Reversing camera worthwhile?

[TimH]

Hi
Thinking of getting a reversing camera wired into the Tvan during construction.
Just trying to figure out whether they are a worthwhile addition.

Main goal would be to avoid running into posts, trees and small children when I'm backing the Tvan into a spot.
So when backing up, if the camera has a wide enough angle to see posts etc coming up, can you actually tell whether you are going to miss them?

It would be nice to have it always on when travelling however I understand the clash between having it wide angled enough for reversing but narrow enough to see anything useful when driving.

Looks like limited mounting options with the Mk5 Murranji.
The Skyward door thing means that TT mount the camera low down on the back of the water tank rather than up around the numberplate (as in the picture hopefully attached).
So that limits things a bit.

Looking at the Safety Dave stuff, the best fit would be their licence plate camera . However quite a wide view at 150 degrees.
Other choice would be their mini heavy duty one with a 92 degrees view which may be better for getting an idea where things are.

I have a reversing camera on the car (Prado) which I find handy for hitching up and avoiding things when reversing (especially when the back is full of stuff).
So hoping that one on the back of the Tvan would be equally useful.

Tim

[Gumb]

I think one would be handy on my caravan but I can't see the need on the Tvan. It's not a big unit you are backing up and I've found it's the overhead trees which cause most of the problems backing a caravan. They aren't an issue with a Tvan.

[MarkA]

I have the reverse camera set up on my mk 3 and use it full time as a rear view camera. Wouldn't be without it.

[TimH]

Do you know what angle of view your camera has Mark?

[MarkA]

I can't recall numbers but it's a narrow view. I think 90deg. Shows mostly down the road behind the van. If they pull out to overtake I can see them in the side mirrors. It's worth it's weight in gold as I hate the people that sit 6 feet from the tail of the van and become invisible to my normal mirrors. 

[Phil G]

I have a Safety Dave 90 degree camera on my caravan and a 150 degree reversing camera on my Tvan.
The Tvan camera is pretty much useless for seeing traffic behind you.
I think the 90 degree is the best compromise.

[TimH]

Does the 90 degree one give you a reasonable view for reversing Phil?
I figure the reversing vision is the priority and being able to see traffic behind when driving is a bonus if it's viable.

Maybe I should get a drone and have it hover over the Tvan when I'm reversing.
That'd give me a good excuse to buy one   

Tim

[Phil G]

Hi Tim,  yes the 90 degree does but it is mounted high up on the caravan  whereas the camera on the Tvan is mounted low next to the numberplate. 
A 90degree camera next to the numberplate on the Tvan will certainly stop you reversing into the odd tree or post,  but may not cover the corners.
Safety Dave stock a dual camera as well to give you the best of both worlds
https://safetydave.com.au/sd-7-split-screen-reversing-camera-kit/

Here's my Tvan camera  but its a 2003 Mark 1:

[luke]

We have a 130 degree on the top of the tvan, and couldn't live without it.  Though if we did it again, I thought that I'd give one of the dual mode cameras a go.

The 130 is just enough for a rear vision camera. Basically if you can see the vehicle on the screen, they're probably thinking of overtaking, or if the screen barely shoes them, then it's safe to pull back over after overtaking.

From a reversing it's also good,  giving plenty of vision, and nearly showing cars alongside.

We really wouldn't be without it, and it's saved is a couple of times, it also shows the guys that are eager to overtake, which the mirrors can't see.

As mentioned, next time around I'd think about a dual mode (like an rv2l10m), or even possibly just get two separate cameras installed.  Most of the screens have multiple inputs, so is just a button press to change the mode.

[Rob M]

We had an ARB reversing camera fitted by Track during construction of our Topaz in 2015. The concept is excellent.
However, be aware that some reversing cameras (ARB) are for use for short periods when reversing. We wanted rear view all the time. We wanted to know what was behind us so as not to hold up traffic etc.
We had the wiring harness in the vehicle put in so that the camera was on continuously. The camera burnt out in a couple of months and was replaced under warranty.
Make sure that the camera to be fitted is a rear view camera if you want to use it continuously.
Also, we found the screen that was a replacement for the rear view mirror far too small and halved the size of the rear view mirror. A monitor mounted on the dash proved to be a far better option for us.
All that we have left of the original installation is the wiring.
In spite of these issues it is very useful for us.

[TimH]

Thanks for your comments. Very helpful.

The dual camera setup sounds attractive however I was just trying to avoid running dual cables everywhere.
AFAIK dual cameras means dual cables all the way from the monitor to the cameras (including 2 fly leads from the van to the car).
Maybe I should get the dual cables run in the Tvan and just choose which camera that I plug into the car, depending on whether I am setting out or arriving in camp.
If that doesn't work out I could add the extra car cable later.

As I have been reminded by my wife, she is an excellent reversing guide so I'll rarely need a reversing camera for parking except if/when I am kicked out of the house and living in the Tvan by myself   

I see what you mean about the rear view mirror version Rob.
I had something similar on a Commodore some years back and it wasn't a great setup.
The current plan is to get a 6" monitor and find a spot for it on the dash if we use it while travelling. Otherwise it would sit in the glovebox until a reversing opportunity arises.

Tim

[hulbyw]

In our past experience with a camera on the caravan, you don't need the camera mounted high. Ours is on the bumper and worked fine. However having had a camera on the rear of our previous Prado which was mounted to one side (above the number plate) I would always mount a camera as close to the middle of the van as possible. We haven't put a camera on the Tvan mainly because I haven't got around to it and laying co ax cable from the rear of the Prado to the dash monitor is not high on my to do list.
Cheers

[colin.]

we have one on the Tvan and would not be without it I have on all the time when driving and gives a clear view of what is behind and once when had to reverse over 1km would not have done it without it

[Phil G]

Tim, 
I think you'll find that with the dual camera it is still just a single cable - but with maybe a 7 cable instead of a 4 cable lead.
With  both cables the cameras are powered from the same source as the screen, so no wiring to power on the Tvan.
I power mine from accessory power on the vehicle, so the screen turns on and off automatically.

[ccol2621]

I have a reversing camera on the car (Prado) which I find handy for hitching up and avoiding things when reversing (especially when the back is full of stuff).

Is your PRADO reversing camera the standard one? We find  we still need a person to provide guidance when reversing/hitching. Any tips?

Thanks