Wireless Back Up Cameras?

Has anyone used them on trailers and do they work any good?

I don't know of any drivers or companies using this technology. There probably are some, but not many.

I'm sure it sounds logical to some, but it's really something that can only be slightly helpful, if at all. The reason backing a truck is challenging has very little to do with not being able to see directly behind the trailer.

The real problem is that the vehicle bends or articulates somewhere about 1/3 of the way back from the front. It's all the angles that cause the problems. Many backing accidents are avoided by G.O.A.L.ing. The driver gets out to look at all the angles involved. Very seldom do you see a driver G.O.A.L.ing to look behind the trailer. They want to assess all the angles involved. That's what is important.

Getting the angles all worked out is what keeps you from hitting something while going backwards. It is the angles involved which cut out the drivers sight line. That would require multiple cameras and monitor screens which sounds very confusing to me.

Sometimes the simple old fashioned way of putting your eyes on something is the best solution. We G.O.A.L. for a reason. That reason is that it simply works.

Get Out And Look

That’s an interesting concept, but as OS stated, it can’t replace the time tested practice of GOAL.

Some time ago, there was talk about a drone technology that would allow a driver to monitor what was behind the trailer. I guess that idea was abandoned.

It would be fun to try this new camera. Maybe it could enhance the GOAL practice, but not replace it. That camera technology probably costs a pretty penny. Doing a GOAL is free. Not to mention good exercise.

Usually they’ll get installed and not repaired because reasons. They don’t eliminate GOAL but are definitely helpful, for liftgate/ ramp deliveries, and backing up to the dolly. I wish mine still worked every time I’m in a tight situation where a backing camera would be helpful I’ll repeat the mechanics excuse “you don’t need one”

I saw one Prime driver that clamped a rear facing camera on his trailer. ONE in just over two years. I'd venture a guess that it came as part of a 4 camera system, so he was gonna use it. Probably to have full context video in case of any incidents.

Me? Id lose the dang thing in the first drop and hook. Maybe if you kept the same trailer all the time it could be different.

“Me? Id lose the dang thing in the first drop and hook.”

Haha, I can totally identify with that I’ve lost one good padlock because I set it on the DOT bumper and forgot it. Several weeks ago I had to swap trailers with another driver and forgot to take my NEW padlock off my trailer. I got about 5 miles down the road when I went through my mental checklist (5 miles too late). Turned around and went back and retrieved my padlock. Losing that padlock would have been bad enough, but the other driver would have had the frustration of needing to get it cut open at some point in their journey and it would have been all my fault.

Such is the life…….!

Personally, if I had a reward-facing camera it would be mounted inside the rear of the trailer to monitor the forklift operator's progress, or lack thereof.

On a serious note, I say nay! I use so many different trailers I would want to avoid trying to keep up with mounting and unmounting one every time I drop and hook. Like BA, I'd probably lose it. Also, for reasons OS mentioned.

However, drivers appear to be trying them. This year alone, I have found two backup cameras on the ground at the same truck stop (Milton Truck Plaza, Milton, PA). Both had minor damage but were removed and discarded on the ground for whatever reason. Maybe the driver(s) found them useless and couldn't find the energy to walk 45 paces to the nearest garbage can to dispose of them.

BK I did that too, forgot my master padlock (had more) on a trailer, until hours later. My DM called too saying I forgot it, I told him they can cut it off no biggee, was too far to worry bout 1 padlock of 10 lol

But I never lost/forgot another one hahaha

Yeah, I'd definitely forget it on some drop n hook as well.

I also see it as an angles game as well. I think we get so used to the relationship between the angle and arc of the trailer and our reference point of the mirrors that I'd honestly have a hard time using a camera. I know in my mustang and the old lady's vette, as well as my pickup truck, I just use the mirrors, I have a better feel for what I'm doing like that.