Rear View Camera.

[DaveA1]

I have just fitted a rear view camera to my van taking power from pins 10 & 11 the ignition controlled fridge circuit. It works ok when on but will switch off and on all journey .
Is this circuit controlled by a relay along with the ignition?
Would it have been better to take power from the battery continues power circuit pins 9 & 13.?
if the answer is no to each of these questions, then have a loose connection

 

[Jcloughie]

I would have taken the supply from the permanent live.

Also possible to wire it directly to the caravan battery through a switch and fuse.

John

 

[Buckman]

If the car has a Smart alternator, that could be the problem?

 

[Mr Plodd]

In a word yes!
I took the power for mine from the permanently live 12v feed from the car (via the fuse block just inside the front of the caravan.) To avoid any possible "smart" alternator issues.That way the camera is only live when the car and caravan are connected (no fear of a flat battery if "someone" forgets to turn it off)
Is it a wireless camera system? I had an issue with mine, it kept cutting out for random periods of time at random times. Sometimes many minutes sometimes just a few seconds. I had it replaced under warranty and its now fine.
Mine came from www.parkingcameras.com, brilliant customer service!

 

[Jaydug]

Also possible to wire it directly to the caravan battery through a switch and fuse.

That's what I've done with mine. Has worked fine for several years.
See HERE

 

[Buckman]

Looks good. Although I have been keen to have a rear view camera, I would prefer one where the monitor clips over the rear view mirror. We have the Satnav at the bottom offside of windscreen and the TPMS on bottom nearside of windscreen. Also dashcam although that is in front of the rear view mirror and does not obstruct any vision.

 

[Mr Plodd]

I went for the monitor that clips over the rear view, for exactly those reasons. It "works" perfectly BUT on the first couple of outings you will get that horrible "Oh god, the caravan has come off " feeling because when you glance in your "rear view mirror" there is no caravan there! Then it dawns on you, its the image from the camera thats on the back of the caravan!
You get accustomed quite quickly, but the initial shock is very disconcerting!

 

[Jcloughie]

I went for the monitor that clips over the rear view, for exactly those reasons. It "works" perfectly BUT on the first couple of outings you will get that horrible "Oh god, the caravan has come off " feeling because when you glance in your "rear view mirror" there is no caravan there! Then it dawns on you, its the image from the camera thats on the back of the caravan!
You get accustomed quite quickly, but the initial shock is very disconcerting!

I was discombobulated in a similar way many years ago. I remember driving through Connah’s Quay at night. When suddenly everything behind me went black and disappeared. A really strange feeling.

It was a few minutes before I realised the boot lid had popped open.

John