Fitting a Reversing Camera to Watch Over the Tow Car

[@碧珠蔡-h6f]

the video is fantastic.everything is clear and detailed on the monitor.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks. The image does look great. It's a shame I didn't have an SD card to record the output. I would have put it in the video.

[@sogullible1974]

Great overview guys.it’s always great to see chas.out & about 😁 with you. All the best Mike.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks Mike 👍. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@ttxela]

Now you've got a reversing camera there's no looking back!!! 👍

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks for that, Alex. 😂👍

[@ari.voutilainen]

Thanks, a good video again. The picture is looking good. I did a lot of digging and comparing when I needed a reverse camera and ended up with the Garmin Camper navigator + battery operated wireless camera. No drilling and no cables at all. The unit is mounted with industrial tape to the back wall and the two AA batteries last about a year. Been quite happy with it.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Sounds like a great idea, Ari. It must turn itself off when not in use?

[@ari.voutilainen]

@@HermanHitstheRoad It is Garmin BC40 wireless reversing camera. It has a BT connection to the navigation unit. Based on the low battery consumption I assume that it is in some kind of hibernation mode when not in use but it connects immediately to the navi unit when it turns on.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Mmm sounds great, Ari

[@Simon_W74]

Hi Ari what is the Picture Quality like please? As I have the same Garmin Camper but with the BC30 which is wired into the reversing lights for power then wirelss signal to the Nav unit. I have also looked at BC40 as a possible review camera as I wouldn't be overly worried about changing batteries more frequently if it means I can see what is behind me when I want to, which the Sat Nav should turn it on when I need to use it.

[@ari.voutilainen]

@@Simon_W74 I think the image quality is very good. As Chad said in the video, the monitor quality has a lot to do with what you actually see. The navigator device is much higher quality than most monitors. The field of view is wide, so, you have a good view of what is behind you. I mounted the camera high up on the back wall for two reasons: it gives you a good view angle and it makes it harder to steal the camera which is in a quick release mount. In the nav device you can turn the camera view on by voice command ”show video”.

[@mrmrst9020]

Brilliant you two together is so funny 😂😂👍👍

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks Mr and Mrs T. Glad you enjoyed it 👍👍

[@Simon_W74]

I used a similar setup with a remote searchlight that I converted to work as a Night Vision spotter that went on top of my car so that I could see what was about at night. I also added a WiFi transmitter and receiver so that there were only one wire for power that plugged into the cigar light socket. I work very well. and was quick to remove and put in the boot when not needed. With the picture quality of your Camera it looks to be very good and nice and clear, which I can't say the same for picture quality that I get with the Garmin BC30 that works with my sat nav, which could do with a much higher quality camera for a better picture. It is better than nothing, it is very small and has clipped on to the number plate with an small screw to secure it in place. I have thought about putting together something similar to what you and Chas have fitted to Chas's Motorhome, so I can see what is behind me at all times as I have a rear view mirror, but I can only see HGV's and other tall vehicles.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks for commenting, Digger Buckett. What were you looking for at night with the converted search light?

[@Simon_W74]

@@HermanHitstheRoad Wildlife at night as I am really fascinated by animals at night, as you can observe them much better when you don't disturb them. I have up to last August been taking my Border Collie Roy out for late night walks with just my head torch and a high power torch with a red beam looking for Tawney Owls and hoping to see our Local Otters and really really hoping to find a Badger or two as like most of us I mainly see them on the side of a road, Only ever seen one alive. Once came a cross a small herd of Roe Deer with a Fox in the middle of them. I even started counting toads that I'd come across at certain times of year on the country lanes near where I live. Since August we got another Border Collie Puppy so I can't take him out for the two hour long walks for some time yet. Both have helped my find the occasional Hedge Hog at night as Roy will Jump as he is scared of most things and Max is very curious and will pull toward one if we are close enough. I can't wait till Max is old enough to that we can resume our late night walks once more, as It is also very good at keeping me out of the cupboards at night.

[@trevcam6892]

I fitted a wireless reversing camera to my caravan but powered it from the running/side lights so it was always on. The monitor clips over the car mirror, which is pretty well redundant when towing anyway. It is a great safety feature. I love it. The camera is mounted high up on the back of the caravan. The important thing is not to buy an extreme wide angle camera because it makes following vehicles look further away than they really are.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks for commenting, Trevcam6

[@arnie111999]

Which camera did you use?

[@peters6601]

Wonder if the picture would be clear enough with the camera mounted inside the back window?

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Well, it wouldn’t be as clear but it should work, @peters6601. We couldn't try that. You'd need to power too

[@johnsimpson8370]

Where is that camera available from please?

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

There's a link in the video description, John

[@johnsimpson8370]

@@HermanHitstheRoad Thanks, but I still can't find it? 😁

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Here you go, copied from the video description. We test, install and review the SZFXT909 RV Backup Camera Digital Wireless www.szfxt.com/rv-backup-camera-digital-wireless-hd-1080p-w-7quot-dvr-monitor-up-to-4-cameras-backing-up-amp-driving-observation-super-ir-night-vision-for-rv-trailer_p0048.html

[@GoWithGustav]

Not bad for the price. I have a new motorhome so really don’t want to be drilling holes. I rigged up a camera on my camera that hooked onto my back skylight. I may explore this option however the camera wasn’t as chunky as this one.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

It has a good picture as well. Thanks @GoWithGustav 👍👍

[@rogerstarkey5390]

You could also fabricate a monitor holder for the living/ bed area (as long as you have power) and with extra cameras you have a full security system when parked overnight.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

I like your idea, Roger. However, for a security system you'd need it to record while you're not watching it or have it broadcast over the internet so you can see what's going on while you're not aboard. 👍

[@davidpalmer9015]

Like video do you know if you can connect an extra reversing camera to your original inside your motorhome you need to connect it to the original the original by adding a switch which allows you to see if you have got a bike rack on the back cos I'm bike is covered on the bike not see out when the Motorhome reversing

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

I'm not sure I understand what you are asking, David. Are you saying that your bike rack is in the way of the camera and you'd like to know whether you can connect another rear camera and switch between the two using the same screen on the dashboard? Unless the equipment is the same brand then I would bet that you couldn't do that and would depend on many factors such as whether the screen accepts multiple cameras.

[@peterjones2845]

Would it fit inside back window?

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Probably, Peter but it'll still need to be powered and the image won't be as crystal clear

[@davidsiddall3224]

Funnily enough I’ve just fitted a reversing camera to my camper this week, but as I had a avtex tourer 2 sat nav I went for the Garmin BC 40 wireless camera option, no wires on the camera just a couple of AA batteries, and when your on site remove camera from the bracket to stop it being nicked, glued the camera bracket on with Sikaflex which holds the camera so no holes drilled in bodywork. Takes about 3secs to connect when you select the camera either touch the icon on screen or voice control by saying show video, decent picture and you can also get it withe a number plate mount. Very easy to fit if you have a compatible Garmin sat nav. Great video a week to late though. 😁

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

The Garmin sounds like a decent piece of kit, David. A bit pricy I think 🤔 for me though

[@davidsiddall3224]

@@HermanHitstheRoad it’s pricey but as I only needed to buy the camera it cost £110 on Amazon, was quoted over £500 to have a wired one fitted.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

That's great. How much was the Garmin?

[@davidsiddall3224]

@@HermanHitstheRoad the Garmin was about £350 ish 5% discount with C&M club. Had that about 2 years and comes with lifetime updates.

[@colinswindell]

What version of Sikaflex did you use?

[@Phelix27]

The childish section was sssoo my level of humour 😂😂. On the camera, I’d like to see the back of Chas’ van after a few months of that wire vibrating and whipping it, I suspect it wouldn’t be pretty. Image quality looks decent though 👍

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Haha "you can whip it out now" is much better than saying "action", John and Nici. 😂👍

[@shaunspencer6437]

What's gonna stop someone stealing the camara? And the glass holder too.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Clarence, Chas's dog 🐶🐕😂👍

[@markwilkinson2673]

Good to see Chas again , i have a 1999 Ducato motorhome with 2 rear view cameras , one is activated in reverse , the other is wired in to my rear sidelights , has Chas considered putting his camera inside the rear window ( on suckers or velcro ?) and removing when parked up ? thanks for the vid 👍

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

I'll have to ask him. How would it be powered?

[@JohnnyBurr]

I thought about that!!

[@dalefountain9269]

Why was the number plate on the tow car round the wrong way?

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Because the camera has flipped the image, Dale. Just like if you were looking at a rear view mirror. Otherwise, it wouldn't look correct; you'll be turning right and the tow car would like it’s turning left

[@dalefountain9269]

@@HermanHitstheRoad thanks for your reply. Enjoy you channel.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks Dale. We appreciate your comment 👍👍

[@周晓聪-n1p]

You should read the manual first. The camera is installed in the wrong position!

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks

[@peterneal7160]

Generally good idea except crap positioning of Camera Aerial! Makes it very unuser friendly! I don't like the idea it can only be used with the lights on!

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

But Peter, why would you not drive without your lights on? Safety first, right?

[@peterneal7160]

@@HermanHitstheRoad Don't need lights on during the day, only when visibility is reduced, our Van hasn't got DRLs like Swedish cars in particular 😀

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Well you could run an extra powered wire 8 metres to the ignition and connect a switch to it in the cab. But connecting it to the running light is much less hassle and having the lights on means you'll be more noticeable to other road users.

[@cemeteryguestrob9745]

its the old open mouth thumbnail again.

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Did it make you watch the video, Rob? Hope you enjoyed the video.

[@JohnnyBurr]

Chaz and you make the best duo, The motorhome world answer to Laural and Hardy/Little and Large 😀👍 Ads I sent you a PM on Facebook, did you get it?

[@HermanHitstheRoad]

Thanks Johnny. Glad you enjoy our videos. Laura and Hardy. Little and Large. Morecombe and Wise. Ant and Dec. Saint and Greavesie. Withnail and I. Ada and Chas. What a fantastic list

[@JohnnyBurr]

@@HermanHitstheRoad 😂😂😂