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quoteReversing cameras can certainly reduce your chances of having a motorhome accident. Here we consider the key features of motorhome reversing cameras and how they can reduce your insurance premium.
Image courtesy of Trailer Vision
If you own an A-Class or large coachbuilt motorhome, you’ll know that manoeuvring, parking or reversing without a camera or sensor is not always straightforward. Chances are you paid a lot of money for your motorhome so it makes sense to protect it from being damaged by a bump or scrape.
If you’re still debating whether or not to invest in a reversing camera, we have a few statistics that might just surprise you…
- Of all the motorhome damaged claims handled by our claims team in 2012, 10.2% were from customers who had hit an immobile object or a third party when reversing.
- These bumps and scrapes may have seemed minor at first, but in fact the average reversing claim costs a surprising £1,504.
Reversing camera systems for motorhomes are very similar to those available for touring caravans. They are categorised as being wired or wireless and they usually feature a monitor (usually fixed to the dashboard) and adjoining camera (fixed to the back of the motorhome).
Image courtesy of Trailer Vision
Motorhome Reversing Camera Features
If you’re new to reversing cameras and aren’t not sure what to look for, here are some details on the different features available:
Wired or Wireless
As the name suggests, wired reversing cameras use a connective cable from the monitor viewing screen to the camera. Wired systems offer improved picture quality and compared with wireless models, there’s less chance of signal interference. Wired systems tend to be more expensive though so you will need to be prepared to spend that little bit more.
Camera: Single or Twin Camera or Tilt
A twin camera allows the driver to see further behind the motorhome which gives better visibility and means that potential blind spots are covered. Twin systems are also useful when driving on motorways as drivers can see vehicles further in the distance and judge movements easier. Twin cameras are less likely to break than motorized tilts but then usually cost more.
Audio Facility
There are systems available that mount a microphone on the camera at the back of the motorhome. This means that information can be relayed from a person outside the vehicle directly to the driver.
Mirrors
Reversing cameras that have a mirror facility allow the image shown on the monitor to be turned horizontally to give a better idea of positioning.
Screen sizes
Most monitors come in either 5″ or 7″ varieties – larger screens offer more visibility, better resolution and can be connected up to external equipment to use as screens for DVDs/cameras etc.
System mounts
Cameras do come in different varieties so you may need to invest in more substantial bracket mounts depending on which system you go for. For the monitor, there are different types of sucker or adhesive mounts to choose from.
Charging
Many systems have USB Charging points on the screens allowing you to charge up the device while driving
Other features available include:
- Automatic or manual switch on
- Loudspeaker (on systems with microphone facility)
- Colour camera
- Water-proof microphone
- Electronic brightness adjustment
- Integrated infrared night vision
Nowadays, most new motorhomes will have a reversing camera fitted as standard or will offer one as an optional extra. Your dealer might be able to recommended a system so it’s well worth asking their advice before you buy. If you’re looking for a reversing camera that also features a sensor which beeps when necessary, again, it’s worth speaking to your dealer.
Over to you…
Have you considered fitting a reversing camera to your motorhome? Or if you have one already we’d love to hear your views. Just add your comments below or share your stories or pictures on the Caravan Guard Facebook page.
After looking in to our claims stats, we’re confident that fitting a parking sensor or rear view camera to your motorhome can reduce the likelihood of you making an accidental damage claim. With this in mind, we offer a 2.5% insurance discount for motorhomes that have either a reversing camera or reversing sensor/s fitted.*
*The device must be a proprietary make (i.e. not homemade) and must be kept in full working order.
My Rapido M966 had a reversing camera fitted by Rapido it was connected to the 7″ radio/DVDs//TV/CD the the unit is mounted in the dashboard in a double DIN opening the unit lasted one month , sent away for repair replacement , this was July 2009 a replacement was finally supplied in 2010 March it is a Pioneer but the rear view (which originally had a mic which only worked when it felt like it.) the rear view camera and performance on the screen is poor. Would there be any problems just changing the camera ? By the way the camera only works when reverse is engaged. I am thinking there must be a hard wired connection too the screen/radio/cd unit , or would it be better to start from scratch with a camera and screen unit?
Hi John, you might be as well speaking to a camera specialist such as Trailer Vision: http://trailervision.co.uk/index.php?main_page=page&id=16
I’ve read previous comments and they are very helpful.
However two aspects have not been covered, to my knowledge, they are monitor size , is 9 too big”? and is there an advantage in paying extra for 4 pin cable connectors?
Any views will be welcome before I take the plunge
I live in sandhurst Berks.i have trying to get my rearview camera on my Adria panel van upgraded or replaced to one that records….any ideas where I can get a supply and fit.????
A list of Trailer Vision stockists can be found here: http://trailervision.co.uk/index.php?main_page=page&id=11 or alternatively you could try a local Adria dealership, which sells rearview cameras which record. Hope this helps?
Bailey motorhomes are pre-wired for Waeco cameras which are CCD and have infra red for night time. Therefore, should be less costly and less van pulling apart. Unfortunately, the wiring is for a single camera only.
If you tour in Europe get two cameras and fit one to your left hand door mirror facing forward, it will give you a better view forward when overtaking, unless of course you have a LHD
There are a few things I’d suggest to anyone thinking about one of these:
1. Have the monitor near one or other of the mirrors. Mine is in the stereo in the middle of the dash, giving a third place to look when reversing. Much better to have it near a mirror.
2. Get a CCD camera, not a CMOS one – they cost a little more, but are a lot better.
3. If you have one with IR LEDs, make sure the LEDs are not behind the same bit of glass as the camera lens – or dirt on the glass (there always is dirt on a reversing camera) makes the glare reflect and obscure the picture.
4. Wire it so that the camera is powered whenever the ignition is on, so it doesn’t freeze up in winter.
Hi Iain, some really useful tips here thank you. Especially helpful to people thinking of investing in a reversing camera or those who are new to using them.
Many thanks,
Lucie
I bought a cheapy on ebay for £39.99 and it came with all necessary equipment . Couldn,t live without it now its brill and so cheap. Its a no brainer.
Noticed your positive comment about reverse camera you bought from ebay can you give me more details I what to buy one for my husbands xmas thanks
Hi Marianne,
I’ve had a quick look on eBay – there is a Wireless rear view camera kit (including fitting equipment) available for £39.99. See here for details. It looks as though they’ve sold thousands of this particular model, so it may well be the one Waynne referred to in his earlier comment.
Many thanks
Lucie
Caravan Guard
thanks for fielding that question lucy and it is very similar to the one i purchased
No problem at all Waynne! Happy to help 🙂
Thanks mdk, the security comment fits with my thinking, plus my satnav is on the dashboard and it would get cluttered with another monitor.
I had a dash mounted monitor in my previous motorhome and on a bright day it was useless even with a shroud on.
When i took the motorhome for its habitation service and had to leave it the dealer insisted i took the monitor out as it attracted thieves.
I now have a monitor that clips on my interior mirror and its fine even on bright days but the resolution is not quite as good as dash mounted monitor on the colours but otherwise great.
some times they cause miner bumps people realy to must on them
Apart from the normal high level camera, I fitted a small keyhole camera in the number plate surround for when the back box or bikes are on the bike rack and slightly blocking visability. Flick of a switch on the monitor to change from one to the other.
That’s a great idea Bill. Feel free to share further details, I’m sure everyone would find it useful.
I wonder if anyone has comments to make regarding the relative merits of a rear view mirror mounted moniter as opposed to one mounted on the dashboard. My own view is that a dashboard mounted one could attract thiefs.
Always check the visibility of the screen on a bright day before buying. I have a GPS screen that completely disappears in sunlight which is useless for reversing.