Does the Lazy Daze installed camera allow for monitoring of the tow vehicle when driving down the road or is it strictly a backup camera?
The LD factory installed rear camera is mounted centered just below the roof line of the rig. Viewing a toad with the camera is easily accomplished.
We don’t tow but we do carry bikes on our Tule rack. The camera angle is set to catch the bikes on the monitor as I back the rig into a site (although I do follow the golden GOAL rule) or while driving down the road. (No need for GOAL there 🙀).
When backing into a site the camera is automatically engaged. While driving down the road, the camera can be engaged with a button on the monitor.
The LD captain can hear what’s going on out back. He/she cannot be heard (at least with the LD factory installed unit) from the camera.
I generally keep the monitor off while driving down the road to reduce distractions, however, I will turn it on briefly on occasion. It can come in handy when changing lanes in heavy traffic.
I am very happy with our unit. I wouldn’t be without it. In fact, when the monitor in our rig developed visual ghosting, I quickly jumped on Amazon and purchased a replacement monitor. The camera itself had no issues.
Hope this helps.
Kent
We have a factory camera and it is helpful for backing in general as well as monitoring towed vehicle connections. Perhaps more important than the camera Is our Road Master brake actuation indicator light that confirms the towed vehicle brake pedal has been engaged when pressing the coach brake pedal.
I use the camera to keep an eye on the toad and to watch traffic behind me especially on freeways. I do not find it distracting to keep it on but others might disagree. For me it is essential.
Randy
When I took delivery in 2014, the camera was pointed to view the trailer hitch and a bit further back. I adjusted it so that it shows traffic lane behind the tow'd. The only time it's off, is when the engine is off. Kent's correct that it defaults to on when in reverse and you need to engage it going forward.
It helps me keep track of traffic overtaking in adjacent lanes.
There are a couple of ways to set up a rear-view camera. Most are optimized for backing up--aimed so that the rear bumper is just at the bottom of the image. This lets you judge just how close you are to backing into a tree, fence, etc. With typical cameras that I've used, this setup also lets you see the towbar and the front part of a towed car (https://www.andybaird.com/travels/skylarking/2010/photos/Rear-view-video.jpg), but not vehicles following you.
The other way, of course, is to aim the camera higher, so that it acts as a sort of rear view mirror substitute.
It's a question of what's most important to you. For me, I have large outside rear view mirrors to see following traffic, but the camera is my only way of gauging precisely how close I am to objects behind me, so I keep it aimed downward.
There are a couple of ways to set up a rear-view camera. Most are optimized for backing up--aimed so that the rear bumper is just at the bottom of the image. This lets you judge just how close you are to backing into a tree, fence, etc. With typical cameras that I've used, this setup also lets you see the towbar and the front part of a towed car[/url], but not vehicles following you.
Our LD's camera is aimed this way, with the towbar and bike rack at the bottom of the screen and the back end of the toad at the top, just enough of a view to know when it's safe to move over a lane. The camera stays on all the time.
If you tow, you need a camera.
Larry
Beware when backing by camera - you may be able to see what is near the bumper and spare, but that is NOT where ALL obstructions may lie! Experience.
Steve
GOAL. GOAL. GOAL! ;) (Well, unless you're rolling down the road....)
Thanks for the replies.
My main concern was whether the camera could be used as a monitor or not rather than strictly engaging when the vehicle is put into reverse.
I think that answer is yes.