When you drive an RV, a backup camera is a great asset. RVs are long, and it’s tough to see what’s behind you with just your mirrors (or a cranked neck). But not all RVs are easily wired for backup cameras. That’s why, in this post, we’re taking a look at wireless backup cameras for RV use!
- 1) Why Would I Want a Wireless Backup Camera for My RV?
- 2) Pros and Cons of a Wireless Backup Camera for RV Use
- 3) Features to Consider in a Wireless Backup Camera for RV Use
- 4) How to Install a Wireless Backup Camera for RVs
- 5) Wireless Backup Cameras For RV Use
- 6) Do You Use a Wireless Backup Camera for Your RV?
Why Would I Want a Wireless Backup Camera for My RV?
We all understand the benefits of having a backup camera of some kind on an RV. It’s not easy to see everything that’s behind us when we’re backing up a motorhome or any other type of RV. It’s challenging, and sometimes simply impossible to see some objects, especially those that are low to the ground. An RV backup camera helps to eliminate blind spots and makes backing up your RV safer.
But, why might you want to go wireless?
Easy Installation
Wireless backup cameras can be very easy to install. And a wireless backup camera for RV use in particular means no running wires the long distances between the back of the RV and the front.
You Have a Travel Trailer
Some RVs make installing a wired backup camera especially difficult. This would be true of a travel trailer, for example. In this case, your RV is separated from your truck/towing vehicle. This makes installing a wired backup camera more complicated because the camera and monitor will be in separate locations (although you may have unused wires/pins in your 7-pin umbilical cord that can be used for this purpose).
The same may be true if your RV is built on a box truck or if you’ve got a toy hauler or any type of RV that makes wiring RV backup camera systems challenging.
You Don’t Want to (or Can’t) Run Wires
Many RVers want to avoid running wires to set up a backup camera. For these travelers, a digital wireless backup camera for RV use is precisely the ticket they’re seeking.
Pros and Cons of a Wireless Backup Camera for RV Use
There are advantages and disadvantages of wireless (as opposed to wired) backup cameras. Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons.
Advantages of a Wireless Backup Camera for RV Use
- Easy to install
- No need to run wires through long vehicles or between two vehicles
- No need to purchase additional lengths of wire to run long distances
Disadvantages of a Wireless Backup Camera for RV Use
- Require their own power source as they’re not wired to the monitor
- Generally don’t offer as crisp and bright a picture as wired cameras (digital wireless systems are better than analog systems in this regard)
- Possible interference (or signal delays) causing a poor wireless signal between the camera and monitor (again, digital systems are better than analog in this regard)
Features to Consider in a Wireless Backup Camera for RV Use
There are a number of features you may want to consider if you decide to purchase a wireless RV backup system.
Separate Monitor
There are wireless backup camera systems that use your cell phone as the monitor. These systems can be inexpensive but may be inconvenient to use. Others use your rear view mirror as a viewing monitor.
Some wireless backup cameras use the rearview mirror as the image monitor.
If you want a separate monitor to watch as you’re backing, be sure that is a feature of the system you choose.
Night Vision
If you find yourself getting to campsites or back to your home after dark on occasion, you may want to be sure that your backup camera includes night vision. Many backup cameras provide a distorted picture at night, unless they include night vision capability.
Wide Viewing Angle
The more you can see, the safer you’ll be as you’re backing up your RV. You want to be able to see a distance of at least the width of your rig. This way, anything in the vicinity of the back of your RV will be visible on your monitor as you’re backing up.
Single Camera for Backup or Additional Dash Cam
Some people simply want a backup camera, and that’s it. Others want a combination backup camera and dash cam that monitors what happens in front of the RV. This is a personal choice, but be sure to look for a system with both cameras if that’s your desire.
Strong Signal Between Camera and Monitor
Check information and reviews regarding the strength of the signal between the camera and monitor of any system you’re considering. If the signal isn’t sufficient to regularly cover the distance between the back of your rig and the monitor on your dash, it won’t be helpful to you. We strongly recommend reading reviews based on actual user experiences as you research this critical feature of a wireless backup camera for RV use.
Ability to Record Video
Do you intend to use your system for both backup assistance and security? If so, you may want your system to have the ability to record video. This is especially true of any system that includes a dash cam. Also, note the manner in which the video is stored. For example, some systems store video on an SD card, which is not only replaceable but also very easy to use.
How to Install a Wireless Backup Camera for RVs
While there may be some variations in the process of installing a wireless backup camera for different RVs (read the instructions that come with whatever unit you buy), we’ll give you the general steps here so that you have an understanding of what’s involved.
What You’ll Need
- Drill with screw bits
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Clean rag
- Sealant (like ProFlex Clear RV Sealant)
- Flash Point: 93.0 Degrees_Celsius
- Excellent Adhesion To Many Surfaces, Even When Damp
What You’ll Do
Follow these steps to quickly and easily get your RV’s wireless backup camera setup and working (check the instruction manual for your particular system to be sure you don’t miss any brand-specific steps):
- Mount Your Monitor: Mount your system’s monitor in a location that is convenient and easy to see from your position in the driver’s seat.
- Plug In the Monitor: Plug your monitor into a nearby 12V socket.
- Drill or Access a Hole in the Rear of the RV: Either drill a hole in the back of the RV where the rear view camera will be located, or plan to use a license plate hole.
- Remove the Bulb and Socket of a Backup Light: Remove one of your RV’s backup light bulbs as well as its socket.
- Attach the Camera’s Power Cable: Attach the power cable of the camera to the colored backup light circuit.
- Replace the Socket and Bulb: Put the socket and bulb back into place just as they were prior to removal.
- Turn On Your Monitor: Press the power button on your monitor to turn it on.
- Test the Connection and Calibrate the System: Start your RV. Test the connection between the camera and monitor. You may need to test this multiple times and adjust the camera settings as necessary to achieve the best picture quality. You may also need to adjust the camera itself slightly to give you the best line of sight possible.
Wireless Backup Cameras For RV Use
Let’s take a look at a few of the more popular wireless backup cameras for RVs. We encourage you to read as many user reviews as possible. Pay special attention to the reviews from users who have an RV that is similar to yours (different equipment and construction materials can affect the stability of the signal between the camera and monitor).
Furrion Vision S 4.3 Inch Wireless RV Backup System
The Furrion Vision S offers a high resolution (720p x 480p) camera with infrared night vision as well as a wide viewing angle (120°) and the ability to live-stream. This particular kit comes with a 4.3″ anti-glare monitor with touchscreen, but the system is also available with 5″ or 7″ monitors. It comes with one rear Sharkfin camera and a Furrion mount for the windshield.
2.4GHz wireless allows for long-range signal strength. It has a 42-foot range in motion and an extended range of up to 492 feet in open spaces. The night vision range is up to 16 feet. The system includes a motion detection feature that detects movement behind your RV, automatically “waking” the display. The rear camera also has a microphone with audio and rear-assist marker lines for safe backing assistance.
Our Outdoors RV 19MKS came with a version of this “Vision S” system that includes sideview cameras mounted on the front of the trailer. We’ve had good experiences with the system (though, sometimes, the wireless nature shows itself with some lag in the refresh of the backup camera view, but we haven’t found it to be problematic as long as you anticipate it).
- QUICK & EASY INSTALLATION - Most RVs are already prepped for the Vision S camera system, eliminating extensive drilling requirements. Installation is...
- WATERPROOF CAMERA WITH NIGHT VISION - This kit comes with high-resolution (720 x 480), IP65 waterproof camera technology with infrared night vision...
Haloview MC7108 Wireless RV Backup Camera System
This system has a 7″ LCD digital monitor and a built-in recorder for real-time recording with audio and video playback. It offers a 120° viewing angle, and its wireless line-of-sight (ideal) range is up to 984 feet. The system can support up to four wireless camera inputs, though this kit comes with just one 720p HD camera and one monitor. It also includes a sun shield and necessary installation items.
The Haloview MC7108 offers night vision, split mode, auto-scan mode, and single-display mode along with five different viewing options. It has the highest IP rating for waterproof status (IP69K).
- 7" LCD digital monitor, Built-in recorder. Real time recording, video playback
- 10-32V wide voltage input, Support 4 wireless camera input,120° wide viewing angle, Wireless Line of Sight Range Up to 984 feet (This kit include...
DoHonest V23 RV Wireless Backup Camera
This system comes with TWO 1080p HD cameras with infrared night vision and Bluetooth, as well as a 7″ monitor. It has 4-way video input (channels 1 through 4) and is capable of a single image, dual (split screen) image, or quad (4-screen) image. The strong wireless signal is capable of reaching up to 500 feet in open areas and 320 feet in motion.
The adapter is compatible with Furrion pre-wired RVs. It has very high waterproof protection (IP69) and is capable of withstanding temperatures from -4℉ to 149℉ without lens damage or fogging. The DoHonest V23 is advertised as being suitable for all types of RVs, including motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels.
- Plug and Play: This RV backup camera wireless requires no wiring, no drilling, and no need to connect car lights. The 6 super strong neodymium magnets...
- Strong and Stable Signal: With more advanced 2.4G wireless digital frequency hopping technology, the wireless backup camera for trailer is able to...
Do You Use a Wireless Backup Camera for Your RV?
If you use or have used a wireless backup camera for your RV we’d love to hear about your experience. Tell us which system you’ve used and how well it worked.
We’d especially like to know whether you’ve had to deal with any wireless interference, the features you most appreciate, and how well the camera and monitor serve to give an accurate picture to the driver.
Be sure to include information about your particular RV setup.
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Gerald Nieman
Thursday 18th of September 2025
I purchased a Yakry Y27-N off of Amazon. I did not realize when I installed the camera on the back of my Winnebago Minnie Micro 1800BH that the camera was wired to the trailer lights. I had tested the system prior to starting the install and found everything worked. After some investigation I found out the lights had to be turned on for the camera to work. I will rewire the camera when I can figure out how to run a steady 12 volt to the camera. Other than that I am satisfied with the system. It has saved my marriage, as I can use the camera instead of my wife to back the trailer into a camping spot or at storage.
Jay
Wednesday 10th of September 2025
Like all things RV-related, backup cameras have issues. (We have a Ford Transit van and its backup camera system was issued a recall notice just yesterday.) Depending on the display, you might not be able to see it when wearing sun glasses, especially polarized ones. If the sun is shining on the display, that can also diminish its viewing. If you're adding another display device, it will need to be mounted somewhere and it will need a power source.
Back in 2017, I installed a "wireless" Auto-Vox unit on our tow dolly for the particular purpose of viewing a tire on our tow-car to make sure that its electric parking brake hadn't engaged on us. The camera needed a power source and the closest was the dolly's taillights. Turning on the MH's headlights activated the camera and its transmitter. I placed the mount on the dolly's fender and the mount was held on with industrial Velco (R). The stated transmission distance was supposed to be something like 250', but the distance from the dolly to the MH's dash was only 40' at most. The signal was erratic and mostly useless. Finally, the camera's mount broke (the Velcro (R) to which it was attached was fine) and I removed the entire system. It was a waste of $130.
Backup cameras first became available on RVs, initially as an option and standard on the more expensive models. Those first cameras could develop permanent burn-in from the sun. Today's cameras are less prone to that and are now standard equipment on all cars and most trucks. On non-MH's, they only function when going into reverse. Since they obviously aid with passing and lane changes, they are usually constantly powered whenever the MH's ignition is on. The image quality can be useless in rain where a strategically placed rain drop can make the image too distorted. At night, image quality is always degraded and glares from headlights behind you can wash out most of the detail. Some have side cameras and are activated by the turn signal selection. The side view camera activation is problematic. When changing lanes or signalling your intent to do so, you would get a side view only and that results in an inability to clearly determine if the vehicle that was behind you is still far enough behind you since the monitor is not showing what's behind you at that those moments but only beside you. It tends to make the vehicle behind you look like it might be next to you and so you need to confirm that with your side mirrors! Our current MH does not allow deactivation of the side view cameras mounted inside the side view mirrors. The mirrors are actually more useful and losing view of what's behind us is a bit unnerving when changing lanes.
In our previous MH, a 38' Travel Supreme, the side view cameras were a factory-installed option. The dealer actually discouraged us from ordering them, but I felt that if it prevented one collision, that it would have paid for itself. After owning that coach for 19 years, I would have to agree with the dealer that the side cameras were useless for the above reasons. The monitor in that vehicle could be programmed to not display them and stay on rear view all of the time, which was how we used it. It was a Weldex unit and its monitor would constantly overheat. I initially attributed that to its mount. One monitor actually got so hot that it caught on fire. The dealer was 5 hours away and didn't find a cause. Weldex replaced it but the new unit still got hot enough that the picture would roll or turn off. Manually turning it off to let it cool off for a while, would let it be used again. I placed a PC fan on the back of the monitor and that helped somewhat. When the warranty on the Weldex expired, I purchased a new Weldex monitor and camera from rvcams.com. I was getting tired of having to pull out the dash display to access it. He suggested that the problem could be with the wired video cable and I purchased a replacement. It was 60' long and had to run from the camera, down the inside of the rear cap to under the engine and everything else to the front of the coach! That finally and totally solved the hot monitor problem.
In summary (!), backup cameras are quite useful, but they can be a pain. Furthermore, I don't know why RVs don't have blind spot sensors like many 4-wheelers.
AC Holt
Wednesday 10th of September 2025
I have a backup camera by Tadi Brothers. This camera has a 300 foot range and a 7” monitor. The reception is very clear, it has night vision and a life time warranty. Their customer service department is great, they helped me through installation and made sure I had everything I needed to get going.
Jim Wilson
Friday 16th of September 2022
My Forde F250 has a large in-dash video screen for the trucks back up cam. How might I connect an RV Backup cam to my existing screen system?
AC Holt
Wednesday 10th of September 2025
@Jim Wilson, contact Tadi Brothers, they have all kinds of systems that they build and support.
Patt Patterson
Wednesday 10th of September 2025
@Jim Wilson,
My 2025 Sierra has similar features, GM offers a package to add a RV mounted camera that will integrate to the system. There are some drawbacks; it can only be hard wired, it needs to be programmed by the dealer, and it is about $700. I would check with your Ford dealerships parts department, they will likely have a similar option. Ultimately I added a wireless system which is 50/50 in the usefulness. I contacted the manufacturer and they have been very helpful in addressing the issues but I haven't had time to try out their recommendations yet.
You might also check to see if there is a virtual camera option in the setup. When I plug the 7 Pin into the truck, the camera system has a setup feature that allows the existing cameras to generate useful towing information. It does not show what is directly behind you but for towing it's extremely useful. Good luck!
Tony Strungis
Sunday 11th of September 2022
Well, well a back-up camera article. I have had a built-in wired cameras in my 2021 Coachmen Sportscoach with service replacing the darn thing and to this day can't figure out why it doesn't come on when I put the trans in reverse "NO SIGNAL". Someone told me that the cameras are "ON" all the time. It is the multiplex that choses your view. In other words, the activation of the R and L turn signal and reverse light throw the signal to the monitor. My work-around? When I back up, I go to "CAMERAS" on the menu and select REAR.
TheRVgeeks
Monday 12th of September 2022
Thanks for sharing your experience, Tony!