BU Monitor or Radio Combo?

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Our coach has a Bose Lifestyle system and a Clarion dash radio with a built in BU monitor. The monitor (and or camera)is about shot. Additionally the ergonomics /controls on  Clarion are anything but clear. When on the road, we use the Bose system system since the main amp has to be on for any audio.

So, I'm thinking that I should remove the Clarion radio and replace it with a good quality back up monitor since I don't use the radio function anyway. I noticed some of the radios also have GPS functionality but we've used a Garmin for years and are happy with it.

Has anyone else dealt with this? Am I missing anything? Any recommendations?
Thx, Steve

[Gerald Farris]

Steve,
There are two main reasons for poor video from the back-up camera. The first and most common reason is poor connections at the camera. The other reason is a dirty lens. Either the camera lens, or the lens in the rear cap that the camera is focused through.

Gerald

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Gerald,
Thx. I've cleaned the lenses at the camera and cap but need to check the connections. BTW, Does your monitor come on automatically when R is selected?
Steve

[Gerald Farris]

Steve,
I have a different radio than you do. My coach came with an Alpine radio and navigation system, and the back-up camera is not tied to the transmission selector.

Gerald

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Gerald,
Thx! Anyone else have recommendations?
Steve

[Edward Buker]

Steve,

What does the picture degrade look like? It may help with sorting out the video system problem set.

Usually there is a composite video input that ties to the monitor. If you pull that plug you should be able to plug it into another monitor/tv and see what the video looks like.

If you were going to replace the system I would probably start looking at the Garmin GPS/Camera option and maybe buy the 7 inch RV version Garmin.

Later Ed

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Ed,
I get a lot of snow and poor brightness that is nonadjustable at the monitor. I plan to try another monitor to verify cable v camera v monitor when I get coach back from service.
Thx, Steve

[Edward Buker]

That sounds like a possible cable connection issue with oxidation maybe. You could bring a monitor in the bedroom with a short cable and plug it into the camera there. I have not been into the back of my camera so I am not sure how the access is.

Later Ed

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Access is easy through a removable panel on rear closet wall. I had it out to clean the lens and "window" just after I purchased the coach. Didn't think to tie a short cable to a monitor to check connections though. I'll use some contact cleaner on the cable connections in any case.
Steve

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Got rear camera display much improved. Cleaned both lenses and improved seal around camera to reduce ingress of dust. Also cleaned cable connections. Then adjusted viewing angle of display (not something one had to worry about much with CRTS..) . We'll see how it does.
Gerald and Ed; THX!!

Steve