RV Backup Cameras: How To Choose The Right One For Your Travels

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Introduction to RV Backup Cameras

Do you have an RV? If the answer is yes, then you know that in order to drive safely and comfortably while on the road, it’s important to use all the tools at your disposal. One of these tools is an RV backup camera. This blog post will discuss what RV backup cameras are and how they can be used to increase your safety when driving an RV. We’ll also provide advice on choosing the best RV backup camera for your needs!

For more driving/ backing tips, check out this article!!

RV Backup Camera
RV Backup Camera

Do I Need An RV Backup Camera?

No matter what type of RV you have, it is important to maintain a good level of visibility. Backup cameras can help by giving you additional views of what is behind you. It is additional security. With that said, the real answer to the question being posed is no.

People have been backing huge trucks, motorhomes, trailers, and vehicles for decades and longer without the assistance of this technology. It is strictly an aid that will assist in preventing mishaps and accidents. The fact of the matter is that you can’t always see everything that is behind you. No matter how many times you walk around your vehicle, scope out the area, and use your mirrors, mistakes happen. You can be the most seasoned driver and still end up causing damage.

Cameras were created to assist drivers in these types of situations because a need existed. You may find that you could benefit from the advanced technology that is available.

How Do RV Backup Cameras Work?

How Does It Work?
How Does It Work?

RV backup cameras are typically mounted on the rear of your RV and provide a view of what is behind you.

Many models have an LED that will light up when it’s dark out or in situations where visibility may be low. Some RVs offer cameras with automatic parking assistance that can tell drivers how close they are to objects, which is a great feature for RVs that are difficult to park.

How Much Do RV Backup Cameras Cost?

The price for an RV backup camera ranges from about $100 to over $500. The difference in pricing is primarily due to the quality of the image and how many features are included with a single model.

Do I Need a Wired or Wireless Camera?

Wired or Wireless?
Wired or Wireless?

“Wireless” RV backup cameras are considered to be more convenient because they do not require any wiring. This is only partially true. The camera is wired into the vehicle’s battery system. The wireless connection part is that the camera is not wired to the monitor.

This type of wireless backup camera will typically come with a power cord that plugs into the RV’s electrical socket/ cigarette lighter for power. They communicate through an electrical signal sending images from the camera in the rear to the monitor in the cab.

The hard-wired version camera systems, on the other hand, require professional installation and are fully wired systems. They are considered to be more reliable because they typically don’t lose their signals as often as the “wireless” systems.

Does It Need to Be Professionally Installed?

Do I Need Professional Installation?
Do I Need Professional Installation?

As mentioned above, both can be installed professionally, the hard-wired camera systems must be installed by a pro. The cost of installation can vary depending on the dealer or person hired to complete the work. Plan on paying somewhere between $100 to $200 for the entire job.

-Tips for installing yourself: Watch Videos, read instructions!!!

What About The Monitor Size?

Monitor size for a typical RV backup camera ranges from about three inches to about ten inches. It is important to get a size that you can manage and see appropriately without blocking too much of your front viewing window. This is a personal preference. Somewhere in the mid-range is most appropriate in order to maximize the best front and back views (think about in the 5-inch range).

What is A CCD or CMOS Sensor?

CCD and CMOS are two different types of camera sensors used in RV backup cameras. CCD sensors are typically used in low-light conditions because they do a better job at capturing images than the CMOS which works best for brighter light situations. This is important to know if you plan on using your RV backup cameras when driving during dark times or in areas where visibility is low.

Which Is Better CCD or CMOS?

CCD is recommended because it provides a much higher quality image and requires less light than a CMOS. With that said, you will pay a higher price for this type of camera.

– Tips:

Helpful Tips
Helpful Tips

► The camera should be mounted on the rear bumper to provide visibility for where you are about to back up. This will provide a view of objects/ clear images and people that you cannot see from your side-view mirrors.

► Rearview mirrors are not always an adequate tool for the driver to rely on since they don’t always provide a great and accurate view.

► You want a backup camera that will automatically light up in low-light conditions or at night time to provide visibility.

► Another consideration is that you may want a backup camera that has an automatic on and off feature so the lights don’t stay on all night long, which will drain your battery quicker since it is wired into the vehicle’s electrical system.

-Benefits of RV Backup Cameras:

Benefits to Using an RV Backup Camera
Benefits to Using an RV Backup Camera

► They allow drivers to see what is behind them without turning around.

► Backup cameras also provide a visual representation of what is about to be backed into, in case there are unseen objects behind the vehicle.

► Cameras can also provide peace of mind knowing that you can see what’s happening behind your RV while driving down the road and it won’t cause any harm if someone walks out from between vehicles without notice while you’re backing up.

** Cameras should not replace human assistance (if available), use of mirrors, and physically checking areas prior to backing your rig.

What Are The Drawbacks? There aren’t really any drawbacks to purchasing a RV backup camera systems. It may be a little more expensive than installing rearview mirrors, but it is a personal preference whether you want the expense for an additional camera to see what’s behind when backing up.

What Should I Look for When Choosing an RV Backup Camera?

What to Look for When Shopping for An RV Backup Camera
What to Look for When Shopping for An RV Backup Camera

There are a number of things that you should look for when shopping for an RV backup camera. The first is the type of system and whether it needs professional installation or not. Secondly, take into account what features will suit your needs and the size of your monitor. Third, consider what type of vehicle you have (i.e., a Class A Motorhome or truck with an extended hitch).

What Are Things/ Features To Consider When Purchasing an RV Backup Camera System?

Things to Consider
Things to Consider

Price:

  • Price point is an important factor to consider when shopping for an RV backup camera system. It is important to consider all factors prior to purchase but, staying within your budget, is perhaps the most important.

Installation:

  • Don’t forget to include the installation price (if needed) in the cost of the RV backup camera.

Warranty:

  • Does the camera come with a warranty? What does the warranty include?

Type of Camera:

  • What type of RV backup camera is it? Is it a CCD or CMOS sensor system.

Brand/ Reputation:

  • Knowing what brands are good for RV backup cameras is important.

Night Vision:

  • Does the RV backup camera have night vision? This is especially important if you plan on doing any type of night driving.

Weather Proof:

  • Is the camera weatherproof? This is an important feature to consider because it will keep your product functional and in good shape for longer.

View Angle/ Field of View:

  • The camera angle is a major consideration. Make sure that the field of view will provide the coverage you want it to as well. The different angles/ sizes available are 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 130 degrees, and 210 degrees.

Automatic Shut-off:

  • Will the camera shut off automatically? This feature will save your battery life as well.

Monitor:

  • What size monitor are you looking for? Larger screens will need a bigger camera system.

Top Picks/ RV Backup Camera Systems

Our Top Picks
Our Top Picks

Wired Backup Camera

Rear View Safety Backup Camera RVS 770613

This camera is waterproof, has night vision, and a 7 inch LED color display. It has 130 degree angle field of view and is highly rated.

Backup Camera Monitor Kit

This camera has 170 degree wide angle field of view, night vision, waterproof and has a split screen view on its 7 inch monitor.

IP68

This camera system has a 4.3-inch screen, is super light, and is highly rated. It boasts a great picture, night vision, and weatherproof product.

Wireless Backup Camera

IP69K Waterproof Wireless Rearview Camera

This camera system has a 5 inch LCD wireless monitor, boasts a transmitting distance of up to 100 meters, and gives a clear picture even at high speeds. It is highly rated, easy to install, has a long wireless capacity, parking assistance, and 120-degree angle field of view, making this a fantastic option!!

Rear View Safety Brand

This wireless camera system is also highly rated, has a 130-degree angle field of view, is waterproof, and has infrared night vision. It has a long wireless connection and a dual-screen.

Furrion vision S

And last, but definitely not least, this Furrion camera is simply amazing. Best of all, many of the newer RV’s come prepped for this camera already!! It is waterproof, has night vision, a great image, and a stable and long signal, reliable and strong connection. This system comes with a touch screen. It can even be wired as a security system. This camera simply has it all!!

Conclusion To RV Back up Cameras

Conclusion to RV Backup Cameras
Conclusion to RV Backup Cameras

There are many options for backup cameras available today, and it can be a daunting task to figure out which one will work best for your needs. We hope that this guide has helped you narrow down the choices so you feel more confident in making an informed purchase decision on which camera is right for you. Now all that remains is figuring out how to make sure you don’t get stuck with a parking lot of RVs behind yours! If we could offer any advice when backing up or parking, it would be to always take note of what’s around (or about) you.

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