Installing a Rear Camera on Your Fifth Wheel RV: Complete Guide

Bottom Line Up Front

Installing a rear camera on your fifth wheel is absolutely doable as a DIY project, and you'll want to mount it as high as possible on the rear cap for the best viewing angle. The most reliable brands for RV applications are Furrion, Haloview, and Rear View Safety systems, with wireless options being easier to install but wired systems offering better reliability. Plan on spending $150-400 for a quality system and budget a full day for installation if you're running cables yourself.

Root Causes

Fifth wheels present unique challenges for rear cameras due to their height and the need to see around the trailer when backing up or changing lanes. Unlike motorhomes, you're dealing with a much longer wheelbase and the articulation point between your truck and trailer. The biggest installation challenge is getting a clean signal from the back of a long fifth wheel to your truck cab, especially if you choose a wired system.

Wireless systems can suffer from interference, particularly around campgrounds with lots of WiFi signals, while wired systems require running cables the entire length of your fifth wheel and through your truck bed. The mounting location is critical because you need to see not just directly behind you, but also get a wide enough angle to help with backing into tight camping spots and monitoring your trailer's position during turns.

Before You Start

First, decide between wireless and wired systems based on your comfort level with running cables. Wireless systems like the Furrion Vision S or Haloview MC7108 are much easier to install but may have signal issues in crowded campgrounds. Wired systems require running a cable from your truck's 7-way connector all the way back to the camera location, which means drilling through floors and walls.

Measure the distance from your proposed camera location to your truck cab - this determines cable length needed. Most fifth wheels will need 30-40 feet of cable. Check your truck's 7-way connector to see if you have an unused wire for camera power, or if you'll need to tap into your running lights (verify the circuit can handle the camera's power requirements). Gather tools including a drill with various bits, fish tape or wire pulling system, silicone sealant, and zip ties for cable management.

Consider your viewing needs carefully. A single rear-facing camera helps with backing up, but many RVers prefer systems with side cameras as well to monitor blind spots while driving. The monitor size matters too - 7-inch screens are popular for good visibility without taking up too much dash space.

The Repair Process

Start by mounting the camera as high as possible on your rear cap, ideally centered and angled slightly downward. The Furrion cameras mount well on the existing rear light housing, while standalone cameras need a flat mounting surface. Use marine-grade silicone sealant around all penetrations to prevent water intrusion. Test the camera position with a temporary mount before making permanent holes.

For wireless systems, simply mount the transmitter near the camera and run power from your trailer's running lights or other appropriate 12V source. The receiver mounts in your truck cab with the monitor. For wired systems, you'll need to fish the cable forward through your fifth wheel's interior, typically running along the floor joists or through basement storage areas. Use existing wire chases where possible and secure cables every few feet to prevent damage from road vibration.

In your truck, mount the monitor where it's easily visible but doesn't obstruct your view. Many installers use the overhead console area or mount to the dash. Connect power to a switched 12V source so the monitor only operates when the truck is running. If your system has automatic activation, tie into your reverse lights so the camera activates when backing up.

Test everything thoroughly before finalizing the installation. Check the image quality in various lighting conditions, verify the viewing angle covers your blind spots, and ensure the system activates reliably. Fine-tune the camera angle if needed - you want to see the ground about 6 feet behind your trailer as well as have a good view of your trailer's sides for tight maneuvering situations.

Professional Help Needed

Consider professional installation if you're not comfortable drilling holes in your fifth wheel's exterior or running cables through interior spaces. RV service centers have experience with proper sealing techniques and know the best cable routes for different trailer models. Professional installation typically costs $200-500 in labor depending on system complexity.

You'll definitely want professional help if your chosen system requires modifications to your truck's electrical system beyond simple connections to existing circuits. Some advanced systems integrate with the truck's infotainment system and are best left to qualified technicians. Also consider professional installation if you're adding multiple cameras or want the system integrated with other RV monitoring systems like tire pressure sensors or leveling systems.