As a caravan owner you’ll be used to all the gadgets that claim to make life on the road that little bit easier. You’ll also know that while many of them are an unnecessary expense, some of them, once you try them, make you wonder just how you managed without them. To us, here at The Insurance Emporium, a reversing camera definitely falls into the second category; reversing a caravan is quite tricky to get the hang of – you need to turn the wheel in the opposite direction to the one you need to go in – and it never feels right.
If you’re not yet familiar with reversing cameras for your caravan, and you want to know just how much difference one gadget can make, then read on!
WHAT IS A REVERSING CAMERA?
A reversing camera is exactly what it sounds like; a camera that helps you reverse by letting you see what’s behind you. Lots of cars have them now, so it’s exactly the same principle. Modern caravans often come with them fitted as standard, but you can also have them fitted.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
They attach to your caravan and give you a clear view of any obstacles behind you that you might not see with just your extension mirrors.
WHERE DO YOU PLACE THEM?
The ideal place is on the rear of your caravan in the middle of the vehicle, for example, just above the number plate – think about where it’s positioned on your car. It shouldn’t be too low as you might not get the best view, but it needs to be low enough that you can reach to clean it.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING ONE?
The caravan is easier to manoeuvre, and there’s a lot of manoeuvring going on when you’re positioning yourself on a site, or in and out of your driveway, and think of those narrow country roads we’ve all found ourselves on, head-to-head with another vehicle.
It’s safer – anything that gives you better visibility is a positive thing, particularly when towing a huge caravan that’s blocking your rear view.
TYPES OF REVERSING CAMERAS
There are basically two types of reversing cameras; wired and wireless and there are pros and cons to both types. Let’s take a look:
Wired – these are physically connected to your caravan.
PROS
- They can be more hardwearing than wireless cameras.
- They tend to have better image quality.
- There are more options available.
CONS
- They tend to be more expensive than wireless models.
- They’re more complicated to install so you may need a specialist to install it, which adds to the price.
Wireless
PROS
- No complicated wires.
- Easy to install.
- They tend to be cheaper than wired cameras.
CONS
- The image quality often isn’t as good; it can depend on the price so it could cost you more.
- You can get signal interference.
- They’re not as hardwearing.
- They’re not great for larger caravans.
ANALOGUE Vs DIGITAL?
While an analogue camera might be cheaper, you’re more likely to have interference, and image quality may be better with a digital system – think of it like listening to a digital radio as opposed to an FM radio.
360 CAMERAS
360, or ‘birds’ eye’ cameras give a full 360° view with no blind spots, as it has three or four wide-angled cameras positioned on each ‘corner’ of the caravan to create a more accurate view from above. These types of cameras are fairly new, so will come at a cost.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A REVERSING CAMERA
- Where do you want the screen? i.e. the dashboard or windscreen.
- Screen/monitor style- you may already have something in your car that you can use as a screen, for example, a built-in sat nav. It needs to have good resolution though. Some wireless cameras can be connected to a mobile phone or tablet.
- Any cables need to be water/weatherproof – most cameras will have an IP rating to show how dust/moisture tight it is; the higher the number, the more protection it offers.
- A camera with its own light is a bonus.
- Check the battery pack in a wireless camera.
TIPS FOR USING A REVERSING CAMERA
- It’s best to get a wired camera fitted by a professional; it may involve drilling into the caravan’s bodywork, so you need to know what you’re doing. It might also be worth checking if this will affect your warranty.
- Remember to take care when washing your caravan once the camera is fitted.
- Remember you still need towing mirrors. By law you need to be able to see at least four metres wide of the towed vehicle for at least 20 metres behind you; extended-arm side mirrors will help you see more clearly along both sides of your caravan.
Getting used to towing a caravan takes time, there’s always the worry about snaking and hitching and unhitching it, so anything that can make reversing easier is a winner with us; although one of the most effective (and free) aids when reversing is another person, as well as your mirrors, of course. Anything that gives you peace of mind is good, and this is where touring caravan insurance comes in; you can choose from three policy types that can be tweaked with optional benefits, meaning you only pay for what you need. Remember to check your policy wording as you may have to have caravan equipment listed as an extra on your policy. Visit the website, or give us a call for a free, no-strings quote today!
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