In the famous words of Mater, “Ain’t no need to watch where I’m goin’; just need to know where I’ve been.”
Okay, you still need to watch where you’re going, but when towing a trailer or driving an RV, it’s super helpful to be able to see what’s going on behind you. Unfortunately, having a big box of living room following you everywhere doesn’t make it easy to simply peer into your rearview mirror.
If you want to see behind you to make it easy to park or even change lanes, a camera is the best way to keep your eyes on the past. Here’s our choice for the best backup camera for RVs and travel trailers.
Why do I need a camper backup camera?
Yes, most tow rigs and RVs have sideview mirrors sticking out far enough for the driver to see behind them, sort of. While you might be able to look down the sides of your rig, it’s still difficult to see directly behind you.
Naturally, the best way to see behind you while parking the camper is with a backup camera. A backup camera attaches to the rear of your unit and lets you see everything behind you on a screen on your windshield, so you can look behind you just like a regular rearview mirror.
There are two main uses for an RV backup camera:
Backing into campsites
The most obvious use for an RV backup camera is to back into campsites.
How many times have you had to guess where the campsite is because you have to turn to your blind side? Or worse, yelling at your travel partner that you meant their “other” left! I’ve seen enough “Sorry for what I said while parking the camper” stickers and t-shirts to know it’s a common problem—not to mention my own frustrating personal experiences.
A backup camera will let you see exactly where your unit is heading. Even if the campsite is on your blind side, you can use the camera to back straight into any site, no matter how weird of an angle or the number of twists and turns along the way. I’ve used my backup camera to back the whole way down entire driveways before!
Having a camera gives you a much better angle than any tow mirror can provide. It simplifies backing into campsites by at least 1,000 times (in my opinion, at least). It also makes backing up your rig much safer, since you can see what’s immediately behind you. You won’t run over any more mailboxes or curbs (or worse).
Driving on the highway
When most people think about an RV or travel trailer backup camera, they jump right to backing into campsites. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Backup cameras are also great for on-road driving.
How many times have you patiently put on your blinker to change lanes, only to be surprised by the jerk behind you who just couldn’t wait swoop around your rig and speed off? If you could see behind you, you would have known they were coming and avoided a potentially dangerous situation, or at least a scary one.
I like to leave my camper backup camera on while I’m driving and use it as a rear view mirror. Then, it’s easy to see all the jerks who want to speed past your rig, so you can get to that perfect campsite in one piece. Plus, with the wide-angle view, it’s also much easier to change lanes safely. Adding a backup camera to your camper or RV gives you much more confidence and peace of mind.
What’s the best backup camera for RVs and travel trailers?
The “best” backup camera for RVs and travel trailers needs to meet a few criteria:
- High resolution
- Wide angle camera to see everything behind you
- Easy installation
- Microphone so you can hear your travel partner’s directions
A quick Google will show you there are plenty of option when it comes to backup cameras for your camper, but there’s only one model that checks all the boxes to earn an endorsement from the Camping Coalition:
Furrion Vision S Sharkfin Wireless RV Backup Camera
In our humble opinion, the Furrion Vision S Sharkfin is the absolute best backup camera for campers of all shapes and sizes. It checks all the boxes for what makes a backup camera great, and we never go anywhere without it! It’s definitely one of our most essential pieces of camping gear.
The main reason we rank this backup camera at the tippy top of the list is its installation process. You might think installing a backup camera is quite a project that involves wiring and power supplies, but Furrion makes it easy. Or rather, camper manufacturers make it easy.
Most modern trailers and RVs include a pre-wired blank specifically for the Furrion Sharkfin. If you see a weird-looking black plug in the back of your camper, that’s for the Furrion.
To install your backup camera, grab the nearest screwdriver and take off the blank. There will be some wires behind it. Simply connect the color-coded wires to the Furrion camera and reinstall it using the same screw positions as the blank. No measuring, no wiring, and no fuss.
PRO TIP: When installing your Furrion S Sharkfin Camera, make sure your marker lights are on before testing the system. The camera runs on the same electrical system as your marker lights, so if your lights aren’t on, the camera won’t have power. Turn on your marker lights to give the camera some juice.
For most models, the bluetooth monitor comes already synched to the camera. All you need to do is attach the monitor to your windshield or dash using the suction cup, turn it on, and you have a backup camera! The entire process takes less than 30 minutes and zero know-how.
The Furrion Vision S Sharkfin comes in three different screen size options: a 4.3”, 5”, and 7”. Obviously, the bigger the screen, the higher the price. We chose the 5” screen for a nice balance between size and price, and we have no regrets. The screen is big enough to see everything behind you, and we saved a few dollars. If you want the bigger screen, it’ll add about $80 to the price.
The camera is spectacular, pumping 720×480 resolution wireless picture straight to your cab or tow vehicle. When it gets dark, the camera swaps to infrared, so you can see no matter what time of day it is. Plus, the 120-degree wide-angle lens lets you see almost beside your rig. You’ll never have to guess when changing lanes again!
For rig drivers who extra hate changing lanes, you can add side marker cameras to look down the side of your trailer or RV as you’re driving. The extra cameras all link to the same screen, so you can see every possible angle around your trailer or RV as you head to your next adventure destination or pull into the campsite.
The Furrion S also includes a microphone. When you’re backing into the campsite, your travel partner can give you directions without the need to roll down the window, turn off the radio, or scream “WHAT!?!” to each other a thousand times. Believe me, it’s a lifesaver! You’d be surprised at how much the microphone picks up.
At around $500 for just the single sharkfin camera and screen, the Furrion might be a bit higher priced than some of the other models you might find on the ol’ interwebs, it’s by far the best when it comes to resolution, camera angle, and especially installation. You won’t regret a single penny.
Furrion S Rear Marker Light RV Backup Camera
If you have an older camper, or if your RV or travel trailer doesn’t have a Sharkfin blank, you can still get a high-quality backup camera that’s easy to install.
The Furrion S Rear Marker Light Camera is designed to replace your top center marker light and uses electricity from the light to power the camera. While the installation might not be quite as straightforward as the Sharkfin, you can still easily add a backup camera to your rig without running wires. Don’t worry, you won’t be without a marker light. The camera has one included!
This model features all the same great qualities as the Sharkfin, just with a different mounting location. You can still choose the screen size that works for your needs and budget and add additional cameras as you see fit.
Watch where you’re going
Just because you have a big rear-end doesn’t mean you can’t see behind you. Tow mirrors are great, but they only work to an extent. If you really want to make it easy to back into campsites and change lanes, a backup camera is the best way to go.
In our experience, there’s nothing out there that can beat the Furrion S backup camera system. We never leave home without it! It’s easy to install and features high-quality components for the best visibility possible.
Do you have any experience with backup cameras or questions about the Furrion S? Drop a comment below. We always like to talk gear! Stay safe out there and watch where you’re going with a backup camera.
