Rear View Camera vs Backup Camera

[sailmike1]

I'd just like some clarification on this topic. Every time I do a search for a rear view camera, I get a list of backup camera's. I'm looking for a camera and monitor that's on all the time, not just for backing up my vehicle. I can't find any information to clarify this.

Are all backup camera's only for backing up?
How do I find one to replace the rear view mirror to use for normal driving?

Thanks,
Puzzled

[Elk_traveler]

sailmike1 wrote:
I'd just like some clarification on this topic. Every time I do a search for a rear view camera, I get a list of backup camera's. I'm looking for a camera and monitor that's on all the time, not just for backing up my vehicle. I can't find any information to clarify this.

Are all backup camera's only for backing up?
How do I find one to replace the rear view mirror to use for normal driving?

Thanks,
Puzzled

I mounted a separate camera with wide angle lens at very back end of roof that I can switch on and off at will connected to battery. I use a 7 inch monitor mounted on dash of vehicle that delivers a 1080p image to monitor. I am able to see everything behind me as well as on both sides. The only difficult part was stringing the wire down and under the chassis of the motorhome to the engine compartment battery. I previously did this on a 5th wheel and used a disconnect switch in-line when unhooking the 5th wheel. There are numerous cameras around and any back up camera will do this if wired to the battery instead of tail lights. There are wireless camera available but I don't think always dependable because of wireless interference. Its better to wire the camera so there is no problem with always seeing what's on the road behind you. My RV has a factory back up camera installed but I too want to see the road and the traffic on the sides. This set up is worth its weight in gold when you're on the interstate such as I-80, I-90 or any other and and especially when coming in and out of toll booths with so much traffic. New cameras are available that have high resolution such that you can read license plates of vehicles behind you very well.

[wa8yxm]

All I can do is tell you about mine
By default it is a "Back up camera"
but there is a button (4 or 5 of them)
The top button is POWER and if I press it. it's a rear view camera
The next button is A/B and if I press it.. Well the side view camera is not currently working (It's under the gas cap to help me line up on a pump. got to fix it one of these days)

I am thinking about the RV-360 system

https://www.rearviewsafety.com/hd-360-camera-system-with-built-in-dvr-rvs-77555.html

But have yet to make the purchase

[4x4van]

sailmike1 wrote:

4x4van wrote:
No switch is needed; simply power it off of a wire that is hot with the ignition rather than from the backup lights.

Mine comes on in reverse, but has a manual switch on the monitor that turns it on constantly. That's how I use it.

How would I connect it to that wire?

Thanks!

Depends on the unit. If the unit you purchase has only one wire for powering the camera/monitor, you use a wire that is hot when the ignition is turned on instead of the backup light wire.

[Dutch_12078]

Like Tropical36, my rear camera monitor is wired to come on in reverse unless I turn it on manually where it stays on. Once I turn it on, it remembers that setting the next time I start the engine until I turn it off. I installed two rear cameras that I can select at the monitor, one aimed low that lets me see from the motorhome rear bumper back about 20 feet, and the other aimed high enough to see back down the road. The low camera is handy for backing into tight sites as well as checking on my toad hookup while under way.

[DrewE]

rwgeiser wrote:
When I installed my camera for my backup monitor I actuated it with power from the backup light circuit with a .5 amp resistor in line. I also ran a 12v feed down stream from the resistor, with a switch that I can power the camera at any time. It does not backfeed the backup light circuit. I have a GPS that I also use as the monitor.

I believe you mean a diode, not a resistor.

[rwgeiser]

When I installed my camera for my backup monitor I actuated it with power from the backup light circuit with a .5 amp resistor in line. I also ran a 12v feed down stream from the resistor, with a switch that I can power the camera at any time. It does not backfeed the backup light circuit. I have a GPS that I also use as the monitor.

[sailmike1]

4x4van wrote:
No switch is needed; simply power it off of a wire that is hot with the ignition rather than from the backup lights.

Mine comes on in reverse, but has a manual switch on the monitor that turns it on constantly. That's how I use it.

How would I connect it to that wire?

Thanks!

[4x4van]

No switch is needed; simply power it off of a wire that is hot with the ignition rather than from the backup lights.

Mine comes on in reverse, but has a manual switch on the monitor that turns it on constantly. That's how I use it.

[Harvey51]

Another vote for a switch. I mounted the switch on the base of the driver’s seat so I can conveniently reach it to power the camera and monitor. My first camera was designed for a license plate mount but I soon put it on the inside of our class C looking through the top of the rear window, adjusted so I can just see the hitch on the kayak trailer and most of a campsite when backing in. I can safely back up to well within a foot of the trailer or a tree. With the camera angled about 45 degrees down the horizontal distance is easy to judge. I can keep good watch on the kayaks on the highway.

On our first trip with the camera we actually used it when camped in a remote campsite On the Grande Cache highway in Alberta. A few inches of snow on the ground making it easy to see a fox visiting our site without scaring it away.

[cougar28]

Not all backup cameras are to be used as observation cameras. Some are not designed to be left on for extended times or the camera with burn out.

[tropical36]

sailmike1 wrote:
I'd just like some clarification on this topic. Every time I do a search for a rear view camera, I get a list of backup camera's. I'm looking for a camera and monitor that's on all the time, not just for backing up my vehicle. I can't find any information to clarify this.

Are all backup camera's only for backing up?
How do I find one to replace the rear view mirror to use for normal driving?

Thanks,
Puzzled

They're all one in the same, as far as I know.
Mine comes on when in reverse, but if you manually turn it on, which I always do, then it's on all the time.

[Bobbo]

I second the idea of powering it from the clearance lights. A wire is already in the area, you don't need to mount an additional switch, the camera isn't on all the time, and it is easy enough to turn on when you want it by merely turning on the parking lights. My Airstream come with a rear view camera powered exactly that way.

[spoon059]

Get one that can be used as an observation system. Makes driving much easier when you can see behind you. Lane changes are easier and safer.

[WNYBob]

I have my camera power connected to the power for my (rear) bathroom fan. Installed a switch with a indicator led. S4 I can tell if I left it on to long.