rock Springs resident.

You’re welcome. Evanston, 28 winters.
Thanks for your service.

 

[Kirk]

Do today's cameras connect with the display screen in the cab via bluetooth or some sort of wireless connection?

While it used to be that most trailer backup cameras used wired connections to be reliable, those problems seem to be mostly resolved now as the vast majority or systems are now wireless. As long as you get a quality system it should be reliable.

 

[Bearcatrp]

My keystone cougar was pre wired for furion camera. The kit I bought came with a screen to put inside my truck. Wireless connection to camera. I just plug the screen into a cigarette lighter for power that’s close to my dash. The camera runs off the trailer lights so you have to drive with at least your marker lights. Works great. The camera is adjustable for the angle you want. Bought mine at camping world when it was on sale a few years back. Good luck.

 

[gwinger]

My keystone cougar was pre wired for furion camera. The kit I bought came with a screen to put inside my truck. Wireless connection to camera. I just plug the screen into a cigarette lighter for power that’s close to my dash. The camera runs off the trailer lights so you have to drive with at least your marker lights. Works great. The camera is adjustable for the angle you want. Bought mine at camping world when it was on sale a few years back. Good luck.

You should always have at least your marker lights on at all times.

 

[TestMule]

@Kirk & @Bearcatrp thanks for the information! It is as I was assuming so I really appreciate the confirmation. I have a nice USB power port on the top of the dash just over the center stack so that's a good place to plug it in.

@gwinger I know my DRL front lamps are on as soon as I turn start the vehicle. I'm pretty sure my markers and tail lamps do not. I will have to remember that if I want to use the camera I need to switch to manual headlights and select the markers.

 

[gwinger]

When

@Kirk & @Bearcatrp thanks for the information! It is as I was assuming so I really appreciate the confirmation. I have a nice USB power port on the top of the dash just over the center stack so that's a good place to plug it in.

@gwinger I know my DRL front lamps are on as soon as I turn start the vehicle. I'm pretty sure my markers and tail lamps do not. I will have to remember that if I want to use the camera I need to switch to manual headlights and select the marker

The monitor will be blank when you turn it on unless you have the markers on. Camera won't have power til you turn the markers on.
Depending on your vehicle, you should be able to turn just the markers on.
But, it's no a bad idea to have headlights on.

 

[TestMule]

The monitor will be blank when you turn it on unless you have the markers on. Camera won't have power til you turn the markers on.
Depending on your vehicle, you should be able to turn just the markers on.
But, it's no a bad idea to have headlights on.

Yup, I get it. I will make sure I manually turn on the markers.

If my markers are on or off the DRL lights will always be lit but that circuit doesn't turn on the markers.

 

[gwinger]

Yup, I get it. I will make sure I manually turn on the markers.

If my markers are on or off the DRL lights will always be lit but that circuit doesn't turn on the markers.

If you think about it, forcing you to turn the lights on is not a bad thing.
They should be on any time you are pulling the trailer.

 

[Vic Harder]

I can recommend the Haloview BT7 with TPMS system. Pictures are very crisp, and connectivity is easy.