Time to Roam Magazine Issue 12 - December/January 2015 | Page 42

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tried + tested safe reversing
RECOMMENDED BUY:

Jaycar wireless
reversing camera
QM-3852
Once you engage reverse gear the
camera will wirelessly transmit the vision
up to 50m to the 4.3” display that suction
mounts to your windscreen and plugs
into the cigarette lighter for power. There
is also provision to add a second --sold
separately $84.95. You can mount this
to the car so you still have a reversing
camera when the trailer is not hitched.
The camera with 105 degree view also
features six infrared LEDs to help illuminate
the area while you reverse at night.

$199

SAFE REVERSING:

CHOOSING A
REVERSE CAMERA

BY MICHELLE SLATER

Rely on technology to make reversing
a lot easier and safer for you.
It is gut-wrenching backing your caravan
into something because of a blind spot.
Retro-fitted reversing cameras will let you
see exactly what’s directly behind you.
A decent camera these days costs under
$200 – pretty good insurance really when
you consider what could happen if a kid on
a bike suddenly popped out of nowhere.
There are two options: wired-in or wireless
units. Wireless is easier and cheaper to install,
but they can be subject to interference.
If you can install a stereo, you can probably
even install one yourself. Specialist installer,
Carl Paine from G and L Caravan Repairs in
Sydney offered the following words of advice
for those willing to give it a go themselves.
Firstly, mount your camera up high on the
back of the caravan to show a distance from the
rear of the van when reversing up to an object.
You need a 12 volt power source. The

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timetoroam.com.au

camera normally has a separate plug
for connection to the towing vehicle,
or you can use the new 12 pin plugs
that offer additional connector pins.
For wired-in units, Carl recommends
running the cabling in existing
cupboards. “If cabling is running along
under the chassis, a suitable conduit
to protect the cable is required.”
Like any tech, cheap can be nasty
and parts might not be available. Water
damage can be a problem too. Carl says
to choose robust, waterproof cabling and
cameras, especially for river crossings.
“Also the plug connection at the A-frame
to the tow vehicle can be damaged when
hitching up and dirt and water can enter
the plug causing a bad connection.”

More info: www.jaycar.com.au

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