How to Install an RV Rearview Camera

RV's depend on side mirrors to give drivers a view from the back of their vehicle. This makes it easy to misjudge distances and miss small obstacles. Backup cameras eliminate these problems, and they have a better field of view than rear view mirrors. Good backup cameras, with wide angle lenses of 100 degrees or more, and infrared led lights, can capture everything that's going on behind you, day or night. To make installation a snap, choose a wireless unit that's rugged and weatherproof. If you'd like to hear what's behind you, make sure your camera has a mic.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Mounting a Wireless Backup System

Things You’ll Need:

Isopropyl alcohol
Clean rag
Cordless drill with screw bits

Step 1

Install the monitor. Find a place on your dash where you can easily see the monitor, without blocking your view of the road. Clean the area with an alcohol soaked rag and let it dry. Use the hook and loop fastener that came with your system to attach the monitor stand to the area you cleaned. Plug the monitor's power cable into a free 12V power socket.

Step 2

Use the top or bottom screws on your rear license plate to mount the camera to the back of the RV. Run the camera power cable to the backup light circuit. Go through the license plate light receptacle, if you can find an opening, or carefully drill a hole and put the rubber grommet that came with your system in it.

Step 3

Remove a backup bulb and the socket it plugs into. Use the Scotch-lok that came with your system to connect the red lead from your camera's power cable to the colored wire in the backup circuit. Connect the black lead from your camera's power cable to the black wire in the backup circuit. Replace the socket and bulb you removed.

Step 4

Calibrate the system. Engage the parking brake, power up the monitor, and put your transmission in reverse. Make sure the monitor display matches the view in your rear view mirror. Test the system by releasing your parking brake and backing up slowly while watching the monitor. Make any necessary adjustments to the camera's orientation and the image quality settings of your monitor.

Tips & Warnings

Your field of view is over 40 degrees from a standard rear view mirror, so your camera's field of view should be at least 100 degrees, to see everything that's behind you.

Make sure your monitor has an audio input, if your camera has a built-in mic.

Wireless cameras are susceptible to interference from other electronics and their circuits. Get the best system you can afford and make sure all connections are properly shielded.

Resources

How to Choose Vehicle Rear View Backup Video Camera

Article Written By Dan Eash

Dan Eash began writing professionally in 1989, with articles in LaHabra's "Daily Star Progress" and the "Fullerton College Magazine." Since then, he's created scripts for doctor and dentist offices and published manuals, help files and a training video. His freelance efforts also include a book. Eash has a Fullerton College Associate of Arts in music/recording production and a Nova Institute multimedia production certificate.

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