Providing extra safety, there’s no reason not to consider installing a rear vision camera — and it’s easier to install than you think!

The rearview camera is one of the best safety innovations of the last few years. 

When we changed our tow vehicle last year, it came with a big-screen CD/radio, a lead for an RV rear view camera already set up, and a switch to switch between it and the camera on the back of the Cruiser.

With half the job done, there was no excuse not to get with the safety program, so I ordered a camera and leads through Safety Dave. 

Planning and Preparation: Routing the Camera Lead

The instructions were simple, and the job looked straightforward, but finding a suitable pathway for the lead was daunting.

Having chosen a suitable location for the camera high on the rear of the van, it took a while to undo some panels in the bedside wardrobe to check how the leads could be run.

After removing the top decorative panel in the bedside wardrobe, I was able to access the interior of the rear section over the bed. By exploring the void at the back of the van with a 1m length of bendy 10mm timber dowel, I could reach where I had planned to place the camera and feel there was no structure.

A small 5mm drill hole assured me there was no obstruction under the cladding, and the opening was enlarged with a hole saw drill to fit the camera lead’s connection plug. After pushing the plug and lead through, it looked surprisingly easy to wrangle it into the driver-side wardrobe and down through the floor to the chassis.

Installation and Sealing: Securing the Camera

With the camera flush against the cladding, I drilled holes for the self-tapping screws and sealed the back of the camera with Sikaflex to keep the installation waterproof.

Other holes were made through the panels at the top and base of the wardrobe, and the lead was fixed neatly with hot glue in the cupboard corner. The space under the wardrobe had the water tank inlets, so there was plenty of room to run the lead through and under the timber floor.

Completing the Installation

With plenty of length supplied, it was pretty straightforward to move the lead out of harm’s way onto the A-frame and into reach of the vehicle plug.

I’m very happy with the view the camera offers. I can see what’s behind me at all times, particularly tailgaters, much better than through the vehicle mirrors.

Ready for Adventure? 

Find your dream van online at OnlyVans.com.au!  We have great deals on caravans for sale including used caravans and caravans from private sellers. You can also find motorhomes for sale, camper trailers, and pop top caravans. No matter how you like to travel, we've got you covered. 

Article and photos were supplied by John Ford, and previously appeared at TradeRVs.com.au, now powered by OnlyVans.com.au.


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