Hello all. Always appreciative of the wisdom from the sages on this forum. I have a 2017 F-150 XLT 2.7 EB with the 302A package and the standard tow package. I just bought a 16 foot camper weighing 2500 pounds dry weight. This is a little lighter than what I have been towing the last 2 years but maybe more wind resistance. I towed it home several hundred miles and did not have any issues or problems. My question is it came with a “prewired” mount for a backup camera. Photo attached. The best I can tell it is a Furion type but has no markings and may be generic. I saw this info on the Edmund’s Automotive site:

“Back-up camera systems come in three basic types:

Camera-only systems that can be added to a car that already has a stock in-dash screen.
Individual camera and display components purchased separately.
All-in-one systems that include a camera and a display.
Camera-only systems are straightforward and usually lower in cost since they simply integrate into the car's electrical system to display images on a stock in-dash screen.

"The key is using the correct interface to get the video signal from the aftermarket camera into the factory screen," says Derek Kenney, owner of Sound in Motion, an aftermarket car electronics shop in the Boston area. Beyond this, the biggest issues to note with a camera-only system are typically the camera type and quality and how it's mounted to the vehicle. More on this in a bit.”

However I have not seen anything about a camera only system. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this and if anyone had any recommendations whether camera only or not. Thanks. Raleigh Sanford.

 

I don't know much about these types but I can tell you the Furion back up camera on my Solitude 5th wheel with a wireless communication to the receiver in my truck works well. I think they start out at about $400.

 

Thanks for the reply. You said the "wireless communication to the receiver in my truck works well." Do you mean communication to the receiver that came with the camera kit or to the factory screen in the truck. Thanks again.

 

It works well with the receiver that came with it. 03 trucks did not come with a camera screen on the radio. I don’t know if the camera will pair with another aftermarket or an oem radio.

 

Rsanford, the term "prewired" for a camera system is a bit misleading. All that means is the shark fin mount(in your pic) has been tapped into the running lights and usually has a barrel connector to conveniently provide power for a wireless camera system. The wiring does not carry any type of video or audio signal. If you remove the hatch cover you will likely find the barrel connector or two wires (+/- dc12v). This dc power is usually only energized when connected to the tow vehicle with the running lights on. There is a chance the wiring is connected to the backup lights and only energizes while in reverse, there are other wiring configurations out there so you will only know once you open it up. Most current travel trailers have this convenience but honestly as your picture reflects, the running light is literally 2 inches from the mount. Your picture does not appear to be a Furrion brand shark fin, at least not the current version. That's no problem because the shark fin is easily replaceable if you buy a true Furrion system and the power connection is already in place. There are many brands of cameras ranging from $50 to $1,000. The Furrion brands are quite expensive starting at $400 for a single camera and 4.3" screen but they appear to be superior to the cheaper ones. I went with another brand for around $100 but it cuts in and out particularly while driving. I think I will eventually get the Furrion S7 with the rear and side cameras but wow that's about $800. Anyway, I hope this helps.

 

I installed a wireless camera on my TT that uses WiFi to send the video to my cell phone or I-Pad. I decided that I didn't need a "full time" rear camera, since I only use it primarily for parking. Camera attached easily to rear of trailer using 3M trim tape, and tapped into the center clearance lamp. Less than a hundred bucks on Amazon.

 

I plan on installing a rear view camera on my camper as well, tapping into the center marker light for power. I want it to be full time because I plan on towing a small fishing boat back there. There will be a solid 50' between the camera and the cab of the truck [camper is 36']. Amazon has a bunch. Any recommendations?

 

As I commented a couple of posts back, if you need to use this while driving you will likely need to purchase one of the more expensive brands(i.e. Furrion), my cheaper brand works okay while backing into a spot, but it really cuts out while driving. One thing that makes life a little easier with a trailer and a camera is to use Forscan to program your parking lamps to be on while in "auto" mode during the daylight hours so you don't have to manually turn on your parking lamps to engage your running lights on the trailer.

 

Yeah I think you're right about spending a little more $. I dug up another thread on the subject and I'm leaning towards the ZEROXCLUB on Amazon for $240. Got some pretty good reviews and apparently good customer service.

 

Let us know how it works for you. Good luck.

 

I bought a wireless from Amazon for less than $100 that has a range of over 100', clear picture and doesn't freeze. Mounted behind my 28' travel trailer. Was so impressed that I bought another and mounted the camera in my boat. I wired it via toggle switch to turn on when towing and off without a tow.
I'm able to see tailgaters as well as anyone walking behind the boat while backing up to launch.

 

Can you provide a link to the one you purchased?

 

Price increased $10 since I bought mine.

 

I am going to give this one a try, just ordered it. I will move my less effective one to my 5x8 cargo trailer and try this one on my 33ft Jayco. I hope it works as well for me as it does for you. Thanks.

 

Best to put a toggle switch between the 12v lead and the monitor to be able to turn it on and off.
The camera is connected the trailer's center running lights and is activated when the lights are on but I'm sure you knew that already.
Best of luck.