The 8 best motorhome reversing cameras

If you are ever in the unfortunate position of having an accident in your motorhome, there’s a pretty high chance it will be because of a reversing manoeuvre that didn’t quite go as planned. A reversing camera for your motorhome (or more than one) could come to your rescue in these situations.

Motorhome reversing cameras can help you with your reversing manoeuvres—and may even save you a few pounds on your annual motorhome insurance premium.

Factors to consider when choosing a reversing camera include:

• wireless (easier to fit) or wired (more reliable) products
• where and how you want your monitor mounted
• professional or DIY installation

Then there are some features and terminology to be aware of, such as:

• image mirroring—where the monitor replicates exactly what you would be seeing via a traditional rear-view mirror)
• audio functions—such as being able to hear what’s happening when you’re reversing)
• being able to identify the difference between waterproof and weatherproof—clue: look for IP ratings)

Here’s our round-up of six of the best reversing cameras for motorhomes.

 

1. Camos Jewel Plus V2

• Price: £409
• Pros: Quality product designed specifically for motorhome use, two-year warranty
• Cons: Can be pricey

As used by the likes of Hymer, Dethleffs, Bürstner and Adria as original equipment (some models are pre-wired for such fittings if they’re not offered as standard, too). UK agent RoadPro is highly experienced in kit like this for motorhomes, listing the Jewel Plus V2 as its best seller.

Use it not just for reversing, but also if you want to see what’s going on behind you when you’re on any journey. It comes with a 7inch monitor (a good size for most motorhome cabs) and 13m of cable, suitable for vehicles of any length.

Ideally it will be professionally fitted, although competent DIY-ers may be tempted to take it on. It’s sold as a kit complete with power loom, camera extension cable, mirror monitor, remote control, use manual etc. The camera itself has a 1.3megapixel resolution, can work within a -20° to +60°C temperature range and is housed in a waterproof plastic casing.

 

2. Road Angel Halo View

• Price: £199.99
• Pros: Waterproof camera housing, 1080P resolution, anti-glare screen, three-year warranty
• Cons: Needs a rear-view mirror fitting to attach to, 3m rear extension cable is a £39.99 option

Not only does this comes with an exterior mountable camera and rear-view mirror with 10inch touchscreen for in the cab, you also get a dash cam for a full all-round package.

As a rear-view camara, reverse gear activation means the display is on as soon as you the appropriate gear is selected. The anti-glare screen helps with night parking, especially.

Latest versions come with Halo’s 6G QHD lens that promises crystal clear vision. For fitting, you get a 4.8m connector cable as standard, so for a larger motorhome you might need the rear extension cable option.

 

3. Garmin BC50

• Price: £179.99
• Pros: 160° field of view, 720p HD resolution, IP67-rated weatherproof casing, supplied with charging/data cabling
• Cons: Buy a monitor separately

A 12V wireless reversing camera like this makes this kind of reversing camera more attractive to those tempted to try a DIY fitting via your motorhome’s reversing lights (although Garmin does advise a professional fitting). It claims a 15m signal range so there shouldn’t be any issues with adding to a motorhome.

It’s light, too. The camera itself is less than half a kilogram. You get the choice of what kind of monitor you want—and it’s compatible with Garmin’s own sat navs as well as units like the Avtex Tourer 3.

 

4. EchoMaster Monitor and IR Reversing Camera Kit

• Price: £105
• Pros: 170° viewing angle, waterproof camera, supplied with 6.7m cable and wiring harness
• Cons: Cost of options

This comes with a 7inch monitor, which is the type of size that fits well in a typical motorhome cab, where there’s simply more room than, say, a typical car. The camera itself has a pedestal mounting and connects to a 7inch monitor that goes on the dashboard. Fitting cost is typically £80.

 

5. AUTO-VOX W10

• Price: £170
• Pros: 7inch HD monitor, wireless, enhanced night vision
• Cons: No inbuilt memory for recording

With a 7inch monitor and a 720p resolution camera with enhanced night vision, the AUTO-VOX W10 can help ensure that you don't miss a thing while reversing your motorhome or campervan. It's a great choice if you're looking for a reversing camera that's cost effective without compromising on the key features.

The only downside to this product is that you won't be able to use it as a dash cam as there's no internal storage to save videos to, but if you just want help with reverse parking, this could be the ideal option for you.

 

6. VisionPlus Ranger 440

• Price: £371
• Pros: Slimline dual camera fitting, built-in speaker, manual or automatic operation
• Cons: Not the cheapest

The dual camera system here means you get great views when reversing as well as when diving normally—hence you get viewing angles of 120° (for parking) and 40° (for driving) and both are independently adjustable.

It’s supplied with a 7inch touchscreen that fits over your motorhome’s rear view mirror (if fitted). It also comes with a microphone and 1Watt built-in speaker and some 125m of cable, plus remote control.

 

7. Omni-Vue 360 Digital HD

• Price: £1,795
• Pros: 360° view of your vehicle, 3D version comes with 132GB of memory
• Cons: Expensive

The Omni-Vue 360 Digital comes with four ultra-wide-angle cameras which are attached to each side of your motorhome or campervan, giving you a complete view of your surroundings.

You can configure each camera individually to eliminate any blind spots, helping you to feel safer whilst driving. The built in 132GB of memory can also help reassure you that you have everything recorded should you face a claim from another road user.

You can choose whether your kit comes with a 7 inch or 10 inch monitor, and you’ll have four extension cables (a 5m cable, an 18m cable, and two 10m cables).

 

8. Falcon Wi-Fi Wireless Rear View Reversing Camera

• Price: £165
• Pros: Camera provides its own Wi-Fi connection, can connect to any smart phone or tablet, wireless
• Cons: Requires recharging

If you’re looking for a reversing camera that’s easy to install, the Falcon Wi-Fi Wireless camera has a magnetic base which simply sticks to any metal. If you want to attach it somewhere non-metallic, the kit also comes with a metal plate and adhesive.

The camera can connect to either the Falcon Explorer or Camper Plus Sat Navs from Falcon, or you can simply connect it to your smart phone or tablet. The camera also comes with a charger and car cigarette lighter adapter for charging on the go when needed.

 

Things to consider when you buy reversing cameras for motorhomes

1. Having determined you want/need a reversing camera, do consider whether you want to take an extra small step and have a full rear-view monitoring package—it means you can also have a rearwards view when you’re driving and may be particularly handy depending on your motorhome
2. Check camera resolution. Ideally this should be rated at some 720p (pixels) which counts as high density (HD). A 1080p rating means it has Full HD
3. A motorhome cab will allow you to go for a larger monitor, for easier viewing. Nevertheless, do ensure the monitor's position doesn’t affect the driver’s forward view
4. Think about where you want to position your camera. Too high up and it might be tricky to get at for leaning the lens, for example
5. You might find your motorhome is already pre-wired for the fitting of a reversing camera
6. If you’re also in the market for more sophisticated sat nav and/or dash cam, you might find these also come with a rear-view monitoring system

 

Specialist motorhome and campervan insurance through Ripe

Even though you’re taking precautions to try and protect you and your motorhome or campervan from damage or theft, accidents can still happen. This is why you may want to consider getting specialist motorhome and campervan insurance for that added peace of mind.

Specialist motorhome and campervan insurance through Ripe allows you to build your policy so you can tailor your cover to suit you and protect your motorhome or campervan against things like theft, fire, flood, and accidental damage.

Find out more about specialist motorhome and campervan insurance through Ripe and get a free online quote today.