We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Technology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Backup Cameras?

By Shannon Kietzman
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,818
Share

Backup cameras are small cameras attached to the back end of a vehicle. Backup cameras are generally lightweight, small, and resistant to weather. Since backup cameras are mounted to the vehicle on the outside, it is important for them to be waterproof and durable so they do not become damaged.

Backup cameras serve many purposes. For parents, backup cameras can be a lifesaver when backing out of the driveway in a sports utility vehicle (SUV) or a mini-van. This is because backup cameras allow the driver to view what is behind him or her while backing up. In this way, backup cameras help ensure that children are not accidentally harmed while playing behind a vehicle moving in reverse. This is particularly helpful with SUVs and minivans, because it is difficult to get a full ranged view of objects behind the vehicle.

Backup cameras are also commonly found on recreational vehicles (RVs). These backup cameras provide extra safety in the same way as those mounted to SUVs and minivans. In addition, they make it possible for the driver of the RV to back up into tight spots without accidentally bumping into other vehicles, objects, or walls. These backup cameras are often mounted in a manner that looks directly down behind the RV, allowing the driver to safely back up to within inches of an object.

Backup cameras are generally quite easy to install on an RV. The camera itself is mounted with brackets at the rear of the RV. A hole must be drilled for the camera cable through the rear wall of the RV and then sealed with special tape. The cable can then be run along the chassis rail below the RV, which does not have any obstructions to get in the way of the cable.

To fully benefit from backup cameras, an RV owner should only purchase one with the “reverse image” feature. When this button is pushed, it makes the image viewed by the camera look the same as if it were being viewed in a rearview mirror.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-backup-cameras.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.