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A rearview camera isn’t a luxury when you go RVing. It’s a necessity to keep you and others safe. Advances in technology have made them more reliable. If you have an older vehicle, you can still take advantage of the benefits of installing one.
I scoured the RV backup camera reviews and specs to help you find the best one for your rig. Continue reading to learn more about this essential piece of safety equipment.
Backup Cameras to Keep a Lookout For
| Best RV Backup Cameras | Category |
| Rear View Safety Backup Camera System with 7″ Display | Wired 1-Camera System |
| Coolwoo Backup Camera Monitor Kit | Wired Wide Angle Camera System |
| Yeddy Dual Backup Camera with Monitor Kit System | Wired Dual Camera System |
| iStrong Dual Digital Wireless Backup Camera System | Wireless Dual Camera System |
| Xroose Wireless Phone Backup Camera | Wireless Backup Camera for Phone Integration |
| AUTO-VOX M6PRO FHD Camera Kit | Backup Camera with Motion Detection |
A Deeper Look at Our Top Backup Camera Recommendations
Below are in-depth reviews of each of our top picks with tons of product details, what we liked, and what we didn’t like.
Best Wired 1-Camera System
Rear View Safety Backup Camera System with 7″ Display
The Rear View Safety Backup Camera System ticks off a lot of boxes for the features and specs I want to see. It’s adaptable for whatever setup you’d like. You can use it where you need it with its view switch. You can add up to three units to the system if you’d like to add a front camera too. That option alone is worth the price.
The 7 inch monitor is outstanding with a wide enough view even if your close-up vision isn’t the best. The camera gives you a 130-degree angle in the back for a full picture of what’s behind you and covers blind spots well. There is also night vision with an excellent 50-foot range. It has an impressive IP69K rating for protection against virtually anything you’d encounter on the road.
Pros:
- The camera has excellent night vision.
- It is versatile for use on other vehicles with its view switch.
- The cable is long enough to work with any size rig.
- The display is sharp without any noise to obstruct your view.
- It has an IP69K rating to handle power washing between trips.
Cons:
- The installation is not intuitive.
Best Wired Wide Angle Camera System
Coolwoo Backup Camera Monitor Kit
The Coolwoo Backup Camera Monitor Kit stands out from the crowd with its 175-degree viewing angle. That ups its safety factor with nearly a complete view behind you. The display is crisp and clear, with no issues with noise. Thes features bolster its usability considerably.
The design of both the monitor and camera are top-notch. It has an IP rating of 68 to keep it protected. It is larger to accommodate the wider angle. It can make installation problematic if you don’t have a big enough space on the back of your rig. However, it’s an excellent choice if you do since it’ll cover more area along a longer blind spot.
Pros:
- The wide-angle camera ensures you’ll see just about everything behind you.
- The IP68 ensures the device’s protection against the elements.
- The customer service is outstanding.
- It has decent night vision.
- The monitor is a good size with larger buttons for smooth operation.
Cons:
- You can’t add a second camera to your setup.
Best Wired Dual Camera System
Yeddy Dual Backup Camera with Monitor Kit System
The Yeddy Dual Backup Camera with Monitor Kit System is a smart choice if you want to set up the system on both the front and back. It’s far easier to install than trying to DIY with a splitter. Installation is a breeze with instructions that were easy to follow. Going between the two is seamless. The display is excellent too, with a wide angle.
The product includes some welcome extras like a second mounting bracket and sunshade that I liked. However, the backup camera is missing a few features that may put it in the dealbreaker category for some potential buyers. It doesn’t have gridlines on the display. The manufacturer removed them based on customer feedback. There is no audio input either.
Pros:
- The package includes versatile setup options for the monitor.
- It has a 30-day, money-back guarantee.
- It is easy to install with clear instructions.
- It has a wide 170-degree angle.
Cons:
- It doesn’t have an audio input.
- There are no gridlines.
Best Wireless Dual Camera System
iStrong Dual Digital Wireless Backup Camera System
The iStrong Dual Digital Wireless Backup Camera is more expensive than the other products I reviewed. However, it comes through on several scores. First, the wireless feature is brilliant. No more fussing with cords. Second, it also has two cameras and can handle up to four. And finally, they can also record. It’s not a must-have feature for me, but some buyers will love it.
The product is well-made and comes with a two-year warranty. That’s an essential selling point for me. The angle is 150 degrees for which the second camera can compensate to give a complete view. The installation was a snap with a YouTube video to walk you through the process. The written instructions were straightforward. It’s a great buy for the price.
Pros:
- The split-screen display allows you to monitor all the cameras at once.
- The wireless feature has an excellent range of 984 feet.
- The four cameras give you complete control over your safety.
- The seller backs up the product with a warranty.
- Customer service is top-notch.
Cons:
- You have to request the suction cup holder to mount the monitor on the dash instead of including it with the package.
Best Wireless Backup Camera for Phone Integration
Xroose Wireless Phone Backup Camera
The Xroose Wireless Phone Backup Camera offers an affordable way to get the benefits of a wireless camera by using your smartphone as your monitor. As long as you’re within 60 feet of the camera, you’re good to go. If you have issues with reception, you can get a free antenna from the manufacturer.
The setup is seamless. There’s no doubt that it’s convenient—as long as your screen is big enough. I like the concept, but the drain on battery life is an issue for me. While the unit’s WiFi range is adequate, I have some concerns about connectivity. The app is not user-friendly. But if you need a quick and easy setup, it’ll get the job done.
Pros:
- The backup camera is affordable.
- It’s simple to install.
- It has a good range of connectivity with your smartphone.
- It comes with a two-year warranty and 24-hour customer support.
Cons:
- The display is only as good as your phone.
- It could tap the battery life of your smartphone quickly.
Best Backup Camera with Motion Detection
AUTO-VOX M6PRO FHD Camera Kit
The AUTO-VOX M6PRO FHD Camera Kit is the only product with motion detection. It also records when activated to increase its value. It is license-mounted, making for a simple installation. I liked the fact that it can protect your vehicle when it’s parked and get the evidence you need if something happens. The range is decent at about 9 feet.
The package includes the charging cable which I always like to see. The camera has an IP rating of 68 for excellent outdoor protection. The display is a bit lacking. However, it works as described without any hitches.
Pros:
- It is easy to install.
- The angle is wide at 170 degrees.
- The camera includes night vision.
- You can put the monitor over your existing rearview mirror.
Cons:
- The display is small.
Recap: Best RV Backup Cameras of 2021
- Rear View Safety Backup Camera System with 7″ Display – Best Wired 1-Camera System
- Coolwoo Backup Camera Monitor Kit – Best Wired Wide Angle Camera System
- Yeddy Dual Backup Camera with Monitor Kit System – Best Wired Dual Camera System
- iStrong Dual Digital Wireless Backup Camera System – Best Wireless Dual Camera System
- Xroose Wireless Phone Backup Camera – Best Wireless Backup Camera for Phone Integration
- AUTO-VOX M6PRO FHD Camera Kit – Best Backup Camera with Motion Detection
Buying a Backup Camera: What to Look For
Now that you know some about your options let’s discuss what you should look for to get the most out of your RV backup camera. The essential aspects to watch for include:
- Type
- Installation
- Display
- Durability
- Easy to use
I’ll talk about each one in detail along with some tips to make your buying decision more informed.
Types of Camera Systems: Wired vs. Wireless
The biggest distinction between your different camera choices is a wired vs. wireless option.
Wired RV Backup Cameras
Since these cameras are wired to your RV, you don’t have to worry about potentially losing your signal when you go through a dead zone. However, they should be installed by a professional, so they are typically a little more expensive.
Wireless RV Backup Cameras
These days, a lot of applications around your RV are wireless. Wireless cameras are super easy to install, but the signal can be unreliable, especially if you have a long RV.
Mount and Installation
You also need to consider the type of mount and installation process. You’ll find both complete kits and standalone units with only the camera.
The former makes sense if you have an older camper without a dashboard display. You will need the entire package with the monitor too. The latter is redundant if you already have a screen. You can simply hook a camera to your infotainment system with an HDMI cable.
You’ll see a few different types of cameras out there outside of just wired vs. wireless, depending on how you’ll mount them to your RV. They are:
- License plate camera
- Surface-mounted camera
- Flush-mounted camera
- Bumper camera
- Side view camera
What you get influences how simple the installation is and your overall satisfaction with the product. The first one uses the pre-existing hole. However, it may place the camera closer to the road, which can affect your field of view (FoV).
The second is the most versatile and easiest of the bunch. You find a suitable flat surface on the back and put it there. The last one is more complicated because it’ll mean drilling into the vehicle. However, it provides decent protection against the elements while making it more the camera’s placement less obtrusive.
Display and Video Quality
The screen is the business end. Most models have a charge-coupled device (CCD) for transporting and interpreting the display. It’s an older yet reliable technology that will give you a high-quality image with less noise. That’s critical given its safety role.
The other spec you should look for is the field of view (FoV). The term describes what you see in the monitor as captured by the camera. The wider the angle, the better. After all, the more you can see, the less risk there is of an accident because of something in your blind zone.
Look at the size of the monitor too. Check out the readability of the figures or gridlines if the unit supports this feature. They offer an excellent way for you to judge how close things are behind you for safer use.
Durability & Weather Resistance
The sturdiness of your RV rear view camera is vital for an object that must withstand the full spectrum of weather conditions. One thing that can help you compare products is the Ingress Protection or IP rating. You’ll see it as a double-digit number.
The first one grades its resistance to solid debris. The higher it is, the more protection. It goes from 0 to 6, with the 6 ensuring nothing will penetrate the casing.
The second figure classifies it against moisture. It runs from 0 to 9K. I prefer a backup camera with a rating of at least 67, preferably, 68.
Also, consider the overall construction and design of the unit. It also has to endure other environmental factors just from driving place to place, like being waterproof for when it rains. And you want it to handle the occasional ding.
Easy to Use
How easy the backup camera works is another vital consideration for relying on its accuracy over the long haul. After all, there’s a valid reason that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made them mandatory safety equipment on all new vehicles.
I consider infrared night vision a must-have feature for any decent RV camera. Backing a rig into a camping spot is one thing during the day but a whole different ballgame when it’s dark. Then, you have other hazards to worry about like wildlife.
Audio is also a welcome option when you have someone helping you park and warning you about anything else in your way.
And don’t forget about the guarantee and warranty. I make it a point to only buy from sellers willing to back up their products.
Final Thoughts
An RV backup camera gives you the “extra set of eyes” you need to prevent avoidable accidents. Even if your motorhome doesn’t have one, you can still get in the game at a reasonable price with minimal bother. It’s a smart way to keep everyone safe.
Looking for more tech for your RV? Read more of our guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Wireless Backup Cameras Work Well?
Generally, wireless cameras work almost as well as wired cameras, and even have some added benefits. Because there are no wires to worry about, the lifespan of wireless cameras can be longer than that of wired cameras depending on the environment you use your RV in most. You also don’t need to worry about running wires from your dashboard to the rear end of your RV. Camera quality can be glitchy if you have a longer trailer, so keep that in mind.
Are RV Backup Cameras Worth It?
Backup cameras are generally worth the money. Especially when dealing with an expensive vehicle like a camper or RV, it is better to have a backup camera than to rely on mirrors alone. Backup cameras can give you a sense of depth that you can’t always get from mirrors, and they can make parking much easier.
Where Should I Mount My Backup Camera?
Deciding where to mount your backup camera is incredibly important. Mounting in the wrong place will not give you an appropriate field of view and could get you into trouble when trying to backup or park your RV. You can check out the mounting portion of this post to give you a better idea of the best place to mount your camera based on its type, and your type of camper.
