Wireless caravan reversing camera recommendations
I am looking for a camera that will transmit to my iPhone? I do not want yet another screen cluttering up the dashboard. Any recommendations? It is only for use as a reversing aid.
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I have a Falcon Technology wireless, re-chargeable camera which transmits a picture to my iPhone. Has a magnetic mount which sits on a metal plate glued to the van body so no drilling required to mount it. Works well as a reversing camera but I bought it for rear-view purposes and the wide angle lens (required for reversing), tends to distort distances so it's not ideal for continuous use. It lasts for more than 4 hours on a single charge.
Our last rig was a Barcelona on the back of a VW Touareg - and it coped with that distance perfectly but our new van has an aluminium clad body and the signal won't get through.
Happy to sell it if you're interested.
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Hi flatcoat,r&r, Not something I had considered so just had a quick look, via Google, and very surprised at the range of devices available.(parkingcameras.com)
There are some very interesting comments but the first thing I noticed was the cost!
I can see advantages to having one but my brief look suggest that wireless set ups can be problematic regarding battery life.
This would not be a problem for one just attached to reverse but can also see, as many comment,, the advantage of having a camera for a rear view whilst towing especially when abroad and driving on the 'wrong; side.
Maybe others have suggestions for different systems?
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I can see advantages to having one but my brief look suggest that wireless set ups can be problematic regarding battery life.
I believe the Falcon camera has a battery life of about 8 hours, but I have only tested mine for about 4 - which is as long as I want to be towing, anyway!
It is a very useful addition to mirrors because you can spot the idiot who insists in tucking himself right behind the van, which even the best of mirrors won't show, but, as I said, when used for that purpose, as opposed to just reversing, the distance appears very distorted to the extent that one car length appears to be 10 or more.
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Thanks for the replies. I should have said i want to live wire it (probably into reversing lights or side running lights). Battery operated units generally get poor reviews for battery life and we often drive 8-10 hours on long haul trips.
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Looked at this and concluded that it would be better to fit hard wired by fitting a number plate light (or number plate frame) with camera and run cables to front locker. power from side lights and reverse trigger from rear lights. Then use a Bluetooth repeater to your chosen device in the car.
This has the advantage of low cost, better signal to phone, no holes in the van, no batteries in circuit so always available if van is plugged to car.
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Ive got the cheapest reversing aid ,,very loud wife !!
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Hi, I've just purchased a wireless rear view camera from Falcon Technology to send image to my android phone - they claim it will work well - the image is very clear but it keeps 'freezing' or locking - then losing connection - not at all happy with my £179. purchase as advertised through CAMC magazine.
Falcon have tried to help nut so far unable to resolve the problem.
Any suggestions?
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Hello,
`I am a solo caravaner (brand new) and want to get into Europe by March 2020. I am waiting for my caravan to be delivered at the moment. I have been searching, remember I am new to this, and spoke to a number of good engineers, but cant find a sound hard wired system which does not have a screen on the dash. My preference would be to have it wired to the car sat nav screen (will have a 'full on dash' sat nave system) or perhaps to my iPhone. Having spoken to a few engineers I have yet to be convinced that such a system exists!
Has anyone and clues for this beginner please?
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Why do you want a reversing camera. Is it for pitching or for seeing when you are clear after overtaking. If your pitching up just get out and see where you are in relation to your surroundings, if overtaking you usually get a flash from somebody when you indicate you want to pull back in. just get a motor mover and you can stand and watch when pitching. My wife has a brain injury and cannot do much without help and I cope with a 8 meter twin axle towed by a Jeep. I just have to keep getting out and looking how much room I have left. My Swift has a camera and has never worked.
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Long distance solo caravanning In Europe, a camera must be a useful tool. Reversing onto a site is very secondary.
I remain unconvinced about the technical systems suggested by any number of suppliers other than the WiFi systems are not up to the task. The search continues.
I hope to get my caravan in two weeks time. Quite excited!
Thank you for the info.
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I had a rear view camera mounted inside a rear window in my van. It was excellent when overtaking slow HGVs on the motorway because you could be certain you were clear, similarly for cyclists. As an aid to reversing, not so good as the van and the car are often pointing in different directions. I have now changed my van and no longer have a rear window. I miss the security of the camera and am trying to find a way of fitting it without drilling holes.
Regards,
Ray Rowe
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In the process of looking at this at the moment and I want a blind side camera as much as a reverse one. Biggest problem I have in turning sharp right out onto a narrow lane worrying about the back left hitting a gate as the rear swing is totally out of site. Wife not too keen in heavy rain outside checking!
Considering a system that uses a clip on screen over the inside reverse mirror and a switch to turn off the blind side camera when not wanted.
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The user and all related content has been Deleted User1
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I got a £15 wifi camera from the Internet and it works just fine. Mounted with a very small screw to a blind hole in the aluminium surround to the rear window and tapped in via a switch to the 12 volt power to the toilet pump I do not have a satelite navigation system (since I know how to navigate) so a repurposed out-of-fashion iPhone is the only screen on the dash.
It is for me to view the activities behing while travelling. I'm surprised just how big a vehicle can "tailgate" and not be seen in the side mirrors. It's not a lot of help while reversing as my focus is then on where the caravan should be going, not where it is pointing at at any given moment.
Tip is to mount as high as possible so that it slopes down slightly and the spray on a wet day runs off.
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Hi, just purchased one of these. Unable to find their 'roadvue' app on Google Play Store. What app are you using?
Thanks
Moderator Edit:
Please note that the OP is dated 2019 so it's unlikely that you'll get a response now.
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I fitted 2 years ago a wireless camera at the back and one offside for turning tight corners into site stone walls!
Each of them I powered from the caravan battery bypassing the electronic panel inside so it could be left off as required, having used a fuse inline to protect.Each camera had an on/off switch in the caravan. (You can use the caravan fridge supply which comes from the car - if you can find it in the wiring loom!) Both cameras wired to a repeater at the front using a video extension cable.
The rear camera I mounted underneath and brought the cable up via the bathroom sink drain or you can use any other existing penentration. The chance are they will not have been sealed properly in the first place my the manufacturer or just remove/replace sealant on one side.
Even though camera is underneath it gives a great view behind and when in Europe allows you to see vehicles assiting safe pulling out on motorways
Good luck in finding the right quality camera at a sensible price.
I have not mentioned cameras used as I intend replacing them due to their facia being bad giving poor picture 2 years later (only £10 cameras tried to prove system worked well)
If running cables you may also want to consider a supply for a tracker which if direct off yoiu battery means the main panel will not be switched on which will flatten your battery in storage.My tracker is concealed behind a few difficult to get to panels so i feel fairly certain that if the van was stolen/battery disconnected, when powered up again I would get a tracker signal.
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Currently looking to purchase a camera for the rear of caravan myself, but after reading comments above, do i really need one after caravanning for 15 years without one?
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You don't 'Need' one, but you might 'Want' one and if you fitted one you may very well find it very useful.
A rear view camera is very useful when driving allowing you another view of the road behind you, especially when overtaking. Personally I don't find mine very helpful when reversing the caravan as I am concentrating on looking behind me, and on my wife's directions, rather than on the screen.
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I tried this with a DashCam with local (10m) wifi capability that should also give access to recorded files and a Live View via a phone whilst in the vehicle.
Bought a BlackVue 590X-1CH (£200) but am having no luck connecting with their app via either of the two Android phones we have.
It even went back to UK dealer and they just said No Fault Found.
Loads of complaints about their app not working in GooglePlay.
My assessment is that they are now concentrating on their Cloud capability to do this (for fleet/taxi owners) that then requires the purchase of extra equipment and more expensive units.
My unit is now in use as a DashCam only in the front for retrospective viewing.
My van does have a rear camera fitted at the door catch level (a tailgate) but this is obscured when using a towball-mounted cycle carrier.
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I have one of >these< which I link to a tablet which also runs my sat nav. I don't use it very often but it does work. I think for occasional use they are fine but if you have no rear visibility at all and need something more permanent, I think I would go for a wired system.
peedee
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