How far back/away should the rear view camera "see"? 25'? 50'? 100'? What? I am trying to set our camera up with an appropriate viewing angle, but with the current angle of view I can only see back about 25'. The spacer angle would have to be changed in order to increase the viewing distance.
Our main concern is keeping an eye on the toad, but I also realize there are preferences and safety reasons for setting distance.
I can see the another car if it is right behind my car sitting at a red light. That is about it. If moving I only see my car. If I could see another, he would be tailgating. The important thing is that I can see the tow bar where it attaches to my car.
Take a look at
RV Driver Confidence Course: Part 6 - Better RVing (http://www.betterrving.com/article/rv_tips/rv_rear_view_monitor)
GVs have a nasty blind spot down in front of the passenger. I like to keep my tow bar in sight but have adjusted the rear camera so I can see traffic coming up on my right side. I have the rear monitor more in line with the right side mirror so I can see as much as possible on the right side, especially when changing lanes to make a freeway off ramp. Have a small convex mirror on the big one but still manage have someone sneak into my blind spot a couple of times on trips.
Another reason to have a GPS that gives 2 mile warning on freeway off ramps in unfamiliar territory. 7/10 of a mile does not do it in heavy traffic with copilot asleep in the back. The flat, bus like fronts of the later models make lane changing a lot easier.
Knowing where traffic is at any moment gives a driver a lot more confidence and cuts the stress. Mega mile professional big rig drivers develop a sixth sense of their surroundings but for a lot of RV pilots, every possible aid makes long trips less tiring along with fewer potential mistakes when tired.
Here is a link to setting up a camera, mirrors and other things. Remember that everyone is different so set them up to fit your driving style. It will help as a guide.
RV Driver Confidence Course: Part 6 - Better RVing (http://www.betterrving.com/article/rv_tips/rv_rear_view_monitor)
Keith
We actually measured our rear view, and found the top of the screen is 40'. With that view, I get views of either the bike trailer or the Avalanche, and if someone is behind the Avalanche.
Was very interesting last week backing the short coupled little bike trailer when we realized we could not get out of the parking lot do to the deep drainage drop at the curb edge. We missed that detail when we found a great parking place, a short walk to lunch. But the slice of pie, plus one to go was worth it.