In order to monitor your surroundings while driving your RV, you will need cameras.  There are dash cameras, rear observation cameras and side market light cameras that help give you a view around your RV.

We use and recommend the Garmin Dash Cameras, and there are 4 Garmin Dash Cam models to choose from, and all operate similarly.  

The main differences in the 4 dash cameras are their viewing angle, video resolution, screen size, and whether the SD card is included or not.  We have presented them in the order of their cost below starting with the least expensive option. 

We have included a feature video for each at the bottom of their feature list, and we have a comparison video for all 4 Garmin Dash Cams as well.

 

Garmin DC Mini2  $129.99

• 140-degree viewing angle
• 1080p HD resolution
• Does not have a monitoring screen - you must use the Garmin Drive app for viewing
• Operates with the Garmin Drive app
• Automatically records and saves footage of accidents
• Voice control to start/stop recordings, take a picture, or save a recording
• Camera screen to adjust viewing angle
• Driver alerts including lane departure, forward collision, and nearby red lights 
• Loops recording when SD storage is full
• Requires an 8GB SD card or higher (not included) 
• Comes with magnetic mount for windshield

Garmin DC 47  $169.99

• 140-degree viewing angle
• 1080p HD resolution
• 2-inch LCD monitoring screen
• Operates with the Garmin Drive app
• Automatically records and saves footage of accidents
• Voice control to start/stop recordings, take a picture, or save a recording
• Camera screen to adjust viewing angle
• Driver alerts including lane departure, forward collision, and nearby red lights 
• Loops recording when SD storage is full
• Comes installed with a 16Gb SD card
• Comes with magnetic mount for windshield

Garmin DC 57  $229.99

• 140-degree viewing angle
• 1440p HD resolution
• 2-inch LCD monitoring screen
• Operates with the Garmin Drive app
• Automatically records and saves footage of accidents
• Voice control to start/stop recordings, take a picture, or save a recording
• Camera screen to adjust viewing angle
• Driver alerts including lane departure, forward collision, and nearby red lights 
• Loops recording when SD storage is full
• Comes installed with a 16Gb SD card
• Comes with magnetic mount for windshield 

 

Garmin DC 67W  $259.99

• 180-degree viewing angle
• 1440p HD resolution
• 2-inch LCD monitoring screen
• Operates with the Garmin Drive app
• Automatically records and saves footage of accidents
• Voice control to start/stop recordings, take a picture, or save a recording
• Camera screen to adjust viewing angle
• Driver alerts including lane departure, forward collision, and nearby red lights 
• Loops recording when SD storage is full
• Comes installed with a 16Gb SD card
• Comes with magnetic mount for windshield

OBSERVATION CAMERA FEATURES

There are several models of backup and rear observation cameras on the market, but we use and trust the Garmin and VisionWorks brands.

Garmin Backup Cameras

Garmin offers backup cameras that work with your Garmin RV GPS screen, but if you do not have a Garmin GPS, a Garmin backup camera will not work for you. You would need a system with a dedicated monitor for your monitoring cameras, like the VisionWorks.

The Garmin backup cameras are not designed to be used as rear observation cameras since they work with the GPS monitor and you would be viewing your map while driving, and not your rearview.  They can be used when you arrive at your destination for assistance with backing up.

There are several models of Garmin Backup Cameras to choose from, but the Garmin BC50 works with all of the latest Garmin GPS devices:

Garmin BC50 Wireless Backup Camera  $199.99

• Sharp 720p HD resolution presents a clear view behind your vehicle when in reverse; wirelessly pairs with your compatible navigator
• Long 50’ transmission range makes this backup camera ideal for longer vehicles, including RVs and trailers
• Wide 160-degree field of view gives you a full picture of what’s behind your vehicle
• Rugged, compact design and IPX7 weather-resistant (withstands incidental exposure to water of up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes) housing means that BC™ 50 can withstand rain, snow and harsh road conditions
• Optional 50’ extension cable (sold separately) adds to the transmission range to provide a range up to 100’ for extended vehicle-trailer configurations
• Requires connection to a switched 12-volt power source, such as your vehicle’s reverse lights; professional installation recommended

Garmin BC50 Wireless Backup Camera with Night Vision  $299.99

The Garmin BC50 with Night Vision has the same features as the BC50 listed below, but adds NightGlo™ technology illuminating up to 20 feet behind your vehicle for exceptional visibility at night. 

VisionWorks Rear Observation Cameras

With the VisionWorks Rear Observation Cameras, you receive a monitor with your camera for viewing and recording. This allows this camera to be used as a backup camera or a rearview observation camera depending on the way you wire it since it has a dedicated monitor for continuous viewing.  

VisionWorks cameras work flawlessly with the Furrion pre-wired mount that is often provided on new RVs.  When deciding on which camera to add to your RV that came prewired for a backup camera, you do not have to use a Furrion simply because they put the mount on the RV.  VisionWorks cameras offer more features than the Furrion does, and it does it for less money!  

On the chart below, you will see the the VisionWorks rear observation cameras beat the Voyager and Furrion cameras in the following ways:

• The Visionworks camera is metal while the Furrion is plastic. The metal camera is also used in the agriculture industry and is built to withstand the harsh conditions experienced on large machinery.
• The VisionWorks cameras have a longer range, and we have personally experienced this. We also have tons of former-Furrion users that moved to the VisionWorks due to the fact that their Furrion camera was pixelating and freezing while driving.
• The VisionWorks has more infrared LED lights in their camera giving them superior night vision.
• The VisionWorks cameras have a 3-year warranty while the others have one year.

VisionWorks vs Voyager and Furrion

There are 3 VisionWorks Camera Systems to choose from, and the main difference between them is the monitor size.  There is a 5-inch, 7-inch, and 9-inch monitor to choose from.  All VisionWorks' HD monitors have a built-in DVR and HD camera resolution. These wireless systems have the ability to transmit up to 600 feet with a good line of sight.

We have tested this system using our 42 foot motorhome towing a Jeep behind it.  With the VisionWorks camera mounted on the back of our Jeep, we had a great signal on the monitor sitting with us. You can also see the monitor view at dusk and nighttime in the image below.

The included monitor has a quad processor with the ability to toggle between camera views or view up to four cameras at the same time. This system can record while you are driving or if you want it to double as a security system (SD card not included). 

VisionWorks 5-inch Rearview Observation Camera System  $429.00

• One 5" LCD HD Wireless Monitor
• One IP69k Sony Wireless HD Camera
• One 12V  DC "Cigarette Lighter" Power Adapter
• Two 120V AC Power Adapters
• Suction Cup Monitor Mount
• Cup Holder Monitor Mount
• Built-in DVR/SD Card Slot (SD Card not Included; Accepts up to a 128GB Micro SD Card)
• Camera Mount: Universal, Furrion, OR Voyager

VisionWorks 7-inch Rearview Observation Camera System  $529.00

• One 7" LCD HD Wireless Monitor w/ Remote
• One IP69k Sony Wireless HD Camera
• One 12V "Cigarette Lighter" Power Adapter
• Two 120V AC Power Adapters
• Suction Cup Monitor Mount
• U-Bracket Monitor Mount
• Cup Holder Monitor Mount
• Built-in DVR/SD Card Slot (SD Card not Included; Accepts up to a 128GB Full-Size SD Card)
• Camera Mount: Universal, Furrion, OR Voyager

VisionWorks 9-inch Rearview Observation Camera System   $629.00

• One 9" LCD HD Wireless Monitor w/ Remote
• One IP69k Sony Wireless HD Camera
• One 12V "Cigarette Lighter" Power Adapter
• Two 120V AC Power Adapters
• Suction Cup Monitor Mount
• U-Bracket Monitor Mount
• Built-in DVR/SD Card Slot (SD Card not Included; Accepts up to a 128GB Full-Size SD Card)
• Camera Mount: Universal, Furrion, OR Voyager

With the VisionWorks Camera Systems listed above, you are able to view up to 4 cameras on one screen which allows you to use the monitor with 3 additional cameras in addition to a rearview observation camera. A popular choice is to add 2 side marker light cameras to monitor your side view as well as your rear view, all on the same monitor.

VisionWorks Side Marker Light Cameras  

VisionWorks offers side marker cameras in sets of two.  These cameras have a light on them as well and are used to replace the RV’s existing side marker lights. By doing this, you will not only have lights to illuminate your trailer, but you will also have access to a video of what is on the side of your RV. This is extremely helpful when you are changing lanes in an RV and to monitor objects beside your RV when you are navigating in small spaces.

The installation on these are simple.  You remove the side marker lights and simply connect the new VisionWorks cameras in their place.  The lights have 12V power to them, and you use these same wires to connect the VisionWorks cameras.

VisionWorks Side Marker Light Cameras  $379.00

• Sony camera with a 720P resolution
• Camera Viewing Angle - 100 Degrees
• 2.8 mm Lens 
• IP69k Weatherproof Rating 
• Temperature Rated from -4F to 140F
• 12V Power
• Wireless signal 

Installing the VisionWorks Rearview Observation Camera and Side Marker Lights are not difficult.  You can watch a video of Eric installing both on our Rockwood Mini Light trailer.

 

 

You can find all of the Garmin Dash Cams, Garmin Backup Cameras, and ViaionWorks Rear Observation Camera by clicking here.  If you need any help deciding which is right for your RV setup, contact us at TechnoRV, and we'd be happy to help.