Backup camera - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

quarque · #1 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 10:51 PM

Have any of you considered putting a backup camera on the back end of your trailer? If so, what model, how do you like it? I was talking to a guy yesterday that has towed a trailer for 20 years and he said the backup camera is almost worth more to him than his tow mirrors. He keeps his on all the time rather than just in reverse. "Fantastic for backing up a trailer" he says.

Any opinoins?

kingbert99 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 05:35 AM

I haven't bought one, but I've definitely considered it. I normally have to hook up the trailer by myself, then bring it home for loading. It's not an impossible task by any measure, but having a backup camera would make hooking up without a spotter a cinch. I've also thought of putting it behind the trailer for backing into campsites but don't know how realistic that would be -- don't know if the signal would broadcast to the truck that far, if the visibility would be safe enough, etc.

I'm interested in what others have to say in here as well. I keep seeing them for sale in the in-flight magazines of my business trips and get more and more curious...

tomhole · #3 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 02:32 PM

Here's all the details on my backup camera:

New Page 0

I agree that it is more valuable than my mirrors. Especially now that I am towing an 8' wide trailer. The McKesh do not quite allow me to see behind the trailer.

Total cost was $300 and a fairly easy install.

Tom

quarque · #4 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 07:08 PM

Tom - nice write-up. Thanks for taking the time.

tundratrd21w · #5 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 09:33 PM

This is the best wireless camera I've found. SwiftHitch.com.
No, I don't own one but this is one Camera that I would consider.

quarque · #6 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tundratrd21w

This is the best wireless camera I've found. SwiftHitch.com.
No, I don't own one but this is one Camera that I would consider.

yeah, but they don't give any specs. I need something that can reach from the back of a 26' trailer to the truck cab. I hate sites like that. Tells me nothing.

tundratrd21w · #7 (**permalink**) 05-22-2008, 11:01 AM

Try this link: Home

quarque · #8 (**permalink**) 05-22-2008, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tundratrd21w

Try this link: Home

OK. Now I see it says 300 feet range. I'm sure that is with no obstructions (like a trailer) in the way. Not sure I want to gamble $309 on it but I like the concepts in their product.

Sean Woodruff · #9 (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quarque

OK. Now I see it says 300 feet range. I'm sure that is with no obstructions (like a trailer) in the way. Not sure I want to gamble $309 on it but I like the concepts in their product.

It works on the back end of the trailer and you can remove it and use it for hitching up too.

I have a couple of videos on the product page on my web site.

clp123 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-24-2008, 09:54 PM

Check Costco's. I got one at Christmas that is a remote. Haven't got it on the trailer, but hope to this weekend. Around a $100.00

quarque · #11 (**permalink**) 05-25-2008, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean Woodruff

It works on the back end of the trailer and you can remove it and use it for hitching up too.

I have a couple of videos on the product page on my web site.

OK Sean, since you sell these things maybe you can fill in the missing specs. What battery is used in each end? What is the battery life? Does it have any auto-off or battery-saving features? Can you easily adapt either end to a hard-wired install (for power)? Will it run off 12V?