Keep your eyes on a swivel.” That’s good advice for any driver. Especially when careening down the highway at over 70 miles per hour, you want to make sure you and the other drivers sharing that road are safe and sound.
But if you’re in an RV, it’s not always easy to see every direction—especially behind you. Your rearview mirror may only have access to the cabin behind you. Side mirrors, while vital, can only show so much. Enter the rearview or backup camera.
The Benefits of a More Expansive View
Rearview cameras can significantly enhance safety and convenience when you’re driving or pulling an RV. One of the biggest benefits is the upgraded visibility. Due to their size, RVs naturally have larger blind spots than typical vehicles. Rearview and side cameras can provide real-time visual assistance so drivers can see areas that are out of sight with standard mirrors. This increased view makes changing lanes, making turns, and navigating tight spaces significantly safer.
For instance, if you are unable to see pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles traveling in the RV’s blind spots, you may inadvertently pull out in front of someone. Cameras can be particularly beneficial when backing up or changing lanes.
With a larger vehicle, maneuvering can also be a challenge, especially if you aren’t yet an experienced RVer. Yet RVs often have to move through tighter spaces like campgrounds, parking lots, and even narrow streets through urban landscapes. The camera can provide a live feed to help the driver better judge distances and avoid obstacles. This makes moving through these spaces easier and far less stressful. Phew.
Another invaluable benefit of these types of cameras is that they help monitor the towing setup for people who are towing a trailer or fifth wheel. You can keep an eye on your rig to ensure everything is secure even as you travel down the road. What’s more, they can also provide a clear view of the hitch and surrounding areas, which can assist when you’re hitching or unhitching from your tow vehicle.
In addition, cameras offer security. Cameras aren’t just for when you’re moving down the road. Drivers can monitor the surroundings of their RVs when parked, which can be reassuring if you’re parking in a new or isolated location. In other words, rearview cameras don’t just provide confidence when you’re driving, they can also help reduce your stress when you’re parked. No matter where you are, you’ll have a better view around you.
Choosing a Review Camera System
As RVs continue to become more and more popular, camera technology is improving. And it’s becoming a standard and expected piece of equipment on new models. If your RV doesn’t have a camera system, or if the one you have doesn’t provide full visibility, you can add it.
The Brandmotion System is a popular option that provides enhanced visibility and safety through advanced technology and convenient design elements. The system offers wireless technology, DVR capabilities, and can upgrade to a touchscreen mirror monitor for a wide range of vehicle types and uses. Some of the most attractive benefits of this system include:
- Enhanced monitoring and safety with the AHDS-7810V2 Wireless Observation System. This setup is designed to remove blind spots. It also includes an adapter for easy integration with pre-wired trailers and can support up to 210 hours of DVR recordings, making it one of the top solutions to monitor your vehicle’s surroundings.
- Wireless convenience and clarity due to the wireless backup camera system, featuring a seven-inch HD monitor that provides a clear, stable wireless connection. This connection offers near-zero lag between actual movement and the image displayed. Plus, it’s expandable to up to four cameras, ensuring broad coverage around the vehicle. This backup camera is also highly durable.
- FullVUE Mirror upgrade, enhancing your vehicle’s rearview to a live, high-definition video screen with a crisp, clear 170-degree view behind your RV. The seamless, universal fit means the system isn’t vehicle-specific, so it works on a wide range of RVs. You can even use the system to take pictures and record videos as you drive, which is not only convenient but can increase your safety. The full touchscreen allows for easy adjustments, and the anti-glare tempered glass ensures you can see under various lighting conditions.
How to Install a Backup Camera System
For many DIY enthusiasts, with the right tools, a little knowledge, and some patience, it’s something you can install yourself.
Installing the Brandmotion AHDS-7810 system involves mounting the monitor and camera and then connecting them to a power supply. The monitor can be mounted using a suction cup placed on the dash or windshield.
For the cameras, you’ll want to carefully select the locations to maximize visibility and minimize blind spots. You will need to connect to power with either a direct wire to an accessory power circuit or a 12v power point in the RV.
The cameras will need to be mounted in stable locations that provide a clear field of view, connected to a 12V power source, and grounded. Finally, the system is completed when the camera and monitor are paired for seamless observation.
For a more detailed installation guide, including the needed tools and step-by-step instructions, refer to the user manual provided when purchasing the Brandmotion system.
Maintaining Your Backup Camera
Once your camera is installed, paired, and running, you’ll want to create a regular maintenance schedule to ensure it remains in good working order. For instance, you’ll need to keep the camera lens clean and check for wear and tear with any connections.
Ongoing maintenance is vital for any system to function effectively. And that includes the backup camera to ensure it provides the safety and convenience it was designed to deliver.
Enhanced Safety, Convenience, and Security
Adding or upgrading your rearview or backup camera with the Brandmotion System represents a top-tier option due to its wireless technology, DVR capabilities, and expansive visibility. Together, this leads to a safer, more enjoyable RV experience, making every journey smoother and worry-free.