Wireless Backup Camera Update

I would continue to use the original forum post I made on this topic, but you can't edit posts here so I will just link it:

https://www.truckingtruth.com/truckers-forum/Topic-33429/Page-1/wireless-back-up-cameras

I ended up buying some back up cameras from Amazon. The first two wouldn't work as the Garmin one had to be wired and the other one was limited by bluetooth. The 3rd one I got appears to be the best option on the market right now for semi trailers or 5th wheels (https://a.co/d/cE4t9Ta).

What makes this one work is that it has very strong magnets to keep it in place and has longer antennas that can reach over 100'. If you stick this thing to solid metal, it won't be going anywhere, even if you go over nasty potholes or have an accident. This camera will be very hard to lose even if you drop and hook (ppl discussed this in the last post). Your monitor will turn blue if you drive off without it...

It has night vision too to let you see in the dark (see photo below). My truck has pretty good back up lights and I can assure you this camera was still useful.

I deliver using liftgates which is why I wanted a backup camera. In high traffic urban areas, you can GOAL as much as you like, but that doesn't prevent something from getting into your blindspot as you get back into your truck. I'm mainly using the camera as an extra level of safety. For example, cars have the same blindspot directly behind them and backup cameras have save kids from getting run over in a driveway. As discussed in my last topic about CBs, they can be useful few and far between, however when they are useful they can be a lifesaver.

I will keep experimenting with the backup camera and report my findings in another post. FYI, if you want to try this on a regular swing door dry van , you will need a clamping cargo door lock to mount it to the trailer. That will keep it centered and at a good height. Needless to say, it won't stick to an aluminum frame or fiberglass door.

I forgot to mention that it records as well. The footage from it could be invaluable if you're rear ended. And technology in semis has always lagged behind compared to what was in cars. Do you think backup cameras will catch on at some point in commercial vehicles?

The footage from it could be invaluable if you're rear ended.

How so?

Do you think backup cameras will catch on at some point in commercial vehicles?

I don't see that happening. I don't see the benefits.

Very cool! Love the idea. I think my main concern if I had one would be to avoid getting too relaxed and relying excessively on the backup camera but if it's practical for you by all means it's a fantastic idea to reduce your blind spots.

I forgot to mention that it records as well. The footage from it could be invaluable if you're rear ended. And technology in semis has always lagged behind compared to what was in cars. Do you think backup cameras will catch on at some point in commercial vehicles?

Honestly I don't think they'll catch on for a while if ever. Seems like it would work for someone like you who's willing to go through the extra work of making sure you bring it with you and attach/detach it from whatever trailer you have at the time but that's up to the individual driver. Seems like for it to become mainstream, manufacturers would have to start adding an additional connection for a camera so you could just hook it up and go when dropping and hooking and I don't see that happening (at least not anytime in the near future). Considering we're almost always hooked to a trailer I'd be surprised if I saw backup cameras on the trucks themselves ever being anything more than an add-on feature that most wouldn't pay for when spec'ing out their new truck. It's much more useful on the trailer, like you're using it for.

I think the concept of a back up camera is very intriguing. Whether the concept becomes a common fixture on trailers remains to be seen.

Any development that makes backing safer would be welcomed. Doesn’t have to make backing easier, just safer. I noticed Old School is not too enthusiastic about the idea. I don’t think flatbed drivers would benefit as much as van drivers. Am I correct in thinking that?

The biggest impediment here would be the cost to the various companies for the technology. My company doesn’t even invest in the technology to let us bypass scales, however that works. But yeah, I’d love to try it out and see just how beneficial the cameras would be.

Seeing as how we don't currently have air bags in most trucks, and a host of other safety things, and the safety things we do have generally make it less safe for us, I think back up cameras will be low on the totem pole unless the cost would be offset by the benefits.

I think a better option, would be sensors, that pick up objects behind you, and set the brakes to stop running something/one over !

In the '80's Waste Management did this very thing, later they installed cameras atop top flip up rear doors. ONLY because, there was a "helper" on the trucks with the drivers. Well,sadly this guy was an illegal alien (ya know, back then not as big a deal) Anyway, they were at the landfill to drop their 12+ tons of garbage.

The helper disappeared from view of the driver, then driver was backing, when he heard something.....He stops, then moves forward ! BAD choice! The helper was ran over BOTH times, he heard him yell the first time, not knowing what it was. Well, the guys skull was crushed, and brain was not attached.

ALL the big shots, foremen, lawyers etc at WM,as well as landfill staff/bosses, the landfill shut down, they were on scene for the whole day, investigating. This poor soul had 10 kids, and a wife back home in Mexico. I'm sure she got paid well for her loss.

This set in motion the safety devices used at first. Rear doors had a metal box with 5, 180 degree sensors mounted 5 foot off ground mid door, when objects were within 6-8 feet, the air brakes auto set to stop. Cameras with in cab little tv screens followed, soon after........We had a fleet over over 100 trash trucks, I imagine they spent a grip of money for all this safety add-ons, it took 1 person, sadly, to lose their life to get it implemented....Something I've never or ever will forget !

My current company uses back up cameras. I’d say about ninety percent of the trailers have em. They connect to the screen inside the tractor by blue tooth. They work well for the most part. It’s comes in handy the most when back up to a lift or the ramps that raises the trailer for the dock.