Dumb question time

[leslie]

We get our Camplite, and we need to check the caulking at least twice a year, if not 4X a year. Okay. I understand this.

We tow the Camplite with a vehicle that has several windows, an antenna, door handles, etc. Yet we do not have to check the seals several times a year. Why can't rvs be built to the same standards as our cars with regard to seals?

I ordered my Jeep without the back up camera because I have heard numerous stories about problems when a back up camera is installed on the camper. The reception on the monitors is messed up.

I am ready to have a 2-camera, one monitor system from Rear View Safety installed. The camera on the back of the Jeep will require that a 3/4 inch hole be drilled through vehicle walls. I will discuss with the installer the type of seal that will be used to keep water out.

I ordered it with the Trailer Tow Quick Connect so both cameras are wired to the monitor, based on recommendations from people who use this system. When the dealer installs the camera on the back of my camper, that will be another place to check the caulking.

Am I nuts to be scratching my head in confusion???

[tinkeringtechie]

These are good questions.

[quote source="/post/3278/thread" timestamp="1409847204" author="@leslie"]We tow the Camplite with a vehicle that has several windows, an antenna, door handles, etc. Yet we do not have to check the seals several times a year. Why can't rvs be built to the same standards as our cars with regard to seals?[/quote]This is the advantage of mass production vs custom manufacturing. Your car has stamped seamless panels that are welded or permanently bonded together with very tight tolerances. Your trailer on the other hand was cut from aluminum stock with relatively crude instruments using jigs or even hand fitting. Then they drill a bunch of holes on the outside to attach various accessories. Unfortunately that means more places for water to get in and bigger openings where things meet together. You can use a non-silicone based sealant like geoflex to make it last a lot longer though. The roof seals use lap sealant like Dicor and last a decent amount of time and can be touched up instead of replaced (but should still be inspected).

[quote source="/post/3278/thread" timestamp="1409847204" author="@leslie"]I ordered my Jeep without the back up camera because I have heard numerous stories about problems when a back up camera is installed on the camper. The reception on the monitors is messed up.[/quote]I think you were misinformed. Factory installed backup cameras are hard-wired (no radio signal involved). They should not affect your reception at all. We have one and love it because it allows me to back up and attach the trailer without any assistance.

[charliem]

[font size="3"]Factory installed cameras are wired and should work fine. They are particularly helpful on the TV for hooking up to the TT. The Rear View Safety system should also work well if it's their wired system. A little extra time to connect/disconnect. I had their wireless camera and it didn't work well. The problem, especially on newer TVs with Bluetooth capabilities, is the Bluetooth interferes with the wireless camera. I finally went with the Voyager wireless system. It is very expensive and it works very well. The Voyager uses a technology similar to Bluetooth in that the camera pairs with the monitor, thereby locking out other interference. Your choices are: put up with the interference (bad idea), go wired all the way (somewhat inconvenient and requires more installation), go more expensive wireless ($$ but simple and works well).
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[admin]

[font size="3"]Factory installed cameras are wired and should work fine. They are particularly helpful on the TV for hooking up to the TT. The Rear View Safety system should also work well if it's their wired system. A little extra time to connect/disconnect. I had their wireless camera and it didn't work well. The problem, especially on newer TVs with Bluetooth capabilities, is the Bluetooth interferes with the wireless camera. I finally went with the Voyager wireless system. It is very expensive and it works very well. The Voyager uses a technology similar to Bluetooth in that the camera pairs with the monitor, thereby locking out other interference. Your choices are: put up with the interference (bad idea), go wired all the way (somewhat inconvenient and requires more installation), go more expensive wireless ($$ but simple and works well).
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Or (like in my childhood) go with the lowest tech option and have a spotter yelling which way to turn. I said this a lot as a spotter "no, no, no, your other left"

[leslie]

LOL!!! If my husband and I had to do that, I am unsure which of us would walk away alive. Which is why I am going for the 2 camera system. It will also help with backing up the trailer. Another husband saver!