Solar Backup Cameras

[Buster1903]

Does any one have experience with these new Solar/battery Backup Cameras?

I'm looking for a permanent mounted rear camera on my trailer, Not one I have to pull off the trailer and plug in to charge every time I stop. Most of the solar cameras state "solar is just supplemental power" or "extends battery life" are there any that would fit my use??

I take long cross country trips and the blind spot in rear visibility is starting to bother me. it would come in very useful in most backing up situations as well obviously.
Cost is an issue, I have lived without one because of $$.

[OP827]

I do not think that solar camera will be super reliable. Slim potato head YT channel, he has this video. See comments. He did not have great experience with one of those solar cameras. After some research I got this CAD$100 wireless 1080p camera kit with 7in screen and pretty happy with it since 2023. The screen has video recording capability to micro SD card. The rear camera is powered by tapping into the trailer running lights wiring.

[S. Heisley]

I have this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CT2FQXN6?re ... asin_title

While the camera has a VERY strong magnet attachment, they recommend that you remove and secure it when not in use. This is because these babies are being stolen a lot and I doubt thieves would care if they had to damage your vehicle to take it.

The 7" screen plugs into your 12 volt outlet on your tow vehicle cabin's dash.

[Buster1903]

I have this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CT2FQXN6?re ... asin_title

While the camera has a VERY strong magnet attachment, they recommend that you remove and secure it when not in use. This is because these babies are being stolen a lot and I doubt thieves would care if they had to damage your vehicle to take it.

Thank you for you input

This is the one I bought on impulse it's not going to work for me. Cameras solar panel is fixed back of my trailer is slanted.

Does your camera full charge it's battery on it's own little solar panel? or do you have to plug it in and charge it up between uses? just for reference

[Buster1903]

I do not think that solar camera will be super reliable. Slim potato head YT channel, he has this video. See comments. He did not have great experience with one of those solar cameras. After some research I got this CAD$100 wireless 1080p camera kit with 7in screen and pretty happy with it since 2023. The screen has video recording capability to micro SD card. The rear camera is powered by tapping into the trailer running lights wiring.

Thank's for the reply.

I agree with you, these look to good to be true. Running power wires will not kill me. Now I'm even looking at fully wired license plate type back up cams. I would just have to figure out an extension and connector at the hitch. I know those work well and are reliable and cost less.

Definitely approaching Analysis paralysis

[S. Heisley]

I have this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CT2FQXN6?re ... asin_title

While the camera has a VERY strong magnet attachment, they recommend that you remove and secure it when not in use. This is because these babies are being stolen a lot and I doubt thieves would care if they had to damage your vehicle to take it.

Thank you for you input

This is the one I bought on impulse it's not going to work for me. Cameras solar panel is fixed back of my trailer is slanted.

Does your camera full charge it's battery on it's own little solar panel? or do you have to plug it in and charge it up between uses? just for reference

The solar panel adjusts. It's a little tight but it does move and adjust.

[Buster1903]

The solar panel adjusts. It's a little tight but it does move and adjust.

They must have change out the camera, the one I have is 100% ridged.

I still have the question:
Does your camera full charge it's battery on it's own little solar panel? or do you have to plug it in and charge it up between uses?

[S. Heisley]

The solar panel adjusts. It's a little tight but it does move and adjust.

They must have change out the camera, the one I have is 100% ridged.

I still have the question:
Does your camera full charge it's battery on it's own little solar panel? or do you have to plug it in and charge it up between uses?

I would think that is something you could find out by putting your unit out in the sun or on a window ledge for a while. Also, results might differ depending on whether your unit is in full sun or in shade. I've only used mine once so far and my first charge was from the house electricity. Anyway, I only plan to use it to backup, not to drive down the road. I don't plan to leave it attached. Perhaps there are some comments and ratings on Amazon that would tell you what you want to know? But, if you're unhappy with it, send it back and get something else. Maybe see if the ratings and comments on Amazon tell you what you need to know.

[Buster1903]

The solar panel adjusts. It's a little tight but it does move and adjust.

They must have change out the camera, the one I have is 100% ridged.
I still have the question:
Does your camera full charge it's battery on it's own little solar panel? or do you have to plug it in and charge it up between uses?

I would think that is something you could find out by putting your unit out in the sun or on a window ledge for a while. Also, results might differ depending on whether your unit is in full sun or in shade. I've only used mine once so far and my first charge was from the house electricity. Anyway, I only plan to use it to backup, not to drive down the road. I don't plan to leave it attached. Perhaps there are some comments and ratings on Amazon that would tell you what you want to know? But, if you're unhappy with it, send it back and get something else. Maybe see if the ratings and comments on Amazon tell you what you need to know.

Thank you for sharing you knowledge and experience, I'm sure I'll figure it out.
Good luck with your solar backup camera I hope it does all you need and last a long time

[Alice]

I have wired in power for the cameras that connect wireless to the monitor powered by cigarette lighter. I have been through several sets and am still not really satisfied. Some of these issues may apply to you.

Some (many) signals from camera to monitor get lost or have major lag time. In units with this problem, it is worse at freeway speeds, and worse with metal trailers (mine is aluminum skinned). Listings about maximum distance from camera to receiver are often fictitious. I now have a setup recommended for big rigs and it works. I tried a separate antenna mounted on the front of the trailer and it didn't help.

Pairing the camera to the receiver was a problem for some units in that once I had them paired, they wouldn't always hold the setting. The instructions for what I have now say to power down the camera to allow pairing. You have a limited amount of time to rush between multiple points. I'm glad I have the right plug in my galley so I can pair with everything close by.

My first camera was mounted to the bumper and it was good for backing but worthless to see traffic behind me. So I added a camera above my galley door. That works okay for driving but is worthless for backing. I got a monitor that can watch two cameras so I don't have to keep pairing them. Different cameras have different angles of view and you'll want to get the right one. Too narrow and you can't see where you want, too wide and everything will be too tiny to identify. Mine are both too wide but it doesn't matter so much for backing because I only need to see near the trailer. With the higher camera, I can tell there is traffic behind me but can't tell what it is, how far back it is, or how fast it is approaching.

I didn't want my cameras on all the time but I wanted the ability to turn them on when driving day or night. So they are powered when I turn on my headlights, not to the backup light circuit. That has worked out well.

My cameras only last a couple of years. One of these days I might get smart and spring for the higher priced name brands with longer warranties instead of the amazon generics I've been using (Zeroxclub). But first I'll go out and measure what field of vision I want.

Oh yes, my cameras have night vision lights that I really like for backing at night. When driving forward at night lights don't make a difference, all I can see is a pool of headlights.

[Buster1903]

Thank you, Alice for explaining your experience with backup cameras. It does help with my decision.

At this point, I think I am going to continue to do without a backup/rear view camera. It would be nice, but it’s a luxury and cost is an issue. Trying to do it on the cheap is just asking for disappointment.
Checking my log. I have done over 15,000 miles with this trailer so far. I haven’t hit anything yet, or backed into anything larger than a shrub.