You are not being irrational. A guy pulling his camp trailer lost it on the hwy in Wyoming . My son caught up with him and pointing back to let him know. The look on the man's face was priceless. The trailer by the way rolled to a stop off the hwy without anyone getting hurt. Whew.
I saw a small boat break lose from the vehicle towing it. Thankfully, it also rolled off to the side of the road. It was weird to see it rolling by itself.
Years ago before backup cameras started being built into vehicles I mounted a little bullet camera to my camper ladder on the back for the same reason you mounted this one. I was towing a utility trailer behind my camper and I could not see the trailer in the mirrors. I had to hard wire the camera to a small LCD monitor on my dash but it worked great. This camera would’ve made the installation a lot easier.
My first thought during the intro was whether it had the night vision option and a big con for me is the max 2 min screen time. Should be manually controlled per need.
Wireless solar backup cameras are a game changer, especially for those of us who aren't good with electrical systems and don't know someone to hire for the job. I paid a friend to install a wired backup camera in an old rig and it cost more than this and took him hours to install. I initially thought installing the camera on the bottom was a good work around, but then I realized that i would put the solar panel underneath and wouldn't work. I hope nobody decides to do that!
I've been full time van lifer for the last five years in a Ram Promaster (2017 model) Like most newer vehicles does it come out with a backup camera. Every time I use it I say thank you to who ever thought of this idea. It makes life just so much easier.
I've been using a Solar1 since 2022 and love it for all the reasons you cited. My model has the camera and solar panel permanently mounted on an X-shaped license plate holder. I'm in a Northern Lite 10-2 truck camper. My truck license plate is on the truck, which puts it under the part of the camper that extends beyond the truck bumper. I used strips of Velcro to attached the license plate holder directly to the surface of my camper, facing back. It has been on there for two years without ever coming lose or being stolen.
Thanks for the review. This is now a game changer in ease of installation, but I'm still waiting for better resolution, USB-C, etc. Please consider re-posting a new camera review every 6-8 months so we can see the baby step improvements in industry with better resolutions, comparing to your old camera(s).
Thanks Brian I had a backup camera hard wired into my van along with Bluetooth for the obvious reason to see behind me when backing up but it came with a feature that I can leave it on all the time. If traveling in 3 lane traffic I can see all 3 lanes behind me. It has really come in handy helping me navigate heavy traffic lane changes 😁
I have had the model for some time, great easy solution... you will have to charge it with a power bank a couple times each year...the solar panel trckle charges but will not keep it fully charged permanently...............
Great idea! And congrats to 14 years on the road!! I have had a different brand back up camera on my 4Runner for the past couple of years but I will consider this one in the future.
This has been fantastic for a way to solve a great safety concern I LOVE THE EASY INSTALLATION! TY!!! I have a 1976 Dodge Titan Champion motorhome like pulling teeth to find anyone to help me work on her so THANK YOU because the newbie Rv’s are CRAP especially if built during Covid …..
Because it's wireless and small, SUV or hatchback campers could use this as a "handheld" device to take a peek outside without having to take down your window coverings. Just pull back a corner and point the camera out to get a panoramic view! Great for anyone camping alone! Thanks for the great video!
Running a bead of adhesive caulk around the mounting bracket will help boost it's grip to your rig, especially useful since the double sided tape doesn't have full contact in your application. The tether cord method of preventing loss if the camera comes loose would allow the camera to swing and bounce around on the end of the tether. Most likely doing damage to the camera if you travel for any distance with it hanging. As for backing up while hitched up for flat towing. I have been able to back up far enough to get out of tight situations by strapping the steering wheel of my toad in the position needed and watching progress on the backup monitor and side mirrors, readjusting steering wheel if/as needed. Takes some patience but faster then having to disconnect everything and move both vehicles separately, then reconnect. Traveling solo, I've never had the chance to try having someone seat in and steer the toad in backup situations. Would be interesting to know if anyone out there has tried it.
Great advice about the caulk. Thanks! At One point I did have a friend jump in the driver seat of the toad and they were able to steer it in a very limited manner. Still wasn't great though.
When I bought my van one of the first things I did was research back up cameras cause my van is a basic model cargo...went to a local audio place and I decided to get the Rydeen back up camera system to me it was priced reasonable especially where it gives me peace of mind
This would be a simple solution if you only drive in the day time. I like the fact that it is "not" a touch screen. Not having night vision would kill the deal for me. 😞
I put one on my pickup this way. So I could pull a trailer I made the power cord long enough to just move the camera from the truck's bumber to the rear of the trailer. Just coiled up the extra power cord and tucked it into the under the bed mounted spare tire. Instead of connecting the camera power cord to the backup light I ran the cord into the cab where I turned it on with a switch. Turn it on whenever I drive and gets rid of the blind spot at the tailgate. Can see if I am being tailgated or if a person, especially a small child, is standing behind me. Also if anyone is sneaking up on me.
They are one of the states that caters to full-time nomads, so it's just easy to register and such. There are other advantages, too, though I would look those up to make sure.
Actually, you can backup with your vehicle attached, it takes being calm and making small corrections. Turn too much you will Jack knife but small turns work well, practice!
Can't get to the mechanical rear door release in the middle of the rear door of a minivan with it installed. I have to use the electronic button on the inside of the vehicle. I'm going to try to turn it 180 deg to see if there is more clearance.
I wonder how far away from the camera you can put the monitor? It would be good to put on an outbuilding on a homestead if it could transmit far enough. As an aside I hope internet stalkers can't get your personal information by running your license plate.
I think the limit for range is 30 or 40 feet? I can't recall exactly. It might be listed on the Amazon description. As for license plate, I'm not sure what info they could get. Anyone walking down the street can see your license plate, so I guess I'm not too worried. Hopefully 😁
I had a backup that had night vision but it broke so my new camera doesnt have night vision which I hate. I got spoiled even though i rarely drive at night. So i got a new one with night vision yesterday. Hopefully itll hook up to my wires right. I hate the wires too which I've had some problems with.
You need to mention lag when discussing wireless options. (Lag, as in how long it takes from recording to display on the screen.) The lack of use in dark makes it fairly useless, considering you'd blind someone behind you while driving, which could be a legal issue.
Great advice to not back up unless going into a spot. Backing into any uncontrolled space (cars, trucks, pedestrians, CHILDREN moving about) is not a great option. Of course, getting yourself positioned when you stop so you DO NOT have to back up is a skill worth developing. Backing a flat-tow is generally not good for so many reasons.
I am having a heck of a time trying to find this exact camera on Amazon. I used the link but couldn't find solar pro. I want this but I guess I'm to stupid to find it. Lol.
Yeah, I just reached out to the distributor about this. You can follow the link in the description, then you have to click on other buying options. That's when you can add it to the cart. I'm not sure why it's currently set up this way... It wasn't like that before.
I would live in a van if I wasn't taking care of a disabled person. I'm so overwhelmed with rent going up over three thousand dollars a year,. Not only that a group of people keep unlocking my door taking stuff. One day it was my twenty dollars or whatever crisco. It's absolutely ridiculous. I can't be home 24.7. They take my winter clothing, in the summer it's summer clothing So they don't have to put forth the effort to get things. I'm feeling very overwhelmed . I would definitely do van life if I wasn't a caretaker of a disabled person. Van life would feel so free. Sleeping at quartzside without Anybody trying to get in would be so nice.
Not unreasonable to want to see what your pulling. My son sent me a picture of a new snowmobile setting in the middle of the highway. It rolled off a trailer and coasted to a stop. Driver completely unaware he'd lost the snowmobile. 😢
You are not being irrational. A guy pulling his camp trailer lost it on the hwy in Wyoming . My son caught up with him and pointing back to let him know. The look on the man's face was priceless. The trailer by the way rolled to a stop off the hwy without anyone getting hurt. Whew.
I saw a small boat break lose from the vehicle towing it. Thankfully, it also rolled off to the side of the road. It was weird to see it rolling by itself.
Yeah, I hear about such things and always gave me concern. Glad I have this now!
Same thing happened to my dad pulling a travel trailer.
Looks like an excellent camera
For that kind of money and colour, wireless, 480p... that's a heck of a deal! Thanks.
Years ago before backup cameras started being built into vehicles I mounted a little bullet camera to my camper ladder on the back for the same reason you mounted this one. I was towing a utility trailer behind my camper and I could not see the trailer in the mirrors. I had to hard wire the camera to a small LCD monitor on my dash but it worked great. This camera would’ve made the installation a lot easier.
Thank you for this review. I like the easy, no drilling, no drain on vehicle battery for power.
👍👍👍👍
Agree, the solar option means there's no drain on the house batteries + love the magnetic option....just wish it could see in the dark :'(
My first thought during the intro was whether it had the night vision option and a big con for me is the max 2 min screen time. Should be manually controlled per need.
Wireless solar backup cameras are a game changer, especially for those of us who aren't good with electrical systems and don't know someone to hire for the job. I paid a friend to install a wired backup camera in an old rig and it cost more than this and took him hours to install.
I initially thought installing the camera on the bottom was a good work around, but then I realized that i would put the solar panel underneath and wouldn't work. I hope nobody decides to do that!
I've been full time van lifer for the last five years in a Ram Promaster (2017 model) Like most newer vehicles does it come out with a backup camera. Every time I use it I say thank you to who ever thought of this idea. It makes life just so much easier.
Good video. Good review. Very informative. Thanks.
I am so glad you did this review. I have been looking for one. Happy trails!
I've been using a Solar1 since 2022 and love it for all the reasons you cited. My model has the camera and solar panel permanently mounted on an X-shaped license plate holder. I'm in a Northern Lite 10-2 truck camper. My truck license plate is on the truck, which puts it under the part of the camper that extends beyond the truck bumper. I used strips of Velcro to attached the license plate holder directly to the surface of my camper, facing back. It has been on there for two years without ever coming lose or being stolen.
That's great to hear! Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the review. This is now a game changer in ease of installation, but I'm still waiting for better resolution, USB-C, etc. Please consider re-posting a new camera review every 6-8 months so we can see the baby step improvements in industry with better resolutions, comparing to your old camera(s).
Thanks Brian I had a backup camera hard wired into my van along with Bluetooth for the obvious reason to see behind me when backing up but it came with a feature that I can leave it on all the time. If traveling in 3 lane traffic I can see all 3 lanes behind me. It has really come in handy helping me navigate heavy traffic lane changes 😁
I have had the model for some time, great easy solution... you will have to charge it with a power bank a couple times each year...the solar panel trckle charges but will not keep it fully charged permanently...............
That's good to know about the solar. Thanks for the info!
Thankyou for the video and review. Great idea for a plug and play no mess system.
Nice review. I think you about covered everything. Thanks. 🙂👍
Great idea! And congrats to 14 years on the road!! I have had a different brand back up camera on my 4Runner for the past couple of years but I will consider this one in the future.
We will be getting one soon for our trips!
Good informational review video.
This has been fantastic for a way to solve a great safety concern I LOVE THE EASY INSTALLATION!
TY!!!
I have a 1976 Dodge Titan Champion motorhome like pulling teeth to find anyone to help me work on her so THANK YOU because the newbie Rv’s are CRAP especially if built during Covid …..
Thanks for sharing. I’m looking into one
Because it's wireless and small, SUV or hatchback campers could use this as a "handheld" device to take a peek outside without having to take down your window coverings. Just pull back a corner and point the camera out to get a panoramic view! Great for anyone camping alone! Thanks for the great video!
I cannot back up so this will be helpful
Many thanks
Running a bead of adhesive caulk around the mounting bracket will help boost it's grip to your rig, especially useful since the double sided tape doesn't have full contact in your application. The tether cord method of preventing loss if the camera comes loose would allow the camera to swing and bounce around on the end of the tether. Most likely doing damage to the camera if you travel for any distance with it hanging.
As for backing up while hitched up for flat towing. I have been able to back up far enough to get out of tight situations by strapping the steering wheel of my toad in the position needed and watching progress on the backup monitor and side mirrors, readjusting steering wheel if/as needed. Takes some patience but faster then having to disconnect everything and move both vehicles separately, then reconnect. Traveling solo, I've never had the chance to try having someone seat in and steer the toad in backup situations. Would be interesting to know if anyone out there has tried it.
Great advice about the caulk. Thanks! At One point I did have a friend jump in the driver seat of the toad and they were able to steer it in a very limited manner. Still wasn't great though.
When I bought my van one of the first things I did was research back up cameras cause my van is a basic model cargo...went to a local audio place and I decided to get the Rydeen back up camera system to me it was priced reasonable especially where it gives me peace of mind
In some states, you're not allowed to cover up the State name with anything. So, yep, the bottom of a plate is best.
🤠🐎🐱🇺🇸🐂
being responsible is never silly
I don't think it is irrational at all. I would feel the same way. You never know what could happen, so it is better to be safe than sorry.
This would be a simple solution if you only drive in the day time. I like the fact that it is "not" a touch screen. Not having night vision would kill the deal for me. 😞
Besides the backup camera being solar, which is a cool idea.
How have you been supporting yourself on the road since 2010?
I work as a camp ground host in the summer months and live within my means. Financially, it's been great.
Brilliant!
🎉 I love the rope idea 💡 ! Bravo👏
Thanks for the information.
Thanks!
0:32 During the daytime, you at least have the car's shadow 😊
Though about getting one..🤔
Thank you
The only drawback for us is the fact the monitor doesn't stay on continuously in other words switches off after max 120 seconds. Is that right?
Yep, that's correct. The 120s is more than enough for me, but could see where that would be limiting for some people.
I put one on my pickup this way. So I could pull a trailer I made the power cord long enough to just move the camera from the truck's bumber to the rear of the trailer. Just coiled up the extra power cord and tucked it into the under the bed mounted spare tire.
Instead of connecting the camera power cord to the backup light I ran the cord into the cab where I turned it on with a switch. Turn it on whenever I drive and gets rid of the blind spot at the tailgate. Can see if I am being tailgated or if a person, especially a small child, is standing behind me. Also if anyone is sneaking up on me.
Thanks, cool product!
#Grateful 🙏 love you guys, thank you, #mahalo
Great vid-- noticed you have a s.d plate -- are there some advantages to it? cheers
They are one of the states that caters to full-time nomads, so it's just easy to register and such. There are other advantages, too, though I would look those up to make sure.
Great video thanks
Brian,
How bout a video on the best low or mid priced traction boards, not the $300 Australian boards.
Then I'd have to get stuck to prove they are worth it. Lol. Thanks for the suggestion and I'll keep that in mind 🙂
Does this unit have the capability to be expanded into a multi camera system 🤔?
I don't believe it does. It only works with a single camera.
Actually, you can backup with your vehicle attached, it takes being calm and making small corrections. Turn too much you will Jack knife but small turns work well, practice!
I wouldn’t be anle to tow it without a camera. Its freaky!
How long before it needed charged? Thanks
To be determined! Haven't had to yet, but others have mentioned a couple times each year.
Can't get to the mechanical rear door release in the middle of the rear door of a minivan with it installed. I have to use the electronic button on the inside of the vehicle. I'm going to try to turn it 180 deg to see if there is more clearance.
I wonder how far away from the camera you can put the monitor? It would be good to put on an outbuilding on a homestead if it could transmit far enough.
As an aside I hope internet stalkers can't get your personal information by running your license plate.
I think the limit for range is 30 or 40 feet? I can't recall exactly. It might be listed on the Amazon description. As for license plate, I'm not sure what info they could get. Anyone walking down the street can see your license plate, so I guess I'm not too worried. Hopefully 😁
Hi wondering what the actual size is of the viewing monitor?
The screen is 5" diagonally. The actual monitor is 5" x 3.5" x 3/4"
I had a backup that had night vision but it broke so my new camera doesnt have night vision which I hate. I got spoiled even though i rarely drive at night. So i got a new one with night vision yesterday. Hopefully itll hook up to my wires right. I hate the wires too which I've had some problems with.
You need to mention lag when discussing wireless options. (Lag, as in how long it takes from recording to display on the screen.) The lack of use in dark makes it fairly useless, considering you'd blind someone behind you while driving, which could be a legal issue.
Yeah, not having night vision was a bummer, but I'm still pretty happy with it. There wasn't any noticable lag that I could tell.
Having it mounted low is begging for trouble. People often don't want to necessarily steal it, just beat it with a rock to destroy it.
👍👍👍👍
I assume it is weatherproof and can go through a car wash without any issues?
Thanks for letting us know about this! Definitely need something watching my butt! 😂
Great advice to not back up unless going into a spot. Backing into any uncontrolled space (cars, trucks, pedestrians, CHILDREN moving about) is not a great option. Of course, getting yourself positioned when you stop so you DO NOT have to back up is a skill worth developing. Backing a flat-tow is generally not good for so many reasons.
I am having a heck of a time trying to find this exact camera on Amazon. I used the link but couldn't find solar pro. I want this but I guess I'm to stupid to find it. Lol.
Link in description
Yeah, I just reached out to the distributor about this. You can follow the link in the description, then you have to click on other buying options. That's when you can add it to the cart. I'm not sure why it's currently set up this way... It wasn't like that before.
I would live in a van if I wasn't taking care of a disabled person.
I'm so overwhelmed with rent going up over three thousand dollars a year,. Not only that a group of people keep unlocking my door taking stuff. One day it was my twenty dollars or whatever crisco.
It's absolutely ridiculous. I can't be home 24.7.
They take my winter clothing, in the summer it's summer clothing
So they don't have to put forth the effort to get things.
I'm feeling very overwhelmed . I would definitely do van life if
I wasn't a caretaker of a disabled person.
Van life would feel so free. Sleeping at quartzside without
Anybody trying to get in would be so nice.
I don’t think it’s that irrational.
Hardly irrational!
0:06
Not unreasonable to want to see what your pulling.
My son sent me a picture of a new snowmobile setting in the middle of the highway.
It rolled off a trailer and coasted to a stop.
Driver completely unaware he'd lost the snowmobile. 😢
I backed into a parking spot and a giant tree brand took out my back window, so that cost me over $550.