JL7456
Ohio
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Joined: 08/16/2005
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After forty years and four motorhomes we have recently purchased a 2018 29 foot KZ Connect travel trailer and a 2017 Ford F-150 XLT truck to tow it. The trailer is pre-wired for a backup camera (Furion) but I have not purchased one as yet. I am also considering a set of tow mirrors to attach to the existing side view truck mirrors. The Ford F-150 is equipped with the Trailer Backup Assist and trailer tow package. I have not set up the trailer backup assist feature as yet but plan to do this soon. The question is do I need the trailer backup camera, and the additional mirrors along with the trailer backup assist in the truck?
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jdc1
Rescue, Ca
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Joined: 05/30/2011
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You'll need at least the mirrors.
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Seon
Lake Camanche, CA
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I'd recommend swapping the side mirrors to an extendable side towing mirrors.
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Lwiddis
South of Lone Pine, California
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I don't have a camera. Might not trust it...I don't mind getting out of the truck and looking when my spotter isn't available. I am a fan of good mirrors.
Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, 300 watt solar-parallel & MPPT, Trojan T-125s. TALL flag pole. Prefer USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state & county camps. Bicyclist! 14 year Army vet-11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad
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bikendan
Camano Island, Wash.
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Joined: 11/21/2005
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JL7456 wrote:After forty years and four motorhomes we have recently purchased a 2018 29 foot KZ Connect travel trailer and a 2017 Ford F-150 XLT truck to tow it. The trailer is pre-wired for a backup camera (Furion) but I have not purchased one as yet. I am also considering a set of tow mirrors to attach to the existing side view truck mirrors. The Ford F-150 is equipped with the Trailer Backup Assist and trailer tow package. I have not set up the trailer backup assist feature as yet but plan to do this soon. The question is do I need the trailer backup camera, and the additional mirrors along with the trailer backup assist in the truck?
The F150 features do nothing like a rear observation camera does. Nor can the truck's backup camera system connect with the rear observation camera.
I have a 2014 F150 and I love the rear observation camera system I installed on the trailer. 7" monitor on the dash.
Dan- Firefighter, Retired">, Shawn- Musician/Entrepreneur">, Zoe- Faithful Golden Retriever(RIP">), 2014 Ford F150 3.5 EcoboostMax Tow pkg, 2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255 w/4pt Equalizer and 5 Mtn. bikes and 2 Road bikes
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guidry
Texas Cajun
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Joined: 04/25/2008
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I installed a rear camera for my 5th wheel and it is good when passing another truck or car; if I see it in that camera I know I'm clear to move over. When I back into a site I can see if there is something I need to avoid. When on the freeway I can see if any vehicles are coming up behind me.
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Bobbo
Wherever I park
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Mirrors definitely. The trailer rear camera is mainly useful to watch while you are backing into your site to know when you are far enough in. If you have a spotter to tell you when to stop, it is unnecessary. My trailer came with the rear camera, and I only use it when DW is not with me to act as a spotter. (I put something like my hat on the ground where I want the back of the trailer, and when it disappears under the trailer bumper, I am there.)
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APT
SE Michigan
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I recommend any of the cameras you are willing to pay for or afford. I highly recommend some form of extended towing mirrors. These aftermarket mirrors should be good, but there are less expensive options that mount existing mirrors. I have the Grand Aero 3 which work well.
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BurbMan
Islip, Long Island
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Cameras are nice to have, mirrors are a MUST. You need to able to see all the way down both sides of the camper when you are towing.
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4x4ord
Alberta
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I wouldn’t bother with the Ford back up.assist.... I think you’re better off without it. Mirrors are important and a camera could be useful. I would not get a camera that integrates with the Ford system unless you can view the image while driving at highway speeds which I don’t think Ford allows.
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