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06-10-2017, 03:56 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Toronto
Posts: 178
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Furion observation camera install question.
We just purchased a Passport Elite 19RB. We pick it up in a few weeks. One of the first things I want to do is install a Furion observation camera. The trailer comes with the camera prep. I understand it's a plug and play system. The salesman told me the camera will be live all the time. Is this true or does it get power from the running lights?
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2017 Passport Elite 19RB
2019 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS
2017 Ford F350 Lariat 4X4 CC 6.7
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06-10-2017, 05:19 AM
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#2
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Site Team | Emeritus
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 3,878
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Most likely it is only powered when the lights are on. Yours may be different, and hooking it up is the only way to know for sure. If you have a multimeter you could check the out put of the pigtail before you install. Having the lights on to activate is not a big deal IMHO. YMMV ,though.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk
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Chip Bruce, RPh
Kansas City, MO
2016 Impact 312
2017 Silverado 3500HD SRW
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06-10-2017, 06:34 AM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Dillon
Posts: 7
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Mine only runs when running lights or other truck lights are on.
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06-10-2017, 06:38 AM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,846
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Most people have "their own opinion" about how to power a rear camera. If you consider the three options, having power from the clearance/running light system seems the "best option" for most people. Here's my reasoning why:
If you power from the clearance light, to "turn on the camera" only requires you turn on your tow vehicle lights. The camera is then powered and functional.
If you power from a separate source, (without a switch) your camera will be powered at all times, have "unnecessary wear" and draw power from the coach battery, adding an unwanted additional drain while dry camping or while in storage.
If you power from a separate source, (with a switch) your camera can be turned on/off when towing, but if you forget to turn it on, it'll mean a stop, possibly along the roadside, to switch it on. That can be an inconvenience and removes the "operability" while in the driver's seat.
So, at least in my opinion, connecting the wireless rear camera system to the clearance lights provides increased control (from the driver's seat) for most situations.
If you have a wired (at least with Rear View Safety systems) to install, the rear camera draws its power from the control unit that is installed in the tow vehicle and controlled by the ignition switch (or the accessory switch) depending on how it's wired during installation. On mine, I wired the RVS system to the #4 accessory switch on the dash. That way I can turn the system on/off depending on whether I'm towing with/without the boat behind the fifth wheel. Or, if in traffic, I can turn on the system with a simple "flip of a switch" and have "rear coverage".
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John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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06-10-2017, 02:18 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Toronto
Posts: 178
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I hope it's wired to the running lights. I will find out when I pick it up.
Thanks for the replies.
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2017 Passport Elite 19RB
2019 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS
2017 Ford F350 Lariat 4X4 CC 6.7
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06-26-2018, 06:25 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Souris
Posts: 154
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We have the 19RB wondering how you made out with the camera I'm going to get one for sure just shopping around at the moment can you tell me does it work good on your 19RB?
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Current : 2018 Passport Elite 19RB
Past 2015 R-Pod 179
6,000 Equalizer WDH
2009 F150 Lariat 5.4l
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06-26-2018, 06:56 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Hurley
Posts: 350
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The observation camera works real good ptooti no problems with the trailer I have. I like it and don`t thinks I will tow without one now.
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Kenny & Susan
2017 Passport 2670bh
2017 F250 6.2 4wd
Equalizer 4 pt.
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06-26-2018, 09:35 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Illinois
Posts: 581
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When Observation Camera is on
Makes most sense to be connected to the clearance lights, at least to me.
Now, it can be a interesting issue: We left on a trip overcast and early one day, and the camera was working great. About 40 minutes into our travel, the camera stopped working....
Our tow vehicle, probably like most newer vehicles, the RAM has automatic lights that come on as needed. Since it was morning and somewhat overcast the lights had come on and stayed on as we drove, until the sky cleared and the camera went off. The DW is playing with the camera monitor controls, and I'm assuming the connection to the camera came loose. About 10 minutes later, DUH, you have to turn the lights manually to on during daylight hours!
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Ed & Mary
2017 Cougar 333MKS
2015 RAM 3500 HD with 6.4L
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06-27-2018, 02:27 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: "Murvil, TN
Posts: 2,198
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Another option for controlling the power (12VDC) for a camera is a wirelessly operated 12V switch/relay. These wireless units can be bought in 12v, 120v 5v, and 240v versions. The receiver can be installed in the RV, and it does the actual switching....On Off, while the wireless remote is kept in the truck. They can be configured to turn on and latch (stay on until the button is pushed again to turn it off) our setup for jog (push the button down and hold it and it stays on until you release the button) I have installed two of them over the past several months. One is for the air horn solenoid in my truck (jog setup), and the other one is in my trailer and is used to turn on an LED strip that is under the center section of the sofa (latched configuration)
Here is the ones that I used.....
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These would be perfect for low current draw applications, such as controlling an observation/rear view camera. They are pretty small and don't have a lot of room in there, so small gauge wire is perfect for this. There are instructions with the unit, and they are pretty decent, but it wouldn't hurt to be at least a little familiar with 12v electrical type work/wiring.
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2016 F350 King Ranch Crew Cab Dually Diesel 4x4
2018 Grand Design Momentum 394M
2023 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+
Excessive payload capacity is a wonderful thing
"If it ain't Fast....It ain't Fun"
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06-27-2018, 05:36 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Three Way
Posts: 139
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pmedic4
Makes most sense to be connected to the clearance lights, at least to me.
Now, it can be a interesting issue: We left on a trip overcast and early one day, and the camera was working great. About 40 minutes into our travel, the camera stopped working....
Our tow vehicle, probably like most newer vehicles, the RAM has automatic lights that come on as needed. Since it was morning and somewhat overcast the lights had come on and stayed on as we drove, until the sky cleared and the camera went off. The DW is playing with the camera monitor controls, and I'm assuming the connection to the camera came loose. About 10 minutes later, DUH, you have to turn the lights manually to on during daylight hours!
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I have the same camera and a Ram 2500. The observation camera is connected to the trailer running lights. The TV (Ram) headlights or running lights must be on. When they are on the trailer lights will be on which feeds the power to the camera.
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USMC Vietnam Veteran
2019 Laredo 325RL
Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection
2018 Ram 2500 Laramie
Pathway X2 with DISH Wally
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06-27-2018, 07:30 AM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Indianapolis
Posts: 12
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I think you will find that if the trailer was factory prepped for the camera, it will be powered from the converter and fused there. It will be powered all the time. If the dealer added the camera mount they likely picked up power from the clearance lights.
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06-27-2018, 12:50 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Rockett, TX
Posts: 480
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Furion's installation instructions indicate that Keystone factory prep is powered from the converter. Mine is always on unless I turn the battery connection off, (just another parasitic battery drain).
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Jerry & Debbie
with Fur Babies Sasha & Sam
2018 Alpine 3401RS
2019 Ford F350 SRW
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06-27-2018, 01:35 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Three Way
Posts: 139
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You should be able to modify it by cutting the wires and splicing them in to the running light.
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USMC Vietnam Veteran
2019 Laredo 325RL
Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection
2018 Ram 2500 Laramie
Pathway X2 with DISH Wally
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06-27-2018, 04:17 PM
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#14
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: South East Nebraska
Posts: 41
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Just plugged in ours on the 2019 Cougar 34TSB and it only is powered when the running/clearance lights are on.
What a simple installation. Wow.
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2019 Cougar 34TSB
2017 Chevy Duramax Crew Cab
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06-27-2018, 05:40 PM
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#15
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Washington
Posts: 21
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Our Hideout 5er is always on, I have yet to figure out exclactly where the connection is. Although I do plan on installing a battery shut off switch for when she’s not in use.
I did install mine myself. Dealer wanted to over charge for the camera and another ~$60 IIRC for labor. As I was looking the camper over, the actual Furrion prep cover states “10min install” (maybe 15, I can’t remember). It’s a matter of 4 screws and 1 plug. It’ll be harder to climb up and down a ladder
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07-05-2018, 08:01 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 352
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Love my 2018 Outback with the Furrion backup camera prep all ready for plug & play.
Next to the auto leveling system, this observation camera is AWESOME.
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07-05-2018, 08:48 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Hurley
Posts: 350
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My passport is connected to the running lights.
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Kenny & Susan
2017 Passport 2670bh
2017 F250 6.2 4wd
Equalizer 4 pt.
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07-05-2018, 09:27 AM
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#18
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Ilwaco WA
Posts: 28
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I just picked up a 2019 Hideout 21FQWE and had already bought a Furrion camera because all the pictures showed a Furrion mount was already installed. Well a Voyager mount was preinstalled on my trailer. I took out the Voyager mount and it was wired to the running lights so it was a pretty easy install. I removed the crimps and put it all back together and I love it. I just had to put some clear RTV to waterproof the gaskets and clearance light and I'm good to go.
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12-10-2020, 08:50 AM
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#19
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Fresno
Posts: 1
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In Trailer viewing
I would like to be able to move the monitor into the trailer when parked. Then use the furion cameras like a security system. I want to connect the cameras to a switch (even if I must remember to power it on and off) My trailer came pre-wired to power from the running lights. I'd like to know how to go about re-wiring these to a fused switch.
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12-10-2020, 09:53 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 979
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Quote:
Originally Posted by grampscamper
We just purchased a Passport Elite 19RB. We pick it up in a few weeks. One of the first things I want to do is install a Furion observation camera. The trailer comes with the camera prep. I understand it's a plug and play system. The salesman told me the camera will be live all the time. Is this true or does it get power from the running lights?
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I have the same system you are looking at. My camper also came pre wired for it. Yes it is plug in. The rear camera you just remove the bracket and will see the wires. Plug it in and reattached it to the camper. The side cameras are also prewired Just remove the bracket on the side markers and slide the camera into it. That’s all is to the install. Yes it does run off of the head lights and the head lights have to be on in order for the cameras to work. I had an issues with mine and after a call to the tech I found out your head lights have be turned on and not set to auto if your vehicle has that option. If you have any problems call the tech line they were very helpful.
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Bob/Kay
Jacksonville, Nc
2020 Keystone Cougar 5th wheel 29 rks traded now
2021 3761 fl Montana 5th wheel
Pulled with a 2022 F350 King Ranch
Retired LEO after 35 years just enjoying life now.
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