Living the RV lifestyle is fantastic, offering unparalleled freedom and adventure. However, anyone who’s maneuvered a large rig knows the inherent challenges, especially when it comes to visibility. The blind spots are enormous, and trying to back into a tight spot or change lanes in traffic can be incredibly stressful and frankly, dangerous, without a clear view of your surroundings. Solving this problem wasn’t just about convenience; it was about safety for ourselves and others on the road.
Key Factors When Choosing an RV Camera System
When considering an RV camera system, you’re typically looking to eliminate those anxiety-inducing blind spots and make tasks like backing up or merging significantly safer and easier. The ideal customer for this type of product is anyone piloting a large vehicle, from travel trailers and fifth wheels to motorhomes, who feels their current mirror setup is insufficient. If you only drive small campervans or don’t tow frequently, you might not need such an extensive setup, perhaps opting for just a basic rear camera. Before making a purchase, several factors are crucial to consider: the number of cameras needed (rear, sides, perhaps a door camera?), whether you prefer a wired or wireless system (wireless is generally easier to install but can be prone to interference), the monitor size and features (touch screen, split view), camera resolution, field of view, night vision capability, and weather resistance (IP rating). Pre-wired RVs can simplify installation significantly, so checking if your rig is prepped for a specific system is also a smart move.
Introducing the Furrion Vision S 3-Camera Wireless RV Backup System with 5-Inch Monitor
The Furrion Vision S 3-Camera Wireless RV Backup System promises to provide comprehensive visibility around your RV. This particular kit comes complete with a 5-inch touch screen monitor, one rear “Sharkfin” camera designed for pre-prepped RVs, and two side running light cameras. It aims to alleviate the stress of driving and maneuvering a large vehicle by giving you a clear view of your surroundings. Compared to just a basic rear camera setup, the addition of side cameras offers a much more complete picture, aiding in lane changes and preventing surprises in your blind spots.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Significantly improves safety and reduces stress during driving and maneuvering.
* Installation is relatively straightforward, especially on pre-wired RVs.
* Wireless connection simplifies setup compared to running long wires.
* Includes night vision for visibility in low light.
* Cameras are weather-resistant (IP65 rated).
* Offers motion detection for potential security use when parked.
Cons:
* The monitor quality, while functional, can feel less premium for the price point.
* Stated camera resolution might not translate to perceived high-definition quality in practice for some users.
* Wireless connection, while generally stable, can occasionally experience brief interruptions.
* Motion detection sensitivity can be overly high, leading to frequent false alerts.
* Lacks advanced features like recording capability or Bluetooth connectivity found in some alternative systems.
A Deep Dive into What It Offers
Let’s talk about living with the Furrion Vision S 3-Camera System over the long haul. After initially struggling with the limited view provided by standard RV mirrors alone, investing in this system was a game-changer. The promise of enhanced visibility across the rear and sides was exactly what I needed to feel more confident on the road.
Installation Experience
One of the major selling points, and something that proved true in my experience, was the ease of installation, particularly because my RV was prepped for the Furrion Vision S system. The rear Sharkfin camera fit neatly into the existing mount, making that part truly plug-and-play. The side cameras are designed to replace existing marker lights, which does involve a bit more work to connect the power wires, but it’s still far less involved than running completely new wiring from front to back. The wireless design eliminates the need to snake cables through the length of the RV, which is a huge time and effort saver. Getting the cameras and monitor to pair initially was a simple process, though it’s worth noting that powering the system often requires the RV’s running lights (or headlights on the tow vehicle if applicable) to be on, which wasn’t immediately intuitive but easy to figure out. The overall process felt manageable even for someone with moderate DIY skills.
Camera Performance: Resolution, Viewing Angle, and Night Vision
The system comes with three cameras – one rear and two side cameras. Furrion states these are high-resolution (720×480) IP65 waterproof cameras with infrared night vision and wide viewing angles. In practice, the wide-angle view is genuinely helpful, giving you a broad perspective of the lanes beside you and the area behind you when backing up. This is crucial for spotting vehicles, obstacles, or even wandering pets in a campground. The night vision is also effective. It switches on automatically in low light conditions, providing a black-and-white, but clear enough, image to navigate safely after dark or in dimly lit areas. This feature adds a significant layer of safety for early morning departures or late-night arrivals.
Now, regarding the “high-resolution” claim, this is an area where expectations need to be managed. While the cameras output at 720×480, the perceived image quality on the 5-inch monitor isn’t what many might consider “HD” in today’s world of smartphone and TV screens. It’s functional and provides the necessary information to maneuver safely, but don’t expect crystal-clear, sharp imagery. Details can be a bit soft, especially at a distance. However, for the primary purpose of obstacle detection and lane awareness, it gets the job done. The IP65 waterproofing rating means you don’t have to worry about rain, road spray, or even washing your RV affecting the cameras’ performance.
Wireless Signal Strength and Reliability
The 2.4GHz proprietary wireless connection is a key component of the Vision S system. Furrion claims a stable digital connection with no lag, tested up to 100ft at high speeds and an extended range of up to 492ft in open spaces. For my setup, which is a standard travel trailer, the signal has generally been reliable. When driving, the feed from the rear camera is consistently displayed with minimal noticeable delay, which is vital for safe towing. The side cameras also maintain a steady connection. I haven’t experienced significant lag that would impact quick decisions like lane changes. In open campground environments, the extended range means the cameras remain connected even when I’m outside the RV, which is useful during setup or packing. However, like any wireless system, it’s not immune to potential interference, though this has been rare for me.
The 5-Inch Touch Screen Monitor and Its Functions
The included 5-inch monitor serves as the central hub for viewing the camera feeds. It features a touch screen interface, which makes switching between camera views intuitive. You can cycle through individual camera views or display multiple views simultaneously (though the 5-inch screen is quite small for split-screen viewing of three feeds). The monitor comes with essential features like park assist marker lines, which can be overlaid on the rear camera feed to help guide you when backing up – a small but incredibly useful tool for judging distance and trajectory. The monitor also has an anti-glare coating, which helps with visibility in bright conditions, though direct sunlight can still make it challenging to see clearly sometimes. It includes both a windshield mount and a table stand, allowing flexibility in where you place it in your vehicle.
Security Features and Motion Detection
One feature I initially overlooked but came to appreciate is the system’s ability to double as a security system when parked. The cameras can be wired to be continuously powered (or powered via motion detection), and they include motion sensors that can automatically wake the display. This means if someone walks near your RV, the monitor can activate, showing you who’s there. The rear camera even includes a microphone, allowing for one-way audio transmission to the monitor, so you can hear what’s happening behind the RV. This security aspect adds peace of mind, especially when staying in less familiar locations. However, as noted in the cons, the motion detection can be overly sensitive. Even on the lowest setting, it’s prone to triggering from small insects, rain, or even shadows from clouds moving overhead. This can result in frequent, sometimes annoying, alerts, making it less useful for continuous passive monitoring unless you adjust your expectations or sensitivity settings frequently.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Living in an RV means dealing with various weather conditions. The IP65 waterproof rating on the cameras is essential. They are exposed to rain, snow, road spray, and dust, and holding up to these elements is critical for long-term reliability. So far, the cameras have endured different climates without issue. The monitor, designed for interior use, is not waterproof but feels reasonably sturdy for dashboard or windshield mounting.
Potential Downsides and Limitations
While the Furrion Vision S system significantly improves RV life, it’s not without its limitations. Beyond the perceived image quality and sensitive motion detection already mentioned, there are other points to consider. The 5-inch monitor, while compact, feels quite small when trying to display multiple camera views at once; a larger screen option (which Furrion offers in other models) would be beneficial for clearer multi-view use. The system also lacks certain modern conveniences like built-in recording capabilities – you can’t easily save footage for review or security purposes. While primarily designed for RV power, the lack of a simple USB power option out of the box means you might need an adapter for alternative power sources, such as using the monitor in a tow vehicle without a cigarette lighter outlet, which feels like a missed opportunity for versatility.
What Other RVers Are Saying
Looking at feedback from other users confirms many of my own observations. Many appreciate the straightforward installation process, especially when their RVs are pre-wired for the system. The improved visibility for driving and backing up is consistently highlighted as a major benefit, bringing much-needed confidence. People also value the system’s use as a security measure when parked. However, some shared my view that the monitor and camera quality, while functional, don’t necessarily feel cutting-edge given the price point, and they too found the motion detection sensitivity to be a challenge. Despite these points, the general sentiment is that the enhanced safety and reduced stress make the investment worthwhile for many RV owners.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Maneuvering a large RV can be daunting, with significant blind spots posing real safety risks during simple tasks like backing up or changing lanes. Ignoring this lack of visibility isn’t just inconvenient; it can lead to costly accidents or, worse, injuries. The Furrion Vision S 3-Camera Wireless RV Backup System offers a robust solution to this problem. Its easy installation on pre-wired units, reliable wireless signal (in most conditions), and comprehensive three-camera view make it a significant upgrade for RV safety. While the screen and camera resolution aren’t top-tier by today’s standards and the motion detection can be finicky, the fundamental benefit of seeing your surroundings clearly is invaluable. For anyone struggling with RV visibility, this system provides a tangible improvement to driving confidence and overall safety. To check it out further, click here to visit the product page .