Backup Camera usefulness

[LandKO]

Like may others, our MH came with a so-called “backup camera” that is displayed on the in dash radio screen. I’ve found that this setup is useful when watching the toad while traveling, but that’s about it.
For me however, the location of the display in the dash makes it almost useless while backing up the MH (toad disconnected of course).
I find it difficult to continually have to look down to see the display and up to use the external mirrors while backing up. Maybe is just me, but I end up forgetting to look at the screen because I’m concentrating on the mirrors. This got me in trouble a couple of weeks ago. I was backing up and turning at the same time and failed to see that I was backing into an object (couldn’t see it in the mirrors). Did some minor damage to the rear mounted ladder.
When we had our TT I used a Garmin RV760imt GPS that had a BC30 wireless camera for backing up the trailer. When I got rid of the trailer, I removed the camera and put it in my storage shed.
After my little mishap, I decided to mount the BC30 as added insurance to my backup abilities. This has worked our well because my GPS is mounted to the windshield via a suction cup mount, which puts the screen at the same vision level as the rear view mirrors. Plus it has the guide lines to aid in backing in between objects.

The photo shows the toad attached, but after I disconnected it, I was able to back into my yard without hitting anything.

[Lt Keefer]

How do you see to drive with that screen blocking your field of view?

[LandKO]

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

How do you see to drive with that screen blocking your field of view?

The screen does not interfere with my view through the windshield. The actual screen size is only a bit larger than the one in the dash.

It’s the location of the added screen is what makes it more useful.
In addition, my height (6’3”) places the added screen so it may block my view of the top of the dash but not outside.

[The Gritz Carlton]

The best backup camera is the one that rides in the passenger set.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

The best backup camera is the one that rides in the passenger set.

I agree... Once you get them to believe that you won't actually back over them in the process!

[LandKO]

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

The best backup camera is the one that rides in the passenger set.

Not necessarily, if they can’t learn to use hand signals that the driver can see and understand. Especially if they don’t realize that they also need to actually be SEEN in the mirrors.
The backup camera doesn’t argue back to the driver either.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by LandKO

The backup camera doesn’t argue back to the driver either.

Okay: you've got us beat with that argument!

[DbleDutch]

Originally Posted by LandKO

Not necessarily, if they can’t learn to use hand signals that the driver can see and understand. Especially if they don’t realize that they also need to actually be SEEN in the mirrors.
The backup camera doesn’t argue back to the driver either.

Agree!

I generally run for fuel solo before a weekend trip. More than once I needed a back view to avoid any issues.
Great tool to have on our rigs

[The Gritz Carlton]

Originally Posted by LandKO

Not necessarily, if they can’t learn to use hand signals that the driver can see and understand. Especially if they don’t realize that they also need to actually be SEEN in the mirrors.
The backup camera doesn’t argue back to the driver either.

My backup camera has voice in it. She can talk to me from the back and it comes through the camera up front. Have a system of hand controls but mostly...get out and survey the "hot spots" before you start backing into the space. Find target items in your planned path to align with, like power posts, picnic tables, etc.

[lwmcguire]

Originally Posted by DbleDutch

Agree!

I generally run for fuel solo before a weekend trip. More than once I needed a back view to avoid any issues.
Great tool to have on our rigs

I agree

[JJMON]

We use walkie-talkies. Upon site arrival we review where the hookups are and note any overhead obstacles. I tell the DW where I want to land the rig and then we proceed. She is standing behind and as a result her right is my right etc. I use my mirrors mostly and listen to the voice coming over the talkie telling me left/right/straighten. I rarely use the rear camera.

Works for us.

JJ

[Bob Denman]

We've tried walkie-talkies...
She either forgets to push the button to talk; or she forgets to release it when she's done...
I've found it easier to just drop her off at the RV Park Store, and figure it out on my own...

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

We've tried walkie-talkies...
She either forgets to push the button to talk; or she forgets to release it when she's done...
I've found it easier to just drop her off at the RV Park Store, and figure it out on my own...

If she reads this forum then that's gonna leave a mark.

[Bob Denman]

She doesn't: as long as nobody tells her what I'm up to in here!

[99dart]

Originally Posted by LandKO

After my little mishap, I decided to mount the BC30 as added insurance to my backup abilities. This has worked our well because my GPS is mounted to the windshield via a suction cup mount, which puts the screen at the same vision level as the rear view mirrors. Plus it has the guide lines to aid in backing in between objects.
Attachment 19346
The photo shows the toad attached, but after I disconnected it, I was able to back into my yard without hitting anything.

I also had issues using the the little dash screen. With 3 fused vertebrae in my neck it felt pretty awkward looking down, then up for mirrors. I bought a 9" backup monitor and mounted it (using 3m foam tape) where the "rear view" mirror was mounted. I can see the "Miss's" back there easily, plus she's a pretty smart cookie about getting to the sides for seeing her in the mirrors.

[apr67]

I usually have a spotter when I back up, however I can use the backup camera and mirrors. I 100% agree, the location of the display sucks, as it does in almost every vehicle with a backup camera except my old Chevy van (it displayed int he rear view mirror).

I just have to remember to go left mirror, screen, right mirror, screen, over and over again as I back. And backup slower than a hooker going to confession.

[The Gritz Carlton]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

We've tried walkie-talkies...
She either forgets to push the button to talk; or she forgets to release it when she's done...
I've found it easier to just drop her off at the RV Park Store, and figure it out on my own...

don't forget to pick her back up when the weekend is over!!!!

[raffaelli]

Is there a way to get the backup camera to be active when moving forward? We will be towing an open car trailer with a car on it often. I would like to keep my eye on it while driving.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by raffaelli

Is there a way to get the backup camera to be active when moving forward? We will be towing an open car trailer with a car on it often. I would like to keep my eye on it while driving.

Yes, it depends on which radio you have. On mine pressing he MODE button switches to camera view. You can also do it through the menus selections.

[raffaelli]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Yes, it depends on which radio you have. On mine pressing he MODE button switches to camera view. You can also do it through the menus selections.

Thank you. I take delivery of the 2019 30FE on Saturday. The sales person was not sure this was possible.