Backup Camera Report

aldertree2 · 01-10-2019, 04:49 PM

If you like the WIRELESS backup camera currently on your trailer, and it is always reliable, please tell me the make and model.

I currently have a "Rear View Safety" brand, RVS-7706123WQC, with a 7 inch monitor and wireless camera, bought in 2014. It is powered through a manual switch, so it is on when driving forward as well as backward.

It has never functioned perfectly on my Escape 5.0. The picture is always jerky, but the real problem is that the screen goes black intermittently, seemingly without reason, & with no discernible pattern. Sometimes the monitor goes black just as I am changing lanes in front of that semi truck!

When I called the manufacturer (who is also the seller) they promptly sent me two, new, mag-mount antennae, each with a long wire, to replace the rubber duckies. I attached one of these to the camera, which is mounted on the curve of the roof, above the trailer's rear window. I ran this antenna wire through plastic guides over the roof and down to the kingpin, where it is magnetically mounted. The other antenna is attached to the camera. The wire is run under the seats to the inside of the rear window of the pick-up. The two antennae are about 2 feet apart. This helped a little bit, but the problem largely persists. I do not want to drill any holes in the cab of my truck. That is why I went with a wireless camera to start with.

So, which WIRELESS models work reliably? And, how have you configured yours? (trailer model, antenna style, etc.)

Thanks in advance for the info.
Rich
Currently in Catalina State Park near Tucson, AZ

Kent · 01-10-2019, 06:13 PM

I purchased the wireless back up camera that ETI provides (RVS-155W-FB) and it has performed flawlessly on my 2018 5.0TA. I know some wireless backup camera's can suffer from cell phone interference of which I have not experienced.

tractors1 · 01-10-2019, 09:03 PM

Tadi Brothers - very good people to work with. Been happy with their system since ETI installed it in 2014; previously had an RVS system that behaved as you've described. All of their cameras are the same; you choose the style of monitor you wish. I use a clamp-over-the-truck-mirror monitor since there's nothing to see once the trailer is attached.

Whatever system you decide on, minimize the distance between the camera side transmitter and the receiver in the tow. Otherwise you might need a repeater (which TADI does sell) but I don't need one with my 21. My transmitter is 4 feet behind the hitch ball and the receiver is VHB taped to my rear window for a separation of maybe 12 feet.

https://www.tadibrothers.com/categor...IaAuTeEALw_wcB

h2owmn · 01-11-2019, 12:11 AM

I have the ETI provided camera in my 2018 17. I didn't go look because I assume it's the same as Kent's. It's been perfect every time. I did a 12,000 mile trip this summer (and probably 3000 miles before that) and it has been used the whole way.

aldertree2 · 01-13-2019, 10:44 AM

Thanks to all for replying. Sounds like the RVS-155w system works well. But, before I purchase another system from Rear View Safety I would like to know if anyone using any model of RVS has experienced any problems with it. Please reply if you have.
Thanks.

Cowger · 05-16-2019, 02:11 PM

We also elected to have ETI install the RVS backup camera in our 2019 21' trailer. So far, the video is fine but the audio is useless. I called the manufacturer, RVS, for help and followed their troubleshooting suggestions, to no avail. Finally, they asked that I return both the camera and monitor (they promptly lost the camera). I spoke with their technician who had paired a new camera with the monitor. He claimed to have bench tested it, it worked perfectly including the audio (so he said), and he shipped it back to me.
When I received the system, I also bench tested it before reinstalling on the trailer. When I got the same lack of audio, I took a video of my bench test and sent it to RVS. Their response revealed what they regard as acceptable audio: You blow onto the camera's mic (a tiny hole in the camera housing) and if you hear something at the monitor, it's "working".
Ultimately, I decided to use the RVS system as is. The audio is hopeless and we'll just work around that.
I'll also say that RVS is extremely difficult to deal with. There is no case file for a customer so every time you talk with a new person, you start all over again explaining how you acquired their backup camera system, etc etc. They have no spec on how well audio is transmitted, nor do they specify uses cases in which audio from the camera to the monitor is effective.
Bottom line, if you want to hear what someone behind the trailer is saying, avoid RVS.

jnfrombigt · 05-16-2019, 03:06 PM

I was told that I would get a Furrion and the model number. I checked the price and the Escape price for that camera was very fair so I ordered the camera installed. If it's not the Furrion I will be a little disappointed.

dfandrews · 09-27-2019, 01:57 PM

Bump - Sept 27, 2019
I am now looking at back up cameras, so I bumped this thread. Anyone care to report? MFR, Model, performance, mounting

?

75thRanger · 09-28-2019, 06:09 AM

I had ETI install the camera on the build sheet. After a few days using it on the way home, I don't bother with it now.

Backing up watching it is a PIA. The familiar 'Objects are closer than they appear' applies. Since I always get out and check where I'm backing into if I can't see it's clear, no need for a camera.

My thinking when ordering it was to watch traffic behind me while driving. Light makes a big difference in the image on the camera and I don't trust what I think I see.

jumboscott · 09-28-2019, 08:41 AM

Day 5 with the installed Furrion Vision S Camera (ETI installed) seems rock solid. No dropped signals. It has sound but you can mute that. You can add more cameras since menu lets you choose which camera to view. Picture does get blurry during rain when the camera lens gets wet (rain shield not much help). Comes with 2 different mounts. ETI didn't provide the manual. https://furrion.com/products/vision-...rvation-system

dfandrews · 09-28-2019, 06:29 PM

Thanks, Charles; thanks, Scott.

EdColorado · 09-28-2019, 08:32 PM

“Picture does get blurry during rain when the camera lens gets wet (rain shield not much help)”

Two ways to help with this.
1) spray some silicon spray on a Q tip then coat the camera lens then wipe it dry.
2) Use Rain-X. . A silicon based water repellent.

Silicon sheds water.

bcmadness · 10-02-2019, 12:21 PM

Is the ETI installed backup camera "always on". Does it allow you to see what is behind you while you are driving so changing lanes is easier?
Mary

Ronn · 10-02-2019, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcmadness

Is the ETI installed backup camera "always on". Does it allow you to see what is behind you while you are driving so changing lanes is easier?
Mary

Mine is on when I have my headlights on, headlights of, no backup camera. I run with my headlights on.

I really don't use mine backing into campsites and such. Parking lots, gas stations I would but I try to find spots where reversing isn't needed.

As far as a rear view camera, the rear view value is limited to maybe a dozen car lengths, but great for seeing what is within a few car lengths. I guess this value is dependent upon your driving style but it has value to me.

Yes, changing lanes is a breeze, if you can see in the monitor the front end of the vehicle in the adjacent lanes you know you are in front of that vehicle. (experience will tell you how far in front).

For those who don't drive multiple lanes or stick to one lane roads it may not be valuable, but for me, I LOVE IT!!

bcmadness · 10-02-2019, 01:19 PM

Wonderful, exactly how I use my current one. Thanks!

Jake930 · 10-02-2019, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 75thRanger

I had ETI install the camera on the build sheet. After a few days using it on the way home, I don't bother with it now.

Backing up watching it is a PIA. The familiar 'Objects are closer than they appear' applies. Since I always get out and check where I'm backing into if I can't see it's clear, no need for a camera.

My thinking when ordering it was to watch traffic behind me while driving. Light makes a big difference in the image on the camera and I don't trust what I think I see.

I’m the same. Trying to back up with it is a PITA. I watched behind me for a few days while under tow, than shut it off and have not used it since. I don’t even carry the monitor with me anymore. If I had to do it over again I would not get it.

h2owmn · 10-02-2019, 10:41 PM

I'm like Ronn and bcmadness--I use it all the time that I am towing. I love it; I have no nervousness about something sneaking up behind or on the sides. I keep the monitor in a cupholder with some support around the base. For me it is worth every penny.

Ain't it wonderful that we can all have what we want?

EdColorado · 10-03-2019, 09:53 AM

I’m on the camera side of the discussion for a few reasons.

1) When driving I want to know if someone is riding my bumper. No tow mirrors can tell you if a car or motorcycle is that close. If someone is there, and the road conditions are such that passing is difficult, I’m going to get off the road or make an effort to give them enough space to safely get around me. Impatient drivers are a hazard to everyone.
2) When in a shopping center, or gas station, or similar, I want to know who is behind me at the very moment I put it in reverse and step on the gas. Not what was going on in my blind spot a few seconds ago, but what’s there at this very instant. If you always travel with someone who can act as a spotter, that would work as well. I don’t.
3) I don’t use it when backing into a campsite. For me it’s a distraction at a time I don’t want to be distracted. I’m a firm believer in GOAL. If in doubt, Get Out And Look.

Enjoy your travels
Ed

Vermilye · 10-03-2019, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdColorado

I’m on the camera side of the discussion for a few reasons.

1) When driving I want to know if someone is riding my bumper. No tow mirrors can tell you if a car or motorcycle is that close. If someone is there, and the road conditions are such that passing is difficult, I’m going to get off the road or make an effort to give them enough space to safely get around me. Impatient drivers are a hazard to everyone.
2) When in a shopping center, or gas station, or similar, I want to know who is behind me at the very moment I put it in reverse and step on the gas. Not what was going on in my blind spot a few seconds ago, but what’s there at this very instant. If you always travel with someone who can act as a spotter, that would work as well. I don’t.
3) I don’t use it when backing into a campsite. For me it’s a distraction at a time I don’t want to be distracted. I’m a firm believer in GOAL. If in doubt, Get Out And Look.

Enjoy your travels
Ed

I agree completely. I also travel solo, and use the backup camera as a supplemental rear view mirror.

Jim Bennett · 10-03-2019, 12:19 PM

Unless a motorcycle or very small car is real close and center I can just use my mirrors to see what is behind me, and have done so for many hundreds of thousands of kilometres towing. I have yet to have a vehicle do this behind me towing.

By all means, get a backup camera if you like, there is nothing wrong with doing so if you find good use for it. What gets to me is just that to insinuate you need it for safety driving is not fair to the millions of drivers, myself included, who have successfully towed trailers without one. That's all, folks.

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