Having recently upgraded my Colorado single cab ute to an 2014 Iveco 50C21 dual cab for some extra carrying capacity, the first thing I noticed once I had fitted a an extra toolbox behind the cab, I could no longer have a direct view of the 5th wheeler hitch. While I can hook up without a direct line of site, I did appreciate being able to see directly through the rear window of my Colorado.
With a toolbox and my firepot, as well as the longer cab, I now don’t have a direct line of sight to hitch up the 5th wheeler
Fitting a dedicated camera to help hitch up the 5th wheeler was an obvious upgrade. At the same time I decided to run two cameras off the rear of the 5th wheeler for future upgrades. I already have a reversing camera on the Iveco which is run through an in dash entertainment unit, I decided a 2 camera monitor incorporated in the rear view mirror would be a good place to start.
A 7″ diagonal screen gives a nice size screen. The buttons on the right are not backlit. You can’t see them if you want to change camera after dark. A minor problem but how often will you need to change view while driving.
Mounting the hitch viewing camera is being incorporated in another little project of mounting my spare wheel on top of my gullwing toolbox. I also plan to carry my firepot on top of the spare wheel. (a small job justs gets a little bit involved)
The hitch is 300mm from the camera and 50mm lower. The hitch pin is 800mm from the camera
The gas bottle on the mig welder is 2500mm from the camera
A photo showing depth perception of the 120° camera. The rear of the shed is approx 8-9m away. The 120° camera would not be my choice of rear view camera although it would be ideal just for reversing . Taking a photo of the screen does not do picture quality justice.
A 2 camera Suzi coil is used to connect the Iveco to the 5th wheeler
A 15m 2 camera cable is being used to run the length of the 5th wheeler. This cable is much cheaper than running 2 seperate cables.
The first time I used the camera to hitch up was very easy and very precise. These cameras would not be ideal for rear vision while driving but ideal for reversing and parking. I plan to add a 30° camera for driving on the road with the 5th wheeler behind. The camera also has very good night vision while driving.
This is an actual screenshot of the 120° camera but it is through my in dash entertainment system. All I had to do was swap camera leads over.
Getting closer
Almost ready to connect
All hooked up as soon as the locking mechanism is latched
The rear of the van 1200mm away from the workbench and 2100mm away from the wall. The two cameras are approx 2.7m above ground level
120° reversing camera showing workbech 1200mm away
This screenshot shows rear wall of shed 2100mm away with a 30° camera. This shot and the one above were taken from the same spot
Another screenshot showing van just outside the shed with a 120° camera, you can see edge of concrete. Sunlight and shadows show you can still see. Blue drum is 500mm away and orange box is 1200mm away.
The rear of the shed 15m away, taken from same spot as above shot with the 30° camera.
If I started over again I would lower both the rear vision camera, probably just above window, as well as reversing camera, somewhere from top of bumper bar, or top of cupboard to hide cables and hole in rear of van. The rear vision camera tends to give the impression cars are tailgating when in fact they are a good distance back. The reversing camera should be mounted a fair bit lower, as it doesn’t show a long way back from rear of van.
Cameras are all installed and everything is working well, some more detail will be added later 3/6/2018
Futher updates will be added as the project progresses 3/5/2018
Chris and Dianne's Ultima adventure 