Technology doesn’t have all the answers, but occasionally, a gadget comes round that changes the game. In our opinion, the reversing camera is one such gadget. If you’re anything like us, you go on the road to get away from technology, the news and modern life for a while. But we’re not savages. We travel in a motorhome after all, so we also appreciate a little modernity and the comfort it brings. Flushing toilets, a working stove, some heating when it gets cold, and a reversing camera. We had been driving and parking our motorhomes for years without a reversing camera. But there are so many benefits to having one and parking and manoeuvring is so easy now, this is one of the few times we wonder what we did before having one. If you’re considering investing in a reversing camera for your motorhome, we can strongly recommend it!

What is a reversing camera?

A reserving camera is exactly that, a camera that can help with reversing. It is placed on the rear of a motorhome and connects to a screen on your dashboard. Rather than using just wing mirrors and the help of a partner or friend, it provides a clear view of what’s behind. Some systems use a single camera while others can use multiple cameras to provide a 360 degree view or bird’s eye view.

How do reversing cameras work?

The camera(s) will attach to the rear of the vehicle and be angled to provide a full view of the entire rear of your motorhome. Some cameras will replace your reversing light or boot handle while others can be placed at the top lip of your roof. They are connected to your vehicle and can detect when you engage reverse gear and will activate automatically. They will then show the rear view on the screen so you can manoeuvre safely. Dual mode cameras will provide a rear view when driving too. As most motorhomes don’t have a central rearview mirror, this can add significantly to your awareness of what’s around you. When in motion, you can see clearly behind you and when parking, you’ll see the standard parking mode. Some reversing cameras will overlay a grid so you can see the size of your vehicle as a graphical overlay. Some will also have audio, so anyone who is helping you park can be heard without shouting.

Wired or wireless reversing camera?

Some reversing cameras are wired and will require running a wire to the screen at the front. Others are wireless and will beam the video signal to the screen. Both work fine and have their pros and cons. Pros of wired cameras include:
  • Better image quality
  • Less susceptible to signal loss or interference
  • Don’t rely on batteries to power wireless unit
  • Option for multiple cameras
Cons of wired cameras include:
  • Can be more expensive than wireless
  • Takes longer to install
Pros of wireless cameras include:
  • Easier to install
  • Can be cheaper than wired cameras
  • Good for small vehicles
  • Option for multiple cameras
Cons of wireless cameras include:
  • Inferior image quality compared to wired cameras
  • Can suffer from signal loss or interference
  • Can require batteries
As you can see, both wired and wireless reversing cameras have pros and cons. Overall, of the two, we tend to recommend wired more often than wireless options. The image quality can make a real difference to how you perceive a space, especially in low light or inclement conditions.

Considerations when choosing a reversing camera

Like any accessory we add to our motorhomes, we want the best product possible. A product that delivers the features we need without breaking the bank. So, what should you consider when shopping for a reversing camera? Here are a few things we recommend bearing in mind when choosing a camera:

Wired or wireless

As we mentioned, you can get both wired and wireless reversing cameras. Both have their pros and cons and you’ll need to decide which is best for you and your motorhome.

Screen mounting position

Most screens will have a flexible mount that can be affixed to the windscreen or attached to the dashboard or vent. We recommend selecting a camera that attaches to a vent as it won’t mark your windscreen and won’t leave screw holes in your dashboard.

Viewing angle

We recommend reversing cameras with a moderate viewing angle. You want to see as much as possible without the view being distorted by trying to show too much. We tend to suggest cameras with 180 – 250 degree viewing angles. That’s enough to clearly see what’s going on without being so wide that the image doesn’t seem real and distances and angles are hard to gauge.

Weatherproof camera

We regard having a weatherproof camera a must. Even if you tour only in the summer, rain is always a possibility. Having IP-66 or IP-67 (Ingress Protection) rating means you can leave your camera in place without having to worry about the weather.

Small camera

Despite reversing cameras being present on most motorhomes now, we still want them to blend in and be as subtle as possible. Ideally, you’ll have a small camera that won’t stand out while providing an excellent view of the rear of your motorhome. If the camera comes in your motorhome’s body colour or integrates into an exterior fitting, all the better!

Audio input/microphone

A camera microphone isn’t essential but it’s definitely nice to have if someone is helping you park. Being able to pick up speech without having to shout is a definite bonus, especially if you’re pitching late in the evening or early in the morning!

Multiple cameras

Some reversing camera systems use multiple cameras to provide wider coverage, a birds-eye view or 360 degree visibility. These are another optional extra you may benefit from. A single reversing camera is game changing while surround view can add an extra element of confidence if you regularly manoeuvre in tight spaces.

Dual function/dual lens

Some of the better reversing cameras have a dual function. They help you park when you need them but also act as a rearview when driving. Not all cameras can function like this and we find those that do provide a lot more awareness of what’s going on around you when travelling.

Reversing cameras for motorhomes

We may have driven motorhomes for decades without them, but there’s no doubt that a reversing camera is a piece of technology we wouldn’t be without. We would recommend the Ranger 440 Clip Over Mirror Monitor/Duel Slimline Camera System, this really is the best reversing camera we have found.  With duel cameras for driving and reversing, it has great viewing angles, amazing picture quality,  and a microphone to hear if anyone is behind you. The advantages are too many and the downsides too few. Plus, anything that makes driving on the roads safer and easier definitely gets our seal of approval! Check out Motorhome Workshops range of reversing cameras, or if you need any help or have any questions about reversing camera types and installation. Contact one of our team today and we’ll be happy to help.
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