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Backup cameras have become much more common in cars, SUVs, and even recreational vehicles.
They take the uncertainty out of backing up and provide a good deal of protection by allowing you to see who or what is behind you.
The camera’s principal role in a car or truck is to back up.
Backup cameras, on the other hand, have a wider range of applications for RVers.
What RV Backup Camera Brands Did We Test?
Keep reading to find out more about our top picks and advice on how to select the backup camera for your RV type to make RV driving easier. We’ve tested the following products, and the ones in bold made it to the top 5 that got the job done right.
- eRapta Reverse Camera
- Rear View Safety RVS-062710
- Furrion Vision S Wireless
- 4Ucam 9901 Digital
- LeeKooluu
- Do Honest
- AMTIFO HD 1080P Wireless Backup Camera
With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.
Are RV Backup Camera Systems Worth All the Hype?
As enjoyable as it is, RVing can get expensive, so you may be wondering if adding yet another gadget – and expense – to your RV setup is really worth it.
Campers have been backing their recreational vehicles up to gas pumps and into campsite setups for decades without them, so is an RV backup camera really a must?
The simple answer would be no, you don’t NEED an RV backup camera.
But technically there are a lot of things that make the RV camping experience better that are not necessary, but they improve every trip in all kinds of ways.
And that is true of an RV backup camera.
Here are just a few of the benefits RVers can get from investing in and installing a good RV backup camera system.
Accident Avoidance and Stress Reduction
One of the most nerve-wracking aspects of driving their RV for lots of people is backing it up. It’s more complex than doing so with a car or truck and the damage that an RV can do if it hits something while reversing can be far worse.
Adding an RV backup camera into the mix helps a lot. You will still need to be calm and careful, and understand what the basic process for successfully backing up an RV is, but the camera will help take away a lot of the guesswork involved and ultimately help prevent accidents.
Basic Road Safety
“If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you,” says a sign on the back of many semi-truck trailers.
This holds true for RVers as well. Because RVs aren’t the fastest vehicles on the road, numerous drivers tailgate them.
Unfortunately, they become invisible to the RV driver if they get too close. A backup camera lets you see behind you, eliminating the problem of blind spots.
Extra Security
Have you ever been happily ensconced in your RV at your chosen campsite and heard a noise outside that was strange or sudden? Strange enough to make you think it should be investigated?
If it’s dark out, charging out of your RV to confront whatever it is may be a bad idea. Especially if it’s not a human prowler.
Having an RV backup camera onboard gives you the chance to see what’s going on behind the RV from the comfort of its interior, and might help prevent you from becoming a supper option for a bear!
What Is The Difference Between Wired and Wireless Backup Camera?
When you begin shopping for an RV backup camera you’ll find that while there are many different makes and models, and lots of different bells and whistles, they can be divided into two basic categories: wired and wireless.
Wired Backup Cameras
A cable travels from the camera on the RV’s bumper to the monitor on the trailer’s dashboard using these cameras.
To transmit images from both units, just one power supply is required.
When installing this type of camera, you may need some professional technical assistance, and you can extend the transmission distance by utilizing a longer cord.
Wireless Backup Cameras
To communicate images from the RV backup camera to the monitor, digital wireless backup cameras utilize a wireless transmitter and receiver.
The two devices connect via electromagnetic transmissions or wireless signals, however, the wireless options have a shorter transmission distance than the wired options.
The wireless camera is simple to set up because all you need is a mount or sturdy adhesive tape for the display and camera.
List of RV Backup Camera Brands
So you have decided to add an back up camera system to your camping rig. Good call. But now you have to figure out which one – and there are an increasing number of options available – is the best choice for you.
To help you shop, here’s a look at our picks for the top-rated RV backup cameras to consider buying.
#1
eRapta Reverse Camera with Split Screen Monitor
Editor's Choice
A handy wireless remote control, long installation cables, two side cameras, two rear cameras, and a seven-inch TFT LCD monitor offering high-definition images of 720 pixels are included in the comprehensive eRapta rearview camera package, making it a great pick for those who want a good RV backup camera system at a reasonable price.
The unit comes with a slew of useful features, including bright infrared lights for improved night vision. Furthermore, the camera is composed of a weatherproof material that is resistant to water, snow, and extreme heat.
For added safety, the monitor includes split-screen capability and can show what’s behind and to the side of the trailer at the same time. You’ll be able to see around blind spots better and backing up and parking will be easier. The whole system is powered via a single 12V power source, which is another big plus.
On the downside, the installation instructions can be hard to follow, although the company’s customer service reps seem to be able to provide lots of additional help if you need it.
#2
Furrion Vision S Wireless RV Backup System
If you go on road trips often and are willing to spend a little more, this RV backup camera setup is an excellent choice.
This setup offers a 2.4-gigahertz digital wireless backup camera with a 492-foot range in open space. It has distance and rear assist grid lines to offer even more help when backing up too.
The camera has an IP65 rating, which means it is waterproof and resistant to damage from the environment. It has a 120-degree viewing angle and automated motion detection as well as infrared night vision.
The monitor has a resolution of 720 by 480 pixels and shows crisp images. The screen offers an anti-glare feature that changes the brightness of the screen according to the lighting conditions.
It also uses digital wireless technology and is resistant to environmental interference. Although the monitor comes with mounts, it is light enough to be placed on the windshield with the included tape.
Some people feel that the monitor could be larger, given the price, but these are not TVs, and a large monitor is often frowned upon by safety experts as a driving distraction.
LeeKooLuu Wired Backup Camera
Budget Choice
A 4.3-inch LCD monitor with 960 by 576 pixels and a rear camera with a broad viewing range of 150 degrees are included in the LeeKooLuu system.
The monitor can monitor both V1 and V2 video inputs, which is useful when switching from safety to entertainment.
The camera has an IP69 waterproof rating, which protects it from water damage. It comes with seven LED lights and an on/off switch to assist you to navigate through the dark and in heavy fog.
A clever button on this rearview camera can convert the viewing mirror from rear to front view, which is a unique feature.
The camera can also turn in whatever direction you want along a 360-degree axis for a better look. It also includes backup guidelines that provide guidance based on your vehicle’s length and width.
It’s a plug-and-play device that may be plugged into the cigarette lighter or the 12-volt fuse box.
Do Honest S19 HD 1080P RV Wired Backup Camera
This is a simple, easy-to-use camera system that comes at an affordable price and offers lots of versatility.
This model allows you to connect two cameras with two different recording channels. Full image or split-screen dual views are also available to give you a complete perspective of your RV’s surroundings.
If you like, you can even put the second camera on the side.
The camera system can accommodate a 5G signal, where it’s available, which gives a more accurate image and that is something that many cameras can’t do yet.
Even at speeds of up to 150 mph, the picture will remain smooth, not that you’d ever drive your camper that fast.
You’ll be able to see clearly up to 180 meters away in high-resolution 1080P even in poor light conditions.
In terms of weather resistance, this setup is totally waterproof (IP69) and offers a wide 150-degree viewing angle.
On the downside, the image refreshes often, which can cause a slightly annoying flicker.
#5
AMTIFO A7 HD 1080P Wireless Backup Camera
When it comes to a good RV backup camera, this is another easy-to-use, straightforward, and economical alternative.
This 7-inch display, like several of the other devices on our list, has the ability to connect two different cameras for split-screen viewing of your RV surroundings.
The camera has a built-in recording capability, so it can be used as a dashcam or as a theft deterrent, but an SD card must be purchased individually if you want to do so.
This camera has been improved over previous generations to be reliable at speeds up to 110 mph and is waterproof to IP69 standards.
Questions RVers Ask
How much does it cost to add a backup camera to an RV camper?
The costs can vary greatly. Lots of wireless options will only involve an investment in the camera itself and of your time in getting the installation figured out. A very complex wired RV backup camera may cost several hundred dollars to install.
Against that, the damage you can do if the camera is poorly installed – especially when it comes to your vehicle’s delicate wiring systems – can run into the thousands, so deferring to a pro can be the lesser of two evils!
Where should I mount my rear camera on my RV?
Your RV backup camera should be mounted below the clearance lights on your camper. Even if those lights are set low, you can still put your backup camera beneath them. There are other mounting options you can explore, but for most RVs this is the best location from both a vision and safety point of view.
Are wireless backup cameras any good?
The quality of wireless backup cameras is increasing all the time. If you are willing to shop around a little and read reviews like ours, you can find wireless RV backup cameras that offer almost as much as a wired option, but with less fuss and expense.
What is the best angle for an RV backup camera?
Getting the right angle can be tricky, and you may need to experiment. This is one of the reasons that an investment in an adjustable angle RV backup camera can prove to be a smart buy.
