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Old 08-07-2014, 05:21 AM   #1
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Back-up Camera

Since it seems like we get a late start and were always pulling into campgrounds in the dark..in the rain...taking the last back-in site that is difficult navigate, I decided it was time to add a backup camera to our trailer.

It was 90 bucks, but well worth it as it will resolve the stress with my better half trying to guide me into the above mentioned sites!

I went with a camera on Amazon that has a wireless transmitter for Apple IOS and Android devices (for the cool factor) and didn't required adding a gadget in the car.

I am partial way through the install and should have it done tonight. I'll try and get some pictures posted. Went with wiring it under the spare tire attached to the post. I hardwired it to the running lights so I can check things out when driving too.

I will try it out this weekend and will post how and if it works.
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Old 08-07-2014, 05:54 AM   #2
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cool

Look forward to the results and pictures. Also if you like it maybe provide the model of the camera.

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Old 08-07-2014, 11:20 AM   #3
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Larry,

No model number ...this camera kit is straight off the boat from China.

Here's the link for the camera

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Old 08-07-2014, 11:27 AM   #4
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I will be interested in hearing how it works for you. In past years members have tried the wireless cameras and reported poor results. Most that were serious about having one, ended up going wired.
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Old 08-07-2014, 08:56 PM   #5
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Well, got it working and seems to transmit ok to the cab. No HD 1080p image, but enough to back into a site in the dark
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Old 08-08-2014, 06:31 AM   #6
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So moved the camera from below the tire attached to the bumper mount to the center of the tire. The camera has a plug type connection so changing the tire isn't a hassle.


The pictures are true to how it looks, you can barely see it there which is what I was looking for.

The camera has features such as photo and video. Yes, you can videotape you backup job as well as the goofs that tailgate!

Even has the guidelines to help position the rig. The reception is good, but resolution so so, but we're not recording kids birthdays here, just giving me a set of eyes in the back.

Night vision is pretty good, enough so I can see a power post or sewer within a few feet pulling back.

I wired it to the marker lights vs the back up since I'd like to have it on when driving in really bad traffic in <insert gridlock location of your choice>.

Going to try it out this weekend. Wifey doesn't know yet, going to surprise her when we go to park and pull out the iphone and say "no more angst backing in anymore!"
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Old 08-08-2014, 03:51 PM   #7
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It might be an expensive use to the camera. But I have a go pro camera and the wifi back pack. So I can see the video on my phone.

Hmm. I bet my wife would be relieved.
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Old 08-11-2014, 02:36 PM   #8
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Does this have to connect to the campgrounds wifi in order to work or does it work through the cell phone 4g network or bluetooth?
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Old 08-17-2014, 08:20 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by st.rodder2 View Post
Does this have to connect to the campgrounds wifi in order to work or does it work through the cell phone 4g network or bluetooth?

The unit is designed to create its own wifi network.
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Old 08-17-2014, 08:24 PM   #10
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So, tried out the camera and the results were poor. Apparently the signal works well in the driveway, but on an open campsite, the signal does not reach to the inside of the truck cab.

Bummer.. Good news is I bought it through my Amazon prime account, so returnable with no issues.
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Old 08-18-2014, 05:39 PM   #11
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I was hoping for good news....I always looking for back up camera for behind the trailer. That what my problem was poor reception with the wireless type. I guest it going to be the wire type....
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Old 08-18-2014, 08:54 PM   #12
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Or wait...the wireless technology will catch up.

These wireless ones are really dangerous. The image on my phone would freeze and I'd keep backing up not realizing the the screen wasnt moving. If a kid ran behind me or I backed up too far, it could not end well.
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Old 08-19-2014, 04:25 AM   #13
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Here's a video on how to make your own portable back up camera:



A friend of ours figured out how to do it and used it with his travel trailer. Our daughter needed it to hitch up to her fifth wheel as the view of the hitch is blocked by a non-removable head rest in the back seat, so he made one for her and then she did a video about it.
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Old 08-19-2014, 06:54 AM   #14
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Very ingenious and a great video guide!

Can you get the info on where she purchased the camera?
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Old 08-19-2014, 07:37 AM   #15
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Very ingenious and a great video guide!

Can you get the info on where she purchased the camera?
She bought the camera at Canadian Tire, which doesn't help you in the U.S. Basically the camera s one that you would buy aftermarket to wire into your back-up lights and attach to the rear of your vehicle as a back-up camera. The screen, which receives the signal wirelessly, sits in the cab and looks like a GPS. The difference here is that the camera is not attached to the rear of the vehicle because it is now portable. In order to power the camera, that is what the two 6V batteries are for - they take the place of the 12V vehicle battery it would otherwise be wired to through the back-up lights.

A lot of automotive supply stores sell aftermarket back-up cameras.
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Old 08-19-2014, 07:47 AM   #16
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Loneoak, you say she is using it for hooking up to her 5th wheel.
Has she ever tried it on the "back" of the 5th wheel to help guide into a spot?
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Old 08-19-2014, 10:01 AM   #17
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Hmmm,
center headrest on our ford was easily removed
but with a CCSB still difficult to see the in-bed 5er hitch...

WAS going to get the $$$ lockpick or the $800 wireless voyager kit, but
opted to spend $10 or $15 for the DC3Z-14A412-A wiring harness to connect to my built in tailgate rear view camera when towing...

I do have to plug it in to activate the in bed camera, but makes it about 5 less times jumping in and out of the truck to line up the pin and hitch those last 5 feet or so

after all, I have to get out to drop the tailgate so plugging in a camera feed is one small step..

There is is a plug at the rear of the box for disconnecting the tailgate harness when removing the tailgate.
This is where you will plug the new harness in and route it up to the bed side by the 5er plug so you can switch camera feeds...


IMHO, MOST wireless camera will not send a strong enough signal from the rear of a 5er... so I haven't resolved that one yet... have to trust the wife with the cellphone
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Old 08-19-2014, 10:21 AM   #18
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She has attached it to the rear of her Sunset Trail 5er and it did transmit. She still has to practice using it for backing up. As a single Mom, she is sometimes lacking for someone to guide the rear end. My friend who designed it tells me the range is 50 - 60', depending on the density of the unit that the signal is going through. He has used it successfully on his 36' Cougar 5er, but for some reason our 34' Cruiser 5er was a problem.

As for the headrest, believe me, she tried. She even called Ford and they confirmed this headrest will not come off. She has a sliding hitch so there is less room for error when backing into the hitch.
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Old 08-19-2014, 10:38 AM   #19
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Well.... calling Ford gets an entry level call center employee usually

What year is her truck?
I too have the pullrite slider & short bed.

let's say this,
I'll sell two rear center headrest that are in the garage
one grey leather and one platinum black !!!
will say it was hard to force my fingers under the headrest to release the buttons AND pull up at the same time,
but got it done and never missed it in either truck!
fyi- see buttons on driver side base and you can use two screwdrivers to push in while someone else pulls !

but glad it worked for her !
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File Type: jpg ctr headrest.jpg (269.0 KB, 2 views)
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Old 08-19-2014, 10:58 AM   #20
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It's a 2011 F150 with Ecoboost.
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