Where Do I Mount My RV Backup Camera? (Explained)

Many RVers made the switch to backup cameras to help them see, keep things safe, and find that perfect parking spot.

If you’re putting off investing in an RV backup camera because you are unsure of where to mount it, you have come to the right place. We will be discussing where you can mount your RV backup camera.

In addition to this, we will also look at the different types of RV backup cameras available on the market and the best motorhome backup camera brands:

What Are The Different Types Of Motorhome Backup Cameras That You Can Purchase?

It’s highly likely that you already know what an RV backup camera is if you debate purchasing one.

Yet, did you know that there are primarily two types of RV backup cameras that you can purchase and mount onto your motorhome? Below we have briefly looked into the two options that are often used by RVers, and we have briefly listed the brands you need to consider.

Motorhome enthusiasts trust these brands, so you’re unlikely to encounter any issues if you purchase an RV backup camera from them. Additionally, most of these brands include easy-to-follow instructions on how to mount their specific cameras, which you can use in conjunction with our explanation of how to mount an RV rearview backup camera.

Wireless RV Backup Cameras:

You will note that wireless motorhome backup cameras do not require extensive wire runs through your RV.

Wireless backup cameras are not hardwired and are therefore much neater and far easier to install. This type of backup camera is perfect for those who want to complete a backup camera installation independently.

If you are tech-savvy and know how to set up an RV backup camera monitor, this could be the better option for you.

A wireless motorhome backup camera will have either digital or analog technology that signals the monitor directly from the rearview camera. They provide superior picture quality compared to analog wireless backup cameras.

However, there is a downside to using wireless backup cameras for your motorhome. If the signal becomes weak, you could lose signal altogether, and then you would be unable to see anything on your monitor because the camera would have stopped transmitting a live feed.

That’s why some RVers still prefer to use wireless analog backup cameras. These backup camera systems still lose signal, but often you would still be able to make out a slightly blurry image.

Best Wireless RV Backup Camera Brands:

• Haloview
• Furrion Vission

Wired RV Backup Cameras:

Wired motorhome backup cameras are still the most reliable backup camera type you can buy.

Yet, this reliability comes at a cost because they are usually much harder to install and take slightly longer to mount when compared to wireless RV backup cameras. With a wired RV backup camera, you will need to run cabling through the floor, the ceiling, or underneath your RV when you are setting it up.

Some people don’t like this aspect of a wired camera system because it can be visible depending on how well you or your technician ran the cabling.

A wired RV backup camera has wiring that runs directly from the camera through to the monitor near the driver’s seat or in the front of a truck or towing vehicle. Since the system is wired, you will have a better and more consistent, and reliable signal.

Even though digital wireless camera technology is newer and improved, it still experiences more signal strength issues when compared to wired RV backup camera systems.

Best Wired RV Backup Camera Brands:

• Rear View Saftey
• Voyager

Where To Mount An RV Backup Camera On All Motorhome Types:

As a general rule, you can mount a rearview RV backup camera in the same place on all motorhome times.

No matter if you have a Class A, B, C, toy hauler, fifth wheel, or travel trailer, you will mount it in the same place. However, you will have to adjust according to your rigs size and your sight preferences regarding angles and field of view.

The place you will mount your RV backup camera is below your motorhomes clearance lights. Even if your clearance lights are fairly low, you can still mount your rearview backup camera below them.

Additionally, suppose you are using a wireless rearview backup camera. In that case, you will want to mount it below the clearance lights, but you also need to ensure you mount it as far over on the driver’s side of your motorhome as possible. You will want to mount it as far as possible on the driver’s side because a wireless signal needs to travel through your motorhome.

Mounting it in this position allows the signal to easily travel along a clearer path to reach the receiver that your monitor locates at the front of your RV.

Moreover, some RV experts have stated that if you have a fifth wheel motorhome and you want to mount a wireless rearview camera, you should mount it below the RVs clearance lights and on the bumper if possible. Many recommend this method for fifth wheels because the bumper is an all-metal structure and is thus the strongest point at the rear of your RV.

Yet, you should also note that if you mount your rearview backup camera higher and away from ground level, you will likely get a better vantage point than if you mounted it closer to the ground.

Essentially, as long as you mount a wired or wireless rearview backup camera below the clearance lights of your motorhome, you can place it anywhere that you receive a line of vision that you are happy with.

Are RV Backup Cameras Useful?

Ultimately, RV backup cameras make driving a motorhome an easier experience.

Many motorhome manufacturers have made backup camera pre-wiring a standard feature. Additionally, certain motorhome brands have specifically included a complete backup camera system as a standard feature, while others are optional.

With an RV backup camera-equipped, you will find it much easier to see what is happening at the rear of your motorhome. It makes backing up easier and allows you to see any safety hazards behind you while trying to maneuver. Additionally, with an RV backup camera-equipped, you will be able to eliminate the dangers associated with having a blind spot.

Motorhome backup cameras allow you to see the traffic on the road in real-time while you are driving, no matter how big your rig is. You are much more likely to see better even with a large RV.

Essentially, this means that if you’re using an RV backup camera, you are less likely to get into an accident while driving or towing your motorhome.

Another reason why RV backup cameras are useful is because you can use them as an added security feature. Not everyone travels with others, and not everyone likes to exit their RV at night when they don’t know who could be outside. If you mount an RV backup camera to your RV, you won’t need to exit your motorhome when you want to investigate what is going outside at the rear of your motorhome.

Lastly and perhaps most importantly, RV backup cameras are incredibly useful for beginner RVers. Having a backup camera mounted to your motorhome if you are a beginner RVer will help reduce your anxiety about towing or driving a large motorhome.

The less anxious you are, the more you will enjoy your RV adventures and the less likely you will be to get into an accident.

Citations:

How And RV Backup Camera Can Keep You Safe

Best Place To Mount A Backup Camera On A Fifth Wheel

RV Backup Camera Installation Guide