Rear View Camera Guide: Picking The Best System For Your RV
(Camp Addict does NOT accept payment from any company to review or endorse their products.)
We don't know about you, but we think backup cameras should have always come stock in any type of RV. (They obviously haven't, or you probably wouldn't be here)
That said, what a wonderful thing technology is!
The ability to see behind you whether you are driving a car, motorhome or a travel trailer is incredible. It's certainly essential for safety and maneuvering.
How is this accomplished without a stock camera? By using the best aftermarket rearview camera suited for your needs.
For many, backing up an RV is a two-person fight ordeal.
It's hard to turn around to look behind you, making an assistant necessary.
Similarly, you may have such a big setup that the blind spots make backing up nearly impossible to do alone.
On this page, we teach you which RV backup camera brands are the best and why they outrank the competition.
You will learn if you should/can get a wired or wireless rearview system and more.
That said, check out our table of contents to find what you are looking for.
Want to know which rear view camera system is right for your RV? Click the button below to read our reviews.
Rear View Camera Guide
There is SO MUCH to know and consider when it comes to purchasing an RV rearview camera system.
In the following section, we lay out the ins and outs of what you need to know so that you can purchase the best RV backup camera system for your rig.
In fact, the federal government mandated that by 2018, all new vehicles must come equipped with a backup camera.
This doesn't necessarily include travel trailers, but it includes motorhomes.
Top RV Rear View Camera Manufacturers
If you do a search on Amazon for 'RV backup cameras' your head could explode.
Seriously.
The number of options is beyond overwhelming.
You could indeed spend hours going over your options and still come away confused and with a migraine.
That's probably why you're here.
Of course, we did the heavy lifting for you and greatly narrowed the options.
We believe that there are only a handful of RV rearview camera system manufacturers that you should consider.
And of those, there are just a couple that we think float to the top.
Let us explain.
Once you eliminate the cheap, crappy backup camera systems, you are left with a few major players.
Here are four that we took a good hard look at:
- Furrion
- Voyager
- Rear View Safety
- 4UCam
We further boiled these down to two of the best:
- Rear View Safety
- 4UCam
Rear View Safety (RVS) is used by many RV manufacturers who install their hardwired rear view camera systems at the factory
Why Didn't Furrion Or Voyager Brands Make The List?
Why did we eliminate Furrion and Voyager?
Especially Voyager, who is a pretty big name in backup camera systems?
Great question. Let us explain, beginning with Furrion:
Furrion
First of all, the Furrion Vision S vehicle observation system (backup camera) is a pretty good wireless system.
Additionally, it comes with the option of one or more cameras and a monitor size of either 4.3 inches, 5 inches or 7 inches. Not bad.
The Furrion Vision S with the 4.3-inch monitor is similar to the price range of the other wireless backup systems we review.
However, these gotchas eliminated it from our consideration:
Voyager
We already know that this is a Jensen brand (which is part of ASA Electronics), which is well-known for RV electronics including TVs and audio systems.
Not to mention, if you have an RV, it probably has some Jensen product in it.
However, this doesn't mean that Jensen's Voyager is your best bet.
Let's take a quick look at the Jensen Voyager WVOS713.
The Voyager WVOS713 is the comparable product from Jensen to the wireless backup camera systems that we review.
The WVOS713 offers the same 7" monitor size and a single wireless camera as do the reviewed units.
So far, so good, but here are the gotchas:
These are a couple of reasons why we opted to not include Furrion or Voyager rearview camera systems in the above reviews.
By the same token, if spending money unnecessarily is your thing, or you like tiny screens, buy either of these systems if you want.
They'll do you just fine.
Though you'll probably be happier choosing one of our recommended offerings.
Pre-Wired RV Camera Choices
Some new RV manufacturers pre-wire their rigs to accept a backup camera on the rear wall.
Usually, they just include a power supply you can use for your installation.
Commonly they will include a Furrion Mounting Kit that is designed to let you easily install a Furrion camera.
However, you certainly don't have to install a Furrion system if you have one of these kits pre-installed on your RV.
4UCam offers an optional Furrion mount adapter for their wireless rearview systems.
We have included a link to the kits that include these adapters in our 4UCam reviews.
This is indeed the more affordable way to install a rearview camera system on your RV if you have the Furrion Mounting Kit from the factory.
Wired Or Wireless RV Backup Camera?
Backup cameras for your RV come in two types:
- 'Wired' RV backup cameras
- 'Wireless' RV backup cameras
Is a Wireless Backup Camera REALLY Wireless?
Sorry to tell you, it is not.
Instead, BOTH TYPES REQUIRE WIRING.
The camera in a 'wireless' kit does NOT run off of batteries. Well then, where does it get its power?
By wiring it into the existing power wires in your vehicle.
Your monitor usually has a 12v cigarette lighter plug, so no wiring is typically required for the monitor.
Evidently, the term 'wireless' means there's no wire between the monitor and the camera.
Want to know which rear view camera system is right for your RV? Click the button below to read our reviews.
'Wired' RV Backup Cameras
A wired backup camera can be installed on all type of RVs or other vehicles.
It can be used on travel trailers, 5th wheels, motorhomes, semi's, utility trailers and more.
This is generally the more reliable of the two camera types.
You don't have to worry about losing the signal in this case as people do sometimes with the wireless cameras.
Especially if you have a long vehicle, holding the signal can be harder to manage if the distance from the monitor to the camera is very great.
The cost is also usually less for a wired system.
However, you may have additional costs to consider if it needs to be installed by a professional.
Airstreams And Toy Haulers Beware
Wireless RV backup camera systems are not the recommended choice when there is metal involved.
If you have an aluminum Airstream trailer, for example, wireless shouldn't be your first choice.
Toy hauler RVs commonly have metal reinforced rear ramps, so mounting a wireless camera here might be a bad idea.
Why?
Metal doesn't allow the passage of wireless signals.
Therefore, it's going to be hard for the camera screen (monitor) mounted upfront of the RV to pick up the camera's wireless signal at the back of the RV.
Instead, choose a wired system.
How Much Will Installation Cost For A Wired Backup RV Camera?
A wired RV camera system is going to require more than a wireless RV camera system because of the installation and time involvement.
(If you are hiring someone to install the wired RV camera system for you, there's your extra cost)
How much more it will cost depends on what size rig you have and how many cameras you are having installed.
How Much Does Installation Cost?
Typically, expect to pay around $75-$100 per hour for installation.
Wiring a single camera system for a car, truck or a simple RV installation should take about 2 hours.
It will be about 3 hours for a semi, large utility truck, or a more complicated RV installation.
Add in about 30 to 45 minutes of installation time for each additional camera.
Of course, these are estimates to give you an idea of what the extra cost might be.
Your setup could cost more or less depending on size and complications.
Can I Use A Wired Backup Camera System On My Trailer?
Yes, you can!
With a travel trailer, 5th wheel, or anything other towed RV, a wired system requires a trailer tow quick connect kit.
This connects the wires from your tow vehicle to your trailer.
The connect kit will provide you with two 'male' ends, one to install onto the trailer and one to install onto your tow vehicle.
Then there is a coiled double 'female' end wire that connects between the two.
Trailer Quick Disconnect Kit
Tips For Installing An RV Rear View Camera System
Read The Instructions
We can't believe we are including this as the #1 tip, but men will be men.
(And some women too, of course!)
READ the instructions that come with the camera system. Duh!
Dry Fit The System First
For starters, this allows you to see if the components work before you go drilling holes (you will need to find a 12-volt power source to power up your system - for example a spare car battery, cuz everyone has one of those lying around).
It also lets you check to see if you can get a good angle with your camera to preview what you want to see.
One of the complaints with these systems is that the included bracket doesn't allow you to point the camera far enough back (angle it up) to get a good view as the camera's antenna (mounted on the back of the camera) hits the vertical wall of your rig when you try to angle up too much.
Know What Is Behind Or Inside The Wall
Know what you are drilling into before you start poking holes into the walls of your RV.
You don't want to be drilling into electrical wiring or hitting another vital part of one of your systems.
Therefore, be smart before you drill.
Weatherproof Any Holes
Any holes you make in the side of your rig should be thoroughly sealed to prevent water from coming in.
Your camera system probably comes with rubber grommets to use in the holes.
Even so, we recommend you take the additional step of using a high-quality sealant to ensure the hole(s) won't allow water or other elements into the walls.
'Wireless' RV Backup Cameras
Wireless RV backup cameras are much simpler to install.
Markedly, they only need to be connected to DC (12-volt) power at the monitor and the camera.
Look for RV backup camera systems that use a digital signal. These are undoubtedly more reliable than the analog types.
Most cameras are hooked up to power by connecting them to the existing lighting wires.
Monitors are then plugged into the cigarette lighter in the tow vehicle.
They usually come with a windshield suction cup or a mounting bracket for the dash.
These systems are chosen mostly for their ease of installation.
Typically, an install takes under an hour.
Hire a professional to install if you are not familiar with how to connect the wiring that provides power to your camera.
An install in a simple tow vehicle should take under an hour.
Rates run around $75-$100/hr.
There are some disadvantages to this type of system - potential issues with the wireless connection.
There are complaints about losing the connection with wireless versions. Especially when using an analog system versus a digital system.
With analog, sometimes people report temporarily picking up the security camera from nearby stores while driving through town.
This is a problem when you are in the middle of looking at your monitor to change lanes.
While not a deal-breaker for some, it can be annoying.
Especially if you lose signal at a crucial moment of passing or backing up.
Want to know which rear view camera system is right for your RV? Click the button below to read our reviews.
Thoughts On RV Backup Camera Use
Marshall
Camp Addict Co-Founder
I'm a solo traveler living full-time in my 24-foot Lance travel trailer.
Before I started living full-time in my rig I figured I needed a backup camera, but didn't know anything about them.
I ended up purchasing a 4UCam 8909 WiFi, our best budget-friendly wireless RV backup camera.
This system has worked out well for me only because I don't use it very often.
Since I boondock pretty exclusively, I rarely find myself in a situation where I'm backing into a tight spot and need to see what's behind me.
If I needed to look behind more frequently, I'd be MUCH better off with a system like the RVS-2CAM, which offers a larger screen and better picture quality.
While the 4UCam 8909WiFi that I installed is intended to be mounted on a license plate frame, it doesn't have to be.
My trailer's license plate is offset to one side, which is hardly the ideal location for a backup camera.
So I simply drilled two holes in the steel rear bumper and used two bolts and nuts to secure the backup camera unit.
Next, I installed the WiFi transmitter in a hidden away compartment and tapped into the trailer's running light wiring to power it.
This means that I have to have the running lights on in order to provide power to the rear view camera's WiFi network (which is how the camera transmits the image to my iPhone).
Wi-Fi transmitter and power pickup from running lights
When I need to use the backup camera, I connect to this WiFi network with my iPhone (you can use any iOS or Android device with the free to download app) and fire up the rearview camera app. Bingo!
Consequently, now I can see behind me using my phone.
It's far from the greatest picture in the world, but it gets the job done.
When I am using it, I often verify what's behind me with my eyes.
A screenshot from Marshall's phone showing him taking a screenshot
RV Backup Camera Monitor Size
You might think 'The bigger the better' applies here. Let's not get crazy.
You could undeniably get a monitor so big that it starts to block your view of the road!
That said, monitors usually range in size from about 3 inches to 10 inches.
We recommend getting in between a 5-inch and a 7-inch monitor for optimum viewing.
This size is big enough to see clearly and small enough to not be distracting.
Quick Note About Monitors
All of the backup systems that we reviewed have monitors with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels.
This is basically the same resolution your computer had back in the day.
Or what a non-high definition TV has. In other words, it isn't great.
Don't expect miracle vision with these monitors.
They simply do a good job of showing you what is behind you but that's it.
Backup Camera Field Of View
Cameras come in a variety of fields of view.
They can be anywhere from 90 degrees to 210 degrees. Again, bigger is not better in this regard.
CCD or CMOS Sensor?
Which is best?
The short and easy answer? The CCD (charge-coupled device).
CCD's are unquestionably the best technology as of 2021.
CCD sensors create high-quality images with low noise.
These sensors are also more sensitive to light so they produce better video, especially in low light.
That said, their superior technology also makes them more expensive than CMOS cameras.
CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) sensors need more light to create a low noise image at proper exposure.
This does not mean that CMOS sensors are completely inferior to CCD.
Still, we would recommend a CCD sensor for the best quality.
Additional Features To Consider
A few other important features to look for are:
Want to know which rear view camera system is right for your RV? Click the button below to read our reviews.
Conclusion
Boy, there was SO much to learn about backup cameras!
Hopefully, your question was answered here.
Our mission is to arm you with the most correct information so you understand how these work, which kind is going to work best for you, or if you could use a better system.
Additionally, you can read our RV backup camera reviews for the best rear view camera systems, wired or wireless.
Lastly, if you have any questions that were not answered here, and aren't already in the comments, feel free to comment below.
We answer all relevant and reasonable questions that we can for our readers.
(Questions that haven't been answered already.)
Authors: Kelly Beasley & Marshall Wendler
Kelly Beasley
He-llllo. I'm the co-founder of Camp Addict, which my biz partner and I launched in 2017. I frigging love the RVing lifestyle but in December of 2020, I converted to part-time RV life. Heck, I lived in my travel trailer for over 5.5 years, STRICTLY boondocking for pretty much all of it. Boondocking is a GREAT way to live, but it's not easy. Anyway, I'm passionate about animals, can't stand campgrounds, I hardly ever cook, and I love a good dance party. Currently, I can be found plotting and scheming whether or not to start collecting farm animals (or plotting my next RV trip!) at my beautiful new 'ranch' named 'Hotel Kellyfornia', in Southern Arizona.
Marshall Wendler
Camp Addict co-founder Marshall Wendler brings his technical expertise to help explain RV products in an easy to understand fashion. Full-time RVing from April 2014 - December 2020 (now RVing about 50% of the time), Marshall loves sharing his knowledge of the RV lifestyle. Marshall spends the majority of his RVing life boondocking. He is the part of Camp Addict that knows 'all the things'. He's good at sharing his technical knowledge so you can benefit.
What about an upgrade to an existing backup camera on a 21 year old motorhome with a bulky (only 4″ screen) B&W camera???
Hi Mike,
Ah yes, the old CRT style back up cameras. I’m not certain of a good upgrade route for this. If the existing wiring harness is compatible with newer equipment, then it might be as easy as swapping out the camera and the monitor, saving you the hassle of having to run a new wiring harness.
Maybe there are adapters available that lets you use the old harness with new equipment? I don’t have any personal experience with this, though I’d imagine it would have a lot to do with what equipment you have in your rig currently.
I’d reach out to one (or more) backup camera equipment manufacturers and let them know what you currently have (they probably would need to know your existing camera’s model or maybe at least what kind of connectors the wiring harness has) and what you want to do. They would know if they have something that would allow you to use your existing equipment.
Will any of the wireless backup cameras sinc up with a garmin rv gps navigation system
Hi Phillip,
The Garmin RV GPS unit appears to be able to display backup camera images for compatible third-party backup cameras. Garmin doesn’t readily list compatible cameras, so I’m not sure, but am highly doubtful for the reason I state below.
You need to buy a separate Garmin adapter for compatible third-party cameras to work.
Since the cameras we list on our website come with their own monitors to display the picture it doesn’t appear that they would work with the Garmin. They would have to have an interior receiver that then had an output that went into the Garmin adapter. And since the only interior units they have are their actual displays… Well, you get the picture (pun intended).
We have a 2019 Dodge ram 1500 limited. This has the very large nav screen which has 360 surround view from the onboard system. My question is it possible to incorporate the backup camera (s) on a trailer to be viewed on this large ready to go screen?
Thank you.
Pat
Hi Pat,
Do you have the large 12″ screen? If so, that’s an impressive piece of technology!
I’m not aware of any aftermarket backup camera that is compatible with this system. Not saying there isn’t any. I’ve just never seen on (then again, I haven’t looked much as I don’t have this type of system).
Most likely, Ram isn’t going to make it easy (or even possible) to tap into their existing screen.
You might want to jump on a Ram forum and pose the question there. I’m guessing you aren’t the first Ram owner who has had this thought cross their mind.
I bought a used 2018 Thor Chateau 25 ft. It doesn’t have a rear window. Plus, the nice camera system attached to a radio system is back up only. It makes me nervous that I can’t see my tow car as I’m driving down the road. Can I improve THIS system attached to my Axxera AVM70 system and get full time rear view or must I buy new?
Hi Karen,
I’m not certain, but I did look up the Axxera AVM70’s manual and it states this:
“Manual selection – Touch CAMERA icon from the Main Menu or from any operational mode (when enabled) to select camera mode. Touch the top left area on the screen to exit camera mode.
Note: The manual mode is for dedicated cameras that are ALWAYS on while driving, it is not meant for cameras that are connected to the vehicle’s reverse light.”
It sounds like your camera is only on when the RV is in reverse? If this is the case, then it appears that you aren’t able to use the camera when the RV is going forward.
I’m just taking a wild guess here, but it may be possible to have the existing camera on all the time by rewiring its power source to be one that is always ‘hot’ (on) even when the vehicle is moving forward. This requires you (or finding someone who is) are comfortable with 12-volt electrical systems, and you can find out where the camera is getting its power from.
I’d poke around on Thor forums to see if anyone else has already done this. You might get lucky and find a forum thread that discusses this and it is an easy ‘fix’.
Good ideas. Thank you. I’ll explode and get back to you with results.
My follow up to you and a big thanks. With your advice and some help from a friend I got the rear Axxera AVM70 system camera on during driving by touching the top left home button and touching the camera icon. My helper said I could even listen To music or the radio as well while using the camera. Sometimes to learn more about a little further down the road. You guys are the greatest. Well wishes to all. Karen
Great news, Karen!
I’m glad that the solution was that easy. Sometimes technology actually works like one would like it to work! 🙂
I would like to know how to get camera to work inside my RV. I plug it in try and pair it..it shows no signal? Furrion camara..thanks
Hi Bob,
You should contact Furrion to receive technical support with their products as they are the experts.
You can also check their FAQ page to see if there is anything that answers your question. There are several FAQs about the camera and monitor products under the ‘Audio Visual’ section of the FAQs.
Good luck getting your wireless backup camera up and running!
Are your choices for 2020 still the same, or are there better wireless units out there now?
Thank you, in advance.
Hi Graham,
Our recommendations stand as these are some very good units. We will be checking out what is new later this year and will update the page if necessary. It is on our to-do list.
But you can’t go wrong with any of the units that we list on this page. It’s not like the backup camera technology is growing by leaps and bounds – it all uses the same basic technology that’s been around a while (as far as frequencies and radio transmissions).