Alternative rear view camera

[Centex]

Originally Posted by kernwig

.... How is yours installed?

I don't have my Escape 5.0 yet, so no rear camera installed. I don't see it as an immediate necessity, didn't order it from ETI (never had one towing my casita solo since 2005). I'm blessed with very nice extendable tow mirrors on my F150 and lots of years of confidence-building practice using them.

As an aging solo traveler I do think a rear-cam could be a helpful convenience for backing into parking-space with limits / obstructions directly behind the trailer that aren't visible in the mirrors.

Having said that, I'm always gonna stop-short and get out to look at such situations closely anyway, setting a mini traffic-cone I've got as a 'backing target', just-short of such obstructions but visible in the mirror works pretty well for me; put the cone where you want the visible rear trailer corner and go-for-it, Bob's-yer-Uncle (one does learn a few useful tricks with experience)

Going down the road ... if some pinhead is following so close I can't see 'em in the mirrors I can't (don't) concern myself with 'em anyway

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Centex

Going down the road ... if some pinhead is following so close I can't see 'em in the mirrors I can't (don't) concern myself with 'em anyway

Lowers blood pressure.

[h2owmn]

I use my rear camera the whole time I'm driving....I can see behind me and how close cars are on both sides.

[EscapeVelocity]

Thank you all for chiming in. These helped tremendously. I am going with the ETI supplied camera option. While the DIY designs can save me some $, it is going to add to my long todo list. And it is comforting to hear that the ETI option works and can serve as security camera as well!. This helps justify it's cost some. I appreciate the need for better sideview mirrors, and will definitely get one. Sounds like having both sideview mirrors and backup camera, plus experience is the way to go. Submitted my 'final' options sheet earlier today!! Countdown to 9/10/21 begins....

[mel99203]

Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity

Thank you all for chiming in. These helped tremendously. I am going with the ETI supplied camera option. While the DIY designs can save me some $, it is going to add to my long todo list. And it is comforting to hear that the ETI option works and can serve as security camera as well!. This helps justify it's cost some. I appreciate the need for better sideview mirrors, and will definitely get one. Sounds like having both sideview mirrors and backup camera, plus experience is the way to go. Submitted my 'final' options sheet earlier today!! Countdown to 9/10/21 begins....

I recently did my buildsheet and was told I cannot have both the upper brake lights and the backup camera on my 17b. I asked about suggestions for what's needed for adding a camera later and they suggested a "12v camera drop" for $40. I went with that and will figure out what to do with it later. Pickup is 6/21.

[Jeff Thoelke]

Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity

Read about issues with the ETI rear view camera. Are there alternatives out there? Anyone using battery operated or rechargeable (vs. permanent mount), viewable on mobile phones? Finalizing options for 17B in a few days! TIA.

I tried a Type S brand wireless solar charged backup camera that connects to my iPhone. My 21NE is too long and the camera and phone can't stay connected because they're out of range. The camera works fine as a backup camera for my pickup truck but the added 21' is too much.

[Radar1]

I added my own rear wireless camera before our last trip. I still rely on my mirrors for best view, but I find the rear camera very useful for confirming what is directly behind me while driving and while reversing. (Sometimes cars follow so closely that you can't see them in your mirrors)
I had to back up at a gas station and although my mirrors would let me know if a car was behind me (as long as they were offset enough for them to be visible), the rear camera provided confirmation that there were no cars or people dirctly behind our camper. I mounted the camera to the rear solar panel frame, and I ran the power wire the same as the solar wiring, down the fridge vent of our 19', so no extra holes in the camper. I wired it so it is hot all the time, and the monitor can be turned off in the tow vehicle when not needed.
The wireless range is very good, I was able to pick up the camera image when we returned to the campground from over 100' away!
The monitor has the ability to split the screen or alternate between two cameras, and the company provides the option to get an additional camera for free.

Another option that I haven't tried, is a Garmin GPS. Some models allow adding a battery operated rear view camera that can be seen on the compatible GPS device using voice commands, although I'm not very impressed with the voice command function on my Garmin. If I say "hospital" it will ask me if I said "high school" or "home depot". Must be my South Philly accent. :-)

[Fox hunt]

we bought the camera but have never used it. I cant get the monitor to stay up so i can see it. I tried a few other gadgets to stick it to my dash board so far no luck. but we really don't need it.

[Bobccat]

The best advice I received once was to get out of your truck and look before backing in especially in unfamiliar surroundings.

Cheers

[Steveanson]

Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity

Read about issues with the ETI rear view camera. Are there alternatives out there? Anyone using battery operated or rechargeable (vs. permanent mount), viewable on mobile phones? Finalizing options for 17B in a few days! TIA.

I don’t know what issues others may have had, but ours has worked flawlessly for many thousands of miles. I rarely use it as we have towing mirrors, but the 5.0 is so easy to tow, that my wife loves to drive using he rear view cam as her rear view while driving.
She was never comfortable towing bumper pulls, but now, I will gladly give up the wheel and enjoy the surroundings. . .Matt

[mel99203]

Have other 17b owners been successful in getting both the upper brake lights and rear view camera installed by ETI?

[dscottsmith]

What issues? Mine has worked flawlessly for 3 years. Really don't use it to back up. More as a rear view mirror going down the highway.

[Ronn]

Originally Posted by dscottsmith

What issues? Mine has worked flawlessly for 3 years. Really don't use it to back up. More as a rear view mirror going down the highway.

Ditto for me, no problems and mainly use on the highway.

[jediwhale]

Originally Posted by mel99203

Have other 17b owners been successful in getting both the upper brake lights and rear view camera installed by ETI?

That's what's on my build sheet and ETI was OK with it. But they haven't built it yet!

[mel99203]

I was told I couldn't have both when it went into production. Good luck!