Hardwired Rearview Cam

I've been towng our new R-Pod for the last month. Our previous trailer was an Aliner hard side folding camper. The only thing I miss about the Aliner is, because it did fold up, I could see over it to the traffic behind me through my rear view mirror. I was reading this forum and came across Dr*****k's posting on mounting a wireless cam on the back of his R-Pod, and wanted to do something similar. I considered going wireless, but after reading many reviews, decided to get a wired system. I found one on Amazon made by Pyle,  for under $80. The best feature is the really nice and large 7" display screen. The installation instructions are very limited, but this is a very easy system to understand and set up.   I fabricated a camera mount out of aluminum angle and attached it on the inside of the Pod's
rear window facing out back.

. This protects it from the weather and vandalism, but doesn't really effect the picture. I hooked up the camera power directly off the Pod's power panel, and mounted an illuminated rocker switch near the panel so I could turn it off when not towing. The video line provided was too short for the Pod - I used it in my Jeep tow vehicle - so I fabricated a 25' video line out of coax cable and RCA fittings. The coax would protect against weather and interference better than the normally used thin shielded wire. I wire tied both the cable and power lines to the chassis of the Pod. In my Jeep, I wanted the video display to be removable, so I made a power lead with a 12v cigarette adapter on it. It was easy to run the video cable and tuck it under the door moldings to the back tailgate. Since the camera was going to be kept on while traveling, I didn't need to hook up the green backup lead. The whole set up took most of a day, but it looks and works great. The 7" display screen is easy to view. When I go camping, I simply mount the video display and plug it in, hook up the Pod's coax to the Jeep's video line, and switch on the camera power. The picture is stable and very good. The resolution isn't super, but it's more than adequate for my needs. The added safety factor by having this system is comforting, and really helps when I have to back into a tight spot.

Nice.

Bummer! on not using the wiring for the the lights.   One of the things on my (TO DO WISH) list is to have a Rearview Cam and a Side View CAM (mounted by the door).  I was considering a 7" monitor screen wireless on the dash that I could use while backing and driving.  Then at night bring the monitor in and connect it to a side view cam outside.  (I was thinking wireless would be the easiest for me, but I can wire.)  I'd like to see what is at the door before I open it, still thinking about a side window too. 

I actually have one of those wireless rearview cameras.  I bought it when we had the old travel trailer (25ft.), it just didn't work very good. It is the kind that mounts on your license plate.  Now I know why. I just threw it in the shop on the shelf. Well here's another pod mod in the making.  HAHA.  Rob