Add side view cameras?

[macnut]

I am new to RVing...just picked up a 2013 Itasca Sunstar 26HE from the dealer last weekend. My RV has a rear view camera and a nice color monitor for it on the dashboard. The dealer said he could install side view cameras (from The factory and compatible with the monitor) for $750. My questions is whether having side view cameras is useful and a good safety feature, and also whether he dealer's price is a good estimate. Thanks!

[ctpres]

If you are handy thia is a DIY project. Check out how I did it at http://www.irv2.com/forums/f59/mods-...110686-20.html
#280 and if you don't have mirror turn signal see #283
Since you already have monitor both would be under $50. I can do a lot of work for $700.

[Monacoach]

We have side cameras and I find them to be useless. Glare from headlights at night make it hard to see anything, glare from the sun during the day is an issue, cant see when its raining, or when the camera lens gets dirty. Now that I have experienced side cameras I can say that I will never pay to have them installed on a future coach and will not care if the coach comes equipped with them.

[macnut]

Thank you both for the advice. CtPres, great work on installing the cameras on your coach...looks really great! Monacoach, thanks for the real-world review...was wondering about the sun and headlights...

[amanda_h]

We agree with Monacoach. Absolutely useless (this is our personal view as other RVers seem to like them). In fact, we are contemplating disconnecting them as they are a distraction. Too bad we can't give them to you.

We both have driven buses professionally and find that the tried and true way to pick up on blind spots and what's going on along the side of the coach is the effective use of MIRRORS and seeing things from your own eyes. I know several long-time truckers we've talked to also laugh at the use of these useless devices.

ETA: Having said that, we had to add a bigger and more convex mirror on the right side as the convex mirror on the stock assembly does leave blind areas.

[GG1]

I find they block out my rear left or right view vision when I am changing lanes as soon as I put on my turn signal it switches to the side camera and I loose the my rear view. I find it much safer to use my standard rear view camera and the side mirrors. I definitly would not pay extra for them.

[danes-on-tour]

We have them, and I do use them very occasionally. If I didn't have them it wouldn't worry me all that much.

I tend to use the mirrors most of the time, and only if in doubt I "consult" with the side cameras. I almost never use the back-up camera.

I think it's what you call "nice to have" rather than a "need to have".

[RobRV]

I installed My Own and to tell the truth the only good thing about them is when backing into an RV Site the one on the passenger side helps Me if the site is on the right "Blind" side. Other than that the Mirrors are much more useful!

[zippo]

We have them and as already said, useless. Within the first year ours fogged up in the camera lens on both sides and had to be replaced.

[bosshawg]

I have them and love them.

[macnut]

Thanks, everyone...you just saved me $750! :-))

[Roll]

Originally Posted by GG1

I find they block out my rear left or right view vision when I am changing lanes as soon as I put on my turn signal it switches to the side camera and I loose the my rear view. I find it much safer to use my standard rear view camera and the side mirrors. I definitly would not pay extra for them.

<<<Edit: Ooops just saw you made your decision, I guess you can skip my post.>>>

Couldn't agree more. I had side cameras as an absolute must item when I was shopping...now that I have them I am looking for a way to turn them off.

The rear view is the most useful when waiting to pull back in after passing a slow moving vehicle. I loose that view when I put the turn signal on.

Also the mirrors are great and give me all I need, side cameras are a great idea that just don't work like you think they will.

Roll

One possible thought pro side cameras. When navigating in tight areas or maybe docking, a side view from the camera might be helpful, don't know, haven't used them that way. But again only one side at a time (with my system anyway), and you loose the rear view which can be problematic.

[macnut]

Thanks, Roll....the more information about this, the better!

[Texas TC]

Originally Posted by Roll

Couldn't agree more. I had side cameras as an absolute must item when I was shopping...now that I have them I am looking for a way to turn them off.

The rear view is the most useful when waiting to pull back in after passing a slow moving vehicle. I loose that view when I put the turn signal on.

Also the mirrors are great and give me all I need, side cameras are a great idea that just don't work like you think they will.


.

+1

I wish I could turn mine off.

[Ramzfan]

You can turn them off by just pulling the little plugs in the rear of the monitor. I personally love my side cameras...use them all the time.

[macnut]

stvscharfe, what do you like best about side view cameras that is better than just mirrors?

[Ramzfan]

I love my side cameras!

[RobRV]

After last Springs little incident at the US Border I am reinstalling My Side view Cameras to look forward rather than backward!

[Ramzfan]

Macnut, to answer your question, I enjoy being able to see the entire lane next to me when I get ready to change lanes. My rearview mirrors only show me a small portion of what is actually next to me or coming up on me. I can understand why some of the folks don't like them, because it takes a little time for your mind to adjust to looking at the rear camera, then the rearview mirrors and then the side cameras before you make your lane change / turn etc. as far as I'm concerned though, I would rather have them than not.

[macnut]

Thanks for the advice!!
Al