The best caravan rear view camera is going to be ideal for tight manoeuvring, parking and pitching, and for general towing, as it helps to deliver an uninterrupted view around your outfit and in the space behind the van.
This is something that will be particularly important as it shows a space that you will not be able to see, even with the best caravan towing mirrors.
When you’re choosing a good rear view camera for a caravan, compatibility will be an important factor – you want one that will work with your current set-up, ensuring it doesn’t require a certain type of connection or similar that you don’t have. Make sure there is a good image resolution too – you’re going to want 1080p ideally, but failing that, a 720p resolution.
A good field of view will also be important with this useful piece of towing equipment – you want your rear view camera to be somewhere between 120 to 180 to ensure you get a clear view.
Don’t forget how easy it will be to install too – the cable needs to run from your car’s dash to the rear of the van. This is something which can make wireless cameras a more attractive prospect for van owners, but don’t forget that their feed could be less consistent. Lastly, make sure it’s a weather-resistant option too, with a rating or IP67 or higher.
Choose the right one and your caravan rear view camera should offer a cost-effective way to enhance your safety, convenience and confidence on the road, just like the best caravan sat navs. Here, we’re sharing three of our favourite options on the market, featuring products from Falcon, Dometic, and Auto-Vox.
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The best caravan rear view camera:
Falcon SD Wireless Rear-View Camera & 7” Mirror Monitor System
Reason to buy:
- Wireless, with no cable between camera and the monitor
Reason to avoid:
- Fairly expensive
If you’ve ever looked for the best caravan TV, chances are you will have come across Falcon, the brand which is also behind this caravan rear-view camera.
This wireless rear-view system is ideal for caravans, because there is no cable between the camera and the monitor.
It uses a 2.4GHz digital signal to transmit a perfect picture, from the camera position to the dash-mounted monitor. It can be used as a standard forward-facing driving camera for normal driving, or as a caravan reversing camera when towing.
You can enjoy a high-quality Standard Definition picture, which Falcon says is “interference-free” as it transmits digitally, rather than using analogue transmission. The image it creates is full colour by day, and black and white by night.
The 7in monitor clips onto your redundant rear-view mirror and plugs into a USB or cigarette lighter power socket.
The system’s waterproof external camera features built-in infrared night vision and works with a 12V or 24V application.
Installation is relatively straightforward for the confident DIYer, or you can have the unit fitted by Falcon technicians.
Once installed, the system is simple to operate. Just switch on the camera, clip your monitor over your mirror and power up. You’ll have full and clear rear visibility in less than a minute.
Auto-Vox SL5-5″
Reason to buy:
- Wireless, budget-friendly, powered by solar
Reason to avoid:
- Five-inch monitor could be too small for you
The budget-priced Auto-Vox Solar Wireless Rear-View Camera combines convenience, ease of installation and functionality – always useful traits when you’re looking for the best rear view camera for a caravan.
It’s designed for super-quick set-up, without the need for complex wiring, because it’s powered by solar energy. This makes it an eco-friendly, hassle-free option, especially as there’s no cabling to the dash-mounted monitor, and no external power source needed. Instead, the solar panel charges the camera’s battery, ensuring continuous use with no need to plug it in so you can take in the feed on its HD screen.
Something we will flag is that the screen is only five inches, so for those of you who prefer a larger screen, it could be worth considering the larger, albeit more expensive, Falcon. However, if you’re happy with the screen-size, this is undoubtedly a good budget caravan rear camera to consider.
The camera still offers a 1080p-quality, 130-degree view of the rear, though, enhancing safety by reducing blind spots when reversing a caravan and parking. It also has night vision mode. The wireless connectivity delivers a signal which Auto-Vox says is “stable and interference-free”, with the brand saying it will provide an image of 115m.
The monitor features a sharp, bright display, giving drivers a crisp view of the camera feed, even in low light. In addition, the system’s Waterproof IP69K rating ensures the camera remains reliable in all weather conditions.
Dometic PerfectView 29SX Camera and M71L Monitor
Price: From £245 and £319 respectively
Reason to buy:
- Provides a quality camera system when used together
Reason to avoid:
- Ends up quite expensive by the time you factor in the two pieces of equipment
The Dometic PerfectView 29SX Camera and M71L Monitor combination is a high-quality rear-view camera system from the highly regarded Swedish brand. It is especially designed to enhance safety and convenience for drivers of larger vehicles, including those towing caravans.
Inside, it boasts a 1/4in CMOS image sensor, delivering exceptional picture quality. The 150° wide-angle lens provides a clear, expansive view of the area behind the van, reducing blind spots, and ensuring safer reversing and manoeuvring.
The camera is robust and built to withstand harsh weather conditions, offering consistent performance regardless of rain, snow or dirt. This is reflected in its Waterproof IP69K rating.
Its compact design also ensures it can be easily mounted without affecting the vehicle’s appearance or aerodynamics.
The M71L Monitor complements the camera perfectly, featuring a crisp 7in display that offers a real-time video feed with no noticeable delay. The monitor is easy to install and operate, providing a clear view even in low light. Its anti-glare screen makes it usable in bright sunlight, further enhancing its practicality for everyday use. The M71L is also DVD compatible.
Head to Dometic to find a dealer for the Dometic PerfectView 29SX Camera and M71L Monitor now.
How to choose the right caravan rearview camera
There are a few important points to consider when you are choosing and buying your rear-view camera system.
Compatibility
Ensure that the camera system is compatible with your vehicle and caravan set-up.
Some rear-view cameras may require specific monitors or connections, so it’s essential to verify compatibility first.
Image quality
Look for cameras that have high-resolution sensors to provide clear images. A good quality camera should offer at least 720p resolution, with 1080p being ideal for the best level of visibility.
Field of view
A wider field of view (typically 120° to 180°) will allow you to see more of what’s behind the caravan, which is particularly useful for monitoring traffic.
However, bear in mind that a field of view which is too wide might distort the image and affect your perception of distances. Finding the right balance is essential.
Weather resistance
The camera will be exposed to the elements (and at speed), so it’s also crucial to choose a system that is weatherproof and offers a good IP (Ingress Protection) rating. Look for devices that are rated IP67 or higher. This ensures they can withstand rain, dust and widely varying temperatures.
Ease of installation
Consider how easy the camera is to install. Wired systems offer greater reliability, but can be more challenging to install neatly, because a cable has to be run all the way from the camera at the rear of the van to the monitor on the dash.
That includes traversing the A-frame and tow hitch, into the back of the car. To hide the cable behind trim throughout its journey and bridge the gap between caravan and tow car safely could easily involve a day’s DIY graft.
Wireless camera systems are much easier to set up, but might offer a less consistent feed – although the quality has been much improved in recent years.
When setting your budget, be aware that some retailers will charge an additional fee to fit the system for you.
Something else you may find yourself wondering about is the right type of towing mirrors to opt for. If you’re in two minds, see what we have to say about flat or convex mirrors, to help you find the type that will suit your needs.
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