quoteGuess what? Here at Caravan Guard, we had lots of caravan insurance claims in 2023 for accidental damage caused whilst reversing. Even if you hadn’t previously thought you needed help, it is at hand. And the good news is, you could benefit from a five percent discount on your annual caravan insurance premium with us if you have a caravan reversing system.
A reversing camera could make all the difference – if nothing else offering extra peace of mind when you’re making any caravan reversing manoeuvre. The good news is, there’s a massive choice of devices out there, suiting all needs and budgets. Don’t look back until you’ve read our guide!
Caravan Guard’s top caravan reversing camera buying tips
- Wired systems inevitably involve some drilling into your caravan’s bodywork – for wiring as well as placing a camera. Therefore, it’s arguably a job best left to the professionals
- Remember, any cable connections must be watertight and weatherproof
- Be prepared to take a bit of extra care when washing your caravan if it has a caravan reversing camera fitted.
- Don’t forget, a travel companion is probably one of the most effective (and cheapest) aids when it comes to reversing your caravan. You just need to agree on a system of hand signals and audio calls etc.
- Whatever rear-view monitoring system you go for, don’t forget they’re not a replacement for towing mirrors. By law, you have to have towing mirrors fitted, so that you can see a 4m wide area on either side of the caravan for up to 20m behind the driver – that means, in the majority of car and caravan outfits. See our video on the importance of towing mirrors here.
Wired and wireless caravan reversing systems
Cabling requirements can mean after-market wired caravan reversing cameras aren’t as popular as they perhaps should be.
A wireless system is undoubtedly best for a caravan as there’s no need for cables running between it and the tow car. Also, a DW (digital wireless) system should mean no other interference, while a number plate camera means no need to drill any holes in your caravan.
Wireless systems are also potentially a lot less expensive and more practical than wired systems.
Reversing sensors are a possibility too, albeit with the same wiring issues as cameras. And any connections must be proper and waterproof.
Caravan insurance considerations
Caravan reversing cameras and systems will help give the driver a good view of what’s behind their caravan, beyond their towing mirrors, and therefore reducing the chances of an accidental bump or scratch from those hidden objects. Plus, owners who invest in a caravan reversing camera will get a small discount on their Caravan Guard caravan insurance policy.
Here we look at six caravan reversing systems, which could help to prevent a costly caravan insurance claim.
Star Player #1
Falcon HD wireless camera and mirror monitor system
From Falcon’s range of camera and monitor systems, they say this camera and mirror monitor system is perfect for caravans as no cable is needed between the camera and monitor.
It works using digital radio transmission technology to send high-definition imagery from the camera to a 7-inch digital monitor which clips onto your tow car’s rearview mirror. The camera can transmit the imagery up to 40 metres, which should be ample for the length of most tow car and caravan outfits, including fifth wheel caravans.
The waterproof camera, with built-in infrared night vision, is mounted onto the back of your caravan and can be used as both as a reversing aid and to provide a rearview behind your caravan whilst towing.
Key features Full colour imagery by day and black and white at night, casing waterproof to IP69, 120-degree viewing angle, -20degC to 60degC temperature range for operating
Expect to pay £599 including installation
Star Player #2
Omni-Vue 3600 Digital HD
If you want all-round vision, literally, including a bird’s eye view, this is the perfect kit for you.
This wired system features a quartet of high-definition, wide-angle digital cameras, all connected via an ECU (electronic control unit). From this, footage from each camera is amalgamated electronically to give a single all-round image that appears on the monitor.
Supplier Omni-Vue offers 2D and 3D versions of this system. If you order the latter it also comes with a 4CH recorder that captures the view from each camera. In turn, this could prove crucial in proving your innocence if you are unlucky enough to be involved in any accident.
If you feel you don’t want the recorder at the time of the initial fitting, it can always be added in the future.
Omni-Vue says the camera system can be self-installed, but some 85% of customers to date have opted for a professional installation, which includes manually calibrating the cameras using sophisticated software when the fitting is complete.
Key features Digital HD video-recording available, four 720p/WDR cameras with 190-degree viewing angle, 7in monitor
Expect to pay From £1,995
Star Player #3
Camos Jewel Plus V2 system
You’re going to need the extra Camos Trailer Connection Cable here and it adds £191 to your final cost. It comprises an extra 3m of curly cable but it completes a system that includes a 7in monitor and a superior quality camera with 1.3 megapixel CMOS sensor for a very clear view.
This is the best-selling kit from several Camos kits sold – and fitted, if you want that service – here in the UK by specialist retailer RoadPro.
The camera is some 60mm x 53mm x 35mm and is designed to operate within a -20degC to 60degC temperature span.
Key features For use when reversing as well as for a rear view when driving, the camera’s plastic casing has an IP68 waterproof protection rating, two-year warranty
Expect to pay £409.18 (full system)/£237.48 (camera only)
Star Player #4
Dometic PerfectView CAM 29S
The cylindrical design of this camera gives a full range of vertical adjustment, while the 150-degree lens also ensures a wide angle of view.
The camera’s compact dimensions – 76mm wide, 33mm high, 29mm deep – also help in this respect. Indeed, Dometic suggests a camera like this can be mounted at the rear or on the side of your caravan, for help with turning manoeuvres.
It’s also been designed to have a high sensitivity to light, plus the factory-set configuration means it can work with a turn assist system, meaning you can be more aware of kerbs and blind spots.
This is one of a range of reversing cameras from Dometic. Also available is a choice of monitors and cabling/installation products, as well as full camera and monitor kits, all under the PerfectView name.
Key features Colour cylinder camera with 0.25in CMOS sensor,150deg lens, adjusts for brightness electronically, casing with IP69 waterproof rating
Expect to pay £360
Star Player #5
Premium Kit DW10B Wireless
Specialist supplier Reversingcamerasuk makes the case for a digital, wireless system with this model from a wide catalogue of caravan-friendly solutions.
It says the DW10B here uses technology that provides a signal some 10 times stronger than older, analogue-based systems.
Both the camera and the monitor have integrated aerials, the latter also supplied with 12V plug and a hardwire kit.
The camera is designed to attach to your caravan’s number plate (top or bottom). It can also be used for a constant rearview whilst driving. Of course the camera will need a power source and this will involve some wiring – usually to your caravan side lights, reversing lights or fridge power supply.
Key features 5in monitor with suction mount (dash mount optional), 130deg camera lens, two-year guarantee
Expect to pay £225
Star Player #6
Motormax Universal 4.3” Monitor and reversing camera kit
A best seller from specialist automotive accessories retailer Halfords, the leading retailer for Motormax thanks to some 400 stores throughout the UK and Ireland, many of which also offer a fitting service (which also includes installation at your home premises).
It’s part of a wide range of Motormax rear-view products, the kit here comprising a 4.3in monitor and an adjustable camera. You also get a sunshade, adhesive bracket, windscreen bracket, wiring loom, screws, adhesive pad and fitting manual.
Key features Pedestal camera with 110 degree viewing angle and CMOS sensor, 4.3in monitor, screen shows dynamic parking lines
Expect to pay £119.99 plus any professional fitting costs.
Over to you…
Do you have any advice on caravan reversing systems that you’d like to share with fellow caravanners? Or perhaps a caravan reversing camera has helped to save your tourer from damage? Please feel free to add a comment below.
5% reversing camera discount correct as of 20/02/2024. Discounts are subject to minimum premiums and may be subject to change.
cheap camera on car rear pointing at hookup has worked pefectly this winter – particularly when the motor mover would not play 🙁
Totaly agree and even though i have fitted a cheap camera for under £10 to go to car screen via wireless link she still is hte best. A loud thump on the caravan side says it all – stop when she is out of view! Cmera good though for on French motorways etc to see what is behind.
I purchased a VASTEND V01 Wireless Reversing Camera HD 1080P 7” Monitor & IP69 Waterproof Rear View Camera Stable Digital Signals, 150° Wide Angle Night Vision Reversing Camera Kit for Vans, Car, Trucks, RV from Amazon and fitted this to rear of my twin axle Swift caravan and took power from side lights of caravan so camaera is always on and gives excellent rearview. It costs £117 at moment ans additinal cameras can be purchsed with up to four run through monitor. Really good system
Thanks for sharing Gordon
This is a good article for your general range of customers. I have a camera fitted to the rear of the caravan. It is not brilliant, but then it was cheap, even including professionally fitted. I recommend considering a mid-cost camera rather than the cheapest you can get. However, what I do want to say is that the camera which pays for itself in convenience and is the BEST thing I have bought for my caravan is actually the camera fitted to the rear of my Land Rover which points down at the tow ball. You really must get one of these fitted. Not expensive but wonderful. It allows me to get the car tow ball smack under the tow bar of the caravan. First time and every time-on my own!!! And, although amusing, it confirms all the time that my caravan is still attached when I am towing. Perhaps a little joke, but it is surprising how comforting it is to glance into the screen and see the caravan’s attachments still working perfectly. So, I have two cameras; one on the tow ball and the other on the back of the caravan keeping an eye on tailing traffic. Perfect. I’m going to apply for the 5% discount next year. I also paid for a C&M Club one-day training course which included reversing. Worth every penny. Everyone should be properly trained in how to reverse. Good luck. Peter Roberts.
I bought the Streetwise SWRCM wireless reversing camera kit from Ebay for £48, I think they normally retail for about £80 from Amazon. It’s a great little piece of kit and was easily fitted to the back of my twin axle. I mounted the transmitter underneath the van in a weatherproof plastic box and picked up the 12v supply that goes to the back of my fridge. The transmitter comes on when coupled to the vehicle and transmits faultlessly to my Iphone all the time the engine is running – Just like having a rear view mirror!
Interesting article but prices seem expensive. My concern would be voiding the water ingress warranty, as I was told you could not drill into walls. Would be more sensible in this day and age to have them as standard by manufacturers as it is a safety device not a luxury
I have been married to he best camera in the world, my wife for the last 45 years of Caravanning the secret is if I can’t see her I don’t move till I can SIMPLE.and we have been in some tight places over the years and so far no bumps or scrapes.Touch Wood.
This of course works for us and not everyone.
I bought my wireless kit on eBay for £38.00 and it’s worked perfectly now for two years.
Prices seem excessive to me
Hi.Regarding the reversing camera article I have fitted 2 wireless cameras, 1 pointing at towball,and the other on rear top of my Bailey caravan.The set up I bought from Halfords and is made by RING.The cost of the monitor and 1 camera was approx £90 with the additional camera at £50.Both cameras work with the monitor but only 1 at a time can be seen on screen.an excellent bit of kit that took me approx 2 hrs to fit both.Highly recommended.
Thanks for sharing Paul
unrealistic at those prices.