Backup Camera? Worth it?

[Princess]

So I'm thinking about getting a backup camera but am wondering if its worth installing? Any good ones recommended? Wireless or wired? Those of you who have backup cameras, did you install yourself? 26 ft TT and a ford 350. Any feedback would be appreciated! Thanks

[Azusateach]

You're going to find that after a few times of hitching up you'll do just fine. I think that backup cameras are over-rated. When I got my first "big" trailer I had something like this: http://www.backupballs.com. Well worth the money, and when I'd gained enough confidence I passed them on to another newbie.

Laura

[Olive600]

Oh, Lordy, this is too good to pass up. Somebody say it. I can't because I'm still new here. Mitch? Vicki? dpf? Please, somebody just say it.

[Sandersmr]

I use a back up camera when I travel by myself. It saves me all kinds of aggravation when trying to hook up to my trailer. I have this one - http://www.amazon.com/Swift-Hitch-SH01- ... pd_sbs_e_1 and it has been a godsend to me. It saves me many trips in and out of the truck getting lined up.

I used the balls on the telescoping rods but they wouldn't stay straight when I was backing and then one broke.

[MelissaD]

I have not bought one yet but I am thinking about it. I always seem to have something in the bed blocking my view. I can get lined up side to side ok but I can't see the ball in the middle of my bed over the cooler or the kennel. My partner is not tall enough to see over the bed walls

[mitch5252]

Oh, Lordy, this is too good to pass up. Somebody say it. I can't because I'm still new here. Mitch? Vicki? dpf? Please, somebody just say it.

..
LOLOLOL - I couldn't figure out what you were talking about and then I saw it.
SEE - I DIDN'T NOTICE and YOU DID!!!
You people are all so wrong about me.
Honestly.
..

[mitch5252]

Oh, Lordy, this is too good to pass up. Somebody say it. I can't because I'm still new here. Mitch? Vicki? dpf? Please, somebody just say it.

..
LOLOLOL - I couldn't figure out what you were talking about and then I saw it.
SEE - I DIDN'T NOTICE and YOU DID!!!
You people are all so wrong about me.
Honestly.
..

[bluepinecones]

Oh Mitch, you must have had too much heat/humidity today if you're passing this up.

I'm considering adding a back up camera also so very interested in the "serious" responses here.

[mitch5252]

..
I've heard the wireless cameras suck big time.
Hard-wired, I don't know.
Now, those with TT, you talking about from car to trailer, or trailer to campsite?

I would love to have a worthwhile camera at the rear of my little trailer.
Although, I have the van camera to the hitch and I still run back and forth a million times to make sure all is fine...

[Princess]

I've been doing some research on these backup cameras and from what I read, wireless ones are suppose to have a lot more problems. I am wondering.. do the wired back up camera kits have to go all the way from the cab to the very back of the trailer?? Seems like a lot of wire. I was wanting to have a camera at the end of the trailer..not the back of the truck.

Back up balls! lol! I was totally wondering what the heck I was going to be clicking! We will totally get a pair of these. Wish they came in purple and pink.

[Sandersmr]

I use the wireless I showed for back of truck to line up the hitch and ball. So I'm only going about 12-14' feet to the back of the truck. It works well enough for what I want. A wired to the back of the trailer would have the problem of how to run the wire all the way to the back. You would have to have a break with a connector somewhere. And you would still want to get out of the truck and look at what you are backing into. I think you really don't need it for backing into a site.

Something else to think about - are you going to act as a spotter for your partner when she's backing in? If so, make sure you have your directions and signals figured out beforehand. Mark and I sometimes have "disagreements" about the signals. He's a professional truck driver so he would rather me not spot - it's my trailer. Guess who wins? Also, you have to remember that you have to be where the driver can see you in the mirror - or some people use radios or cell phones. But for the driver that's just one more thing to manage.

Another thing when backing into a site, try to find a site where you won't have a huge blind spot. Unfortunately, most campgrounds I have been in have the sites angled so you are backing from the right which means you can't use the driver's mirror until you are almost straight in the site. That's where being aware of your site and any obstacles is critical.

It sounds worse than it is and with a little practice, you will be fine. Ask many of the ladies who have just started RVing recently.

[BayouLady]

I believe they are just to line up to the hitch. I'm looking to get on as well, the one at the dealer is also a GPS and it keeps track of your miles.

[ellenw]

Oh, Lordy, this is too good to pass up. Somebody say it. I can't because I'm still new here. Mitch? Vicki? dpf? Please, somebody just say it.

Ok, hold it. I can't stand it any longer. Didn't anyone catch Maggie's line?

I used the balls on the telescoping rods but they wouldn't stay straight when I was backing and then one broke.

I tried to resist. I really tried.

[Pooker]

I'm not venturing into the ball territory, but my serious answer is:

A pricey backup camera was the first (of many) presents I bought Flitter. I figured being alone I would definitely need one. I hate it! It is the same model CW had on display. Nice large screen. It was on when my son and I came into the store. Oh, yes, exactly what I need. Had them install one. First time I used it I noticed everything was rounded. It was a fisheye lens - you know like those concave mirrors that show you more things but they are teeny tiny? When I back up it looks like I'm backing into a cul-de-sac and anything shown is very small and distorted. I often say that I'll actually see the darn picnic table as I back into it! I went back to CW twice to see if it could be adjusted and it can't. There are other adjustments, but the fisheye remains no matter what.

Do I use it? NOPE! I can't judge distance or identify items at all. Just my opinion.

Pooker

[mitch5252]

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My personal opinion is that there's no substitute to jumping out of the truck and looking first hand (first eyes?) what's going on back there. In my Sienna, I have both a back up camera AND sonar beepers on the back bumper and sides...I still managed to back into a boulder (just the van, no trailer involved). George and I were on the trip to Glacier that made me decide we had to have a trailer.

Sigh.
..