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Old 05-27-2023, 02:04 PM   #1
jsb5717
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Wireless RV Camera not working in new(er) truck

I’ve got a wireless RV rear view camera that I’ve been using the past 3 years and has worked quite well in my 2012 RAM Big Horn. I just got a 2015 RAM Laramie Longhorn (so all of the bells and whistles) and the camera system no longer stays connected.

I can turn it on and get a clear image. But then it locks up then disconnects. I’ve wondered if there is some wireless tech in the new truck that is interfering. It has WiFi capabilities but not set up with UConnect. I can’t find any way to disable it just in case.

Does anyone else have this issue and solved it?

Thanks
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Old 05-27-2023, 02:30 PM   #2
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As a general observation, as the years go on, more and more trucks are being built such that towing circuits that were active all the time are now active only when many other conditions are satisfied. For example, the +12 battery charger / auxiliary port on the 7-position connector used to be on whenever my ignition key was turned; then in later years the truck had to be running; now it has to be running AND in drive gear. Could this be what you're running into?
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Old 05-27-2023, 03:07 PM   #3
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Thanks, but I doubt it. The camera is totally unrelated to the truck systems except that the monitor is powered by the truck. The camera is also powered by the truck via the trailer clearance lights. It’s more like there is some kind of signal interference that’s preventing the camera from talking to the monitor.

When all connected I can turn the truck clearance lights on and the camera connects to the monitor…for a couple seconds. Then freezes and disconnects. If I turn off the truck clearance lights and turn them right back on then the camera connects again to the monitor…for a second. And so on
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Old 05-27-2023, 03:12 PM   #4
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Is the connection technology Bluetooth?
Can you temporarily dismount in the in-truck unit and relocate it to test? Will it reach out the window?
Bluetooth is pretty distance-limited, and if you have a metal panel in your new truck in an unfortunate location, it's possible the signal is no longer strong enough for a two-way conversation.
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Old 05-27-2023, 03:25 PM   #5
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No, it carries it’s own signal from the monitor via antenna. I believe it’s likely 2.4 ghz but not 100% sure at the moment.

Here’s a newer version of the one I have
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Old 05-27-2023, 03:27 PM   #6
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OK, unfortunately, Bluetooth is also 2.4GHz, so I can't say much more. What brand and model?
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Old 05-27-2023, 03:53 PM   #7
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Yeah, a lot of things use 2.4 ghz. That’s why I initially wondered about the truck WiFi. However, it might not be 2.4 ghz…I can’t find anything to tell me what it is. It claims to have a long range and it’s always worked well in my last truck.

See link above for brand. It seems like it should just work since it’s designed and sold for RV’s with no mention of issues with any particular truck. It has good reviews and has always worked for me. Just a little stumped right now.
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Old 05-27-2023, 04:20 PM   #8
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I found this curious comment at Amazon:

Quote:
We have also found that it's also very handy for immediately making sure our trailer lights are still connected (during the day, when it's hard to visibly see the trailer lights from the truck), because when you have your lights on and the monitor is turned on, the image from the camera will only show up if your trailer connector is making a good connection. This came in very handy, because one time prior to purchase, and one time after purchasing, we inadvertently hadn't securely connected the trailer connector. Prior to purchase, when the trailer connection disconnected, we only knew it because people started honking at us. After purchase, we knew it immediately because the monitor went blank.
How solid is your running lights contact?
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Old 05-27-2023, 04:21 PM   #9
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Turn head lights to on not auto.
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Old 05-27-2023, 05:09 PM   #10
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I also have the previous model that you have and I've found I need to keep my cellphone away from it at least a couple of feet. Wyldfilre also has a good point.
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Old 05-27-2023, 07:42 PM   #11
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I had a similar situation with my 21’ Ram.
The signal from the 7 pin on newer trucks use a pulse wave signal instead of a consistent 12v signal. So clearance lights won’t power the camera.
I agree with turning the lights from Auto to On.
Not sure that’s the fix but worth a try
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Old 05-27-2023, 10:23 PM   #12
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As a rule I always turn the lights from Auto to On...it's always worked. I hit the road again on Monday so will see how it goes. I'll have to try keeping the phone away from the monitor to see if that helps.
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