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Topic: Camera locations for driving and security.  (Read 530 times) previous topic - next topic

Camera locations for driving and security.

     Well I'm finally getting around to installing a new camera system.  It's got 4 cameras.  2 for front and rear and 2 for the sides.  From what I read thru searching is that I don't really need one for drivers side. It's also obvious cause I can just look out the window, duh....  Same for the front camera but for that's where the security part comes in.
 
    I'm hopeful that I can leave it on when parked as well as driving. So for that reason I'm thinking I don't really need it switched or even tied to the turn signal ( I want to know who's on the passenger side ... before I hit the turn signal ).
 
  What I wanted was a system that showed the sky view just like the Lexus has but for a few reasons that's not gonna happen.

    Now for the Forum question..  how high should I mount the side cameras. ???    Lower would be the easiest to wire and miss some of the awning brackets and stuff but I suppose higher is a better view ?  I've read about mounting them on the mirrors but are they happy with that position.  ( think it was Journey,Roam that did that ).    If nothing else I guess I could go to a RV store and check out new coaches but figured if the opinion was posted here it could help the next guy. 

    All opinions are welcome, even about the leaving them on as security opinions.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Camera locations for driving and security.

Reply #1 –
On our 5th wheel, I had blink cameras mounted up high for security purposes. It worked well and I could get a good view of both the front door and storage bays with a single camera. They were high enough that you could not sneak up on them and disable them.

That said, these coaches are really heard to break into and a camera system that doesn't alert you to motion isn't going to stop someone from doing so, so I'd probably put priority on the value they add when driving.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Camera locations for driving and security.

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Elliott –
On our 5th wheel, I had blink cameras mounted up high for security purposes. It worked well and I could get a good view of both the front door and storage bays with a single camera. They were high enough that you could not sneak up on them and disable them.

That said, these coaches are really heard to break into and a camera system that doesn't alert you to motion isn't going to stop someone from doing so, so I'd probably put priority on the value they add when driving.


 Leaning toward lower. When we had vandalism on our cars the police said they needed facial recognition and with crooks wearing hoodies. Well there's that.
  Probably just above the bumper on our GV.
    I'll post a pic.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Camera locations for driving and security.

Reply #3 –
Not real sure about the security value--kind of sounds like "locking the barn door after the horse is gone."  I have driven an RV with just side mirrors and back-up camera for 18 years.  Our new to us FT has three cameras: both sides and a rear view.  I continue to find the rear view is most important, especially for passing, eg, clearance when changing lanes.  Properly aligned side mirrors seem to give me all the information I need to maneuver.  The side cameras are at best redundant and at worst, distracting.  Just my opinion.
Old Scout
2015 IH45
New Braunfels Tx

Re: Camera locations for driving and security.

Reply #4 –
Here.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Camera locations for driving and security.

Reply #5 –
The security part will be for evening when all blinds are pulled and curtains closed.  Plus the thing records.  Maybe security is the wrong word. Perhaps awareness would be better term.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Camera locations for driving and security.

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Bob & Sue –
Plus the thing records.
That is a really nice feature. Built in dashcam that captures the sides and back as well. Can you share a link to the system?
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Camera locations for driving and security.

Reply #7 –
Quad Camera install
If your using IR cameras and i do recommend there should be nothing they can reflect IR on aback to camera. I was surprised how long it took me to find the sweet spot, and made a big performance difference.
Scott

Re: Camera locations for driving and security.

Reply #8 –
Not great with the links but here's a pic. Got it from Amazon. 
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Camera locations for driving and security.

Reply #9 –
Robert, I mounted 2 cameras on the back, one looks down at the hitch and front half of hood on the towed the other looks over the top of towed.  Most of the time it stays on the camera looking over the top and I use this to help with clearance when passing.
every 30 to 45 minutes I click over to check the hitch then go back to the top.
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Camera locations for driving and security.

Reply #10 –
Chris.  Would one of those cameras happen to be the license plate holder type. I suppose an adjustable type could work.  Regardless its a great idea.  And.      I do have a single din Panasonic radio ( flip up screen ) that has the capability.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Camera locations for driving and security.

Reply #11 –
See Up grading the Silverleaf laptop

I added a very small camera to the front above the windshield in the middle.  It shows the ground directly in front to the coach.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Camera locations for driving and security.

Reply #12 –
Roger.  It sounds like you have 3 cameras..  one out back. One on the pass side and one in front ?

  I've been looking at a crazy idea??    Could it work if I were to remove the front spot light bulb and mount the camera in the housing ?  That would give me tons of flexibility on right,left and up,down views.  We really never use that overhead ,ill call it a search light so I wouldn't be loosing any function.

  Now I'm hoping someone that has had that light apart for whatever reason can chime in. Ill have to get up there and check it out. It's Just at a crazy angle on the Grand Villas and I'm not fond of leaning a ladder against the front of my coach.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Camera locations for driving and security.

Reply #13 –
Bob, we have two in the back, one looking down and one back.  The right side camera lets me see that blind spot.  The left side seems OK. The front camera is a wide angle and almost looks straight down. I can see the front of the coach and a line on the pavement or a curb when they align. Helpful for us in parking lots.

A camera in the spot light would be neat if it works.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Camera locations for driving and security.

Reply #14 –

A camera in the spot light would be neat if it works
[/quote]

How about a camera on the top of the spotlight.

Tim
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel
 

Re: Camera locations for driving and security.

Reply #15 –
A camera on top is possible I think or even the bottom.    And I may use that option.
    Thanks much for the thought.

  Just have to get my happy _ _ _ up there and check it out now.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR