Back Up Camera Mod (That won't drain Pod battery!)

You have to decide whether you want a back-up camera or a rear view camera. A back-up camera is only in use when the truck is in reverse. The rear view camera is in use anytime the truck is turned on: day or night, forward or reverse, campground or highway. It enables you to see directly behind your R-POD while driving down the highway; a really nice thing.

The camera/monitor hardware for either application is the same. The only difference is how you hook up the power to the camera and monitor. For back-up use the camera is hooked up to the rear backup light (not the brake light) on the Pod the same as recommended for the truck. For rear view use the camera and monitor must be hooked up to 12 volt sources independent of the backup lights.

I bought a wireless camera and display from Rear View Safety. The camera is installed high up and centered on the rear of the R-Pod. It's mounted to the black spoiler/clearance light bar. I brought the power wire over to the left edge of the roof, down the side of the Pod a few inches, and through the side wall into the Pod interior. Lots of silicone caulking applied. Inside it is connected to a continuous source of 12 volts. Provisions are made to disconnect the camera from power inside the trailer to avoid draining the trailer battery when not in use. 

SteveC,

The model is RVS-7706123W. It works well day and night. The dusk/evening view is even better than my eyes. The total darkness view with the infrared is OK, but best for watching bears sneak up on the back of the RPOD at night.  Being wireless it's subject to some interference, particularly in populated areas such as gas stations. DO NOT back up in gas stations without a wife  lookout!


The IR LEDs show up as reflections from the i-Phone flash. At night they glow red.... and suck on the battery. Be sure to provide a disconnect when you're not using the camera.

Happy podding,