Reversing camera plus other Qs

MojoMaker

Hi all,

On the look out for someone in the Leinster area that would supply and/or fit a basic reversing camera with screen to an older coach-built M/H.

At the same time I'm looking for someone (or an organisation) that could give a once-over on my electrical setup, just to be sure it's optimised for the medium term. It's a '97 TEC-built camper.

These may or may not be the same person/org but I figured this community would have some good leads.

MojoMaker

Any ideas folks?

Itineoman

If you’re anyway handy it’s easy to fit a wireless camera. I got a cheap and cheerful one a few years ago to replace the one that came with the van when new. I think I paid about €60 for it. It’s just about ok. If you spend a bit more I’d imagine you’d have a good quality product.

MojoMaker

I'm not unfortunately 😂

Would appreciate a look over my electrical setup by someone familiar with camper vans. Was thinking Auto electrician would probably be able to sort the camera, but wasn't 100% on whether they would be good for the leisure battery setup, inverter, solar connection etc. What I have seems to be work - I've no complaints, but I've also no idea if it's good or just satisfactory, and whether some sensible tweaks would be recommended etc.

Where's good to look for a reversing camera/screen setup? Is it the kind of thing that people trust the likes of Temu for?

celtic_oz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122367740#Comment_122367740

Watch some of the reviews on youtube here

Flipperdipper

You could try this crowd, they have a good reputation. https://www.maynoothmotorhomes.ie/

WildWater

I just finished an upgrade of my reversing camera. Old one had pretty much given up. It was never great to being with. B&W and a old CRT screen that was slow to warm up, but it had got to the point where the image was pretty much useless. I had priced an upgade after I bought the van and it is as serious money, so I just lived with what we had. Anyway, I purchased a set of Temu. I had bought some bits and bobs from Temu before and was very happy with everything so decided to give this a go. (You need to allow about 2 weeks for delivery for anything from Temu.)

Installation is just one of those jobs that's a PITA. Because my system was so old, I had to run a new cable. That took a bit of time and effort! I followed the route of the old cable which was out from under the dash to the engine bay, then back along under the van and up through the garage. A good way to do it and a piece of cake if you had a lift or a pit. Which, unfortunately, I don't! For me it was a case of waiting for a dry day, getting in under the van working my way front to back. Overall, the job requires more determination than skill. Trying to feed a fitting from point a to point b could be 1 minute or more likely an hour or more! Just no telling when you might run into a bit of a stumbling block.

Anyway, value for money this is 5 Stars. I paid €37 for my kit! And since I did the job myself, that was my total spend. I can't testify as to how long any of the components last, but I'm very happy with them. If the screen or camera goes the it will be just back onto Temu/Amazon for a new one. I expect them to last but seriously, if you had to replace the camera or screen after a season or two it's still for peanuts. Also replacing the screen would be a five minute job. Replacing the camera, probably about an hour. The hard work is in running the new cable, but I should never have to do that again.


Would I do it again? Absolutely.

Calahonda52

WW, is it on all the time or wired through the reverse switch?

A picture of where the screen ins would be great!

Thank

Itineoman

I cheated and used the old cable from the dead unit as a power supply. Mine’s on all the time. Sometimes useful as a third rear view mirror.

And: OP any indie or backyard mechanic can fit it for you - I know the motorhome specialists tend to be booked up for geological timespans.

MojoMaker

Cheers chaps, that's great. Could I trouble anyone for a link to a good product from Temu? Perhaps the kit you ordered @WildWater ?

WildWater

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122441543#Comment_122441543

The kit I got from Temu was cheap and cheerful and doesn't have a connection for wiring to the reverse switch. (Although you can probably get a kit that does.) Thus, it is an on all the time or turn it on as you need it. The one I got has an on off button on the top of the adapter. This is a very handy way to turn it on and off and it comes on instantly. It's also very close to the gear stick so basically using the same hand.

I could have mine wired directly to the fuse box, but then I need to turn it on/off on the monitor itself. That's not a major issue but as I have it to the right of the steering wheel, I think it will actually be easier to use the cigarette adapter and its button. I'll see, I've not fully decided. It depend on whether I would leave it on most of the time or just use it while reversing.

Either way, it's really simple to turn on/off. I think I'll probably leave it off unless I'm reversing. Basically, if I'm coming into a situation where I might have to reverse just turn it on.

Calahonda52

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122441743#Comment_122441743

Depends how neat you want it done

WW thanks for the pics and intel, much obliged