Back-up cameras?

[claudrea]

Hi! I recently purchased a 40-foot International flat-nosed bus with a rear engine. I want to install a backup camera that includes cameras on the rear of the bus, as well as on the sides for visibility. What systems do you recommend?

I'd especially be interested in cameras that have lights for nighttime visibility, as well as cameras that can stay on throughout the drive (instead of just while backing up) to help with merging, lane changes, etc.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations!

[Rucker]

Originally Posted by claudrea

Hi! I recently purchased a 40-foot International flat-nosed bus with a rear engine. I want to install a backup camera that includes cameras on the rear of the bus, as well as on the sides for visibility. What systems do you recommend?

I'd especially be interested in cameras that have lights for nighttime visibility, as well as cameras that can stay on throughout the drive (instead of just while backing up) to help with merging, lane changes, etc.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations!

After doing quite a bit of research, and reading dozens of reviews, I got the 'eRapta Backup Camera 2.0 with Monitor- Split Screen Back Up Reversing Parking Backing Rear and Side Wired Camera 4 Channels ER0202'. The system has four cameras and I installed two in the rear (down and back) and the side cameras.

I got this system because several others here recommended this brand. The display can split screen in a variety of ways to show the different cameras. It also can be wired to your signals and backup light such that it will go full screen if you put on the right signal, left signal, or put it in reverse.

The cameras are very rugged and also operate in the infra-red, and the system comes with enough wire to spare for my shuttle bus. Make sure you know how much wire is needed because you can't splice the cable they provide.

My system was mid-low end (~$200) and I think a good price-value.

I would have liked a bigger display-this system comes with a 7" display-and knowing now what I know I might have spent the extra money for something slightly bigger. If you really want crystal clear camera views, look at the larger displays.

Other considerations:

My biggest takeaway from the research phase: don't buy wireless systems. Video quality is very unreliable and will be frustrating. I heard from someone working at Best Buy that a fair portion of installs of backup cameras are people who already have wireless systems and are replacing them with wired. Having said that, running the wires will challenge you.

The mounting stand that came with the system is a little rinky-dink.

Finally, my prescription sunglasses are distance glasses, so I can't easily swap between the display and the rear view mirrors. I'm considering relocating the display either closer or further away from me in the cab.

[GillyGoGo]

Have you been using this system? What are your thoughts years later?

[s2mikon]

I went wireless the first time. It will lag and then catch up and was prone to interference. I am currently installing a wired system now. When the parts get here I will update.

[rossvtaylor]

I've tried several of the cheaper no-name sets from Amazon and have had varying degrees of success with them. I've always installed wired systems and, even with those, have had some camera feeds fail after a couple of years. I have finally settled on the setups from RearViewSafety.com and haven't had any issues with those I've installed in customers' rigs or in my Crown. They are a bit more expensive, but I have found them to be reliable.

[Iceni John]

Like Ross, I installed a Rear View Safety back-up camera system in my bus, then later installed a second camera that looks straight back instead of down onto the ground. This second camera lets me see cars in the blind spot directly behind the bus, but the back-up camera still comes on automatically when I select Reverse. The RVS systems are very high quality, and everything works perfectly.

John