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Old 10-19-2021, 07:29 AM   #1
MuscadineMontana
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Furrion Cameras- worth it?

We have a new 41’ FL rig that we recently just picked up. It was a 150 mile trip from the dealer to home. 60miles of the trip was interstate and the rest, 4 lane hwy. This was my first trip pulling this thing, talk about getting broke in! I didn’t have much trouble changing lanes and driving the rig, so I’m wondering if this $600 camera is worth it. Thoughts? Pros, cons? My wife and I usually talk it out as we are backing into spaces. Thanks in advance!
 
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Old 10-19-2021, 09:43 AM   #2
Carv
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I have been driving trailers of all sizes for 45 + years. Got a camera when we bought our new 3120RL in late 2018. Just put the camera on this year, we tow a golf cart behind the 3120RL. Nice to have as the golf cart trailer can not be seen without the camera. In my opinion, nice to have but not necessary. It was included with the purchase of the trailer, I would not have bought one.
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Old 10-19-2021, 10:03 AM   #3
CADman_KS
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I thought that a camera would be a bag-of-potato-chips-and-all-that, and I got one. I do use it when we are travelling long distances, and on busier highways. I do use it to see where I'm at in relation to other vehicles when passing. As far as backing, it "helps", but it's not really all that helpful either, and I still send the DW out to do navigating. Much easier, and safer than just using a camera.

If I had to do it over again, I probably would not have gotten a camera. At least I didn't plunk down the money for a Furrion. We have a cheaper knockoff, that seems to work well...
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Old 10-19-2021, 10:32 AM   #4
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I installed a Haloview camera, rear and both side, on our rig. It works great and helps see what is around when changing lanes or making turns. Always seem to have those drivers that ignore your blinker and try to get around you. I still have DW as a spotter when backing into a stall.
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Old 10-19-2021, 11:06 AM   #5
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Got one, use it, and yes, like it. Would I replace if it broke? Yes.
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Old 10-19-2021, 12:05 PM   #6
jimcol
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Mirrors and wife's directions when backing have worked for ever. Added a back up camera after many years towing without one. Thought it would be a great aide. For me it has been a waste of money and don't use it all that much.
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Old 10-19-2021, 01:14 PM   #7
RMcNeal
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I got the 7" monitor and 3 camera setup; rear observation and 2 side marker cameras. I really don't use the side ones that much, but the rear is always on when I'm hooked to the rig. I use the backup camera in my truck more that mirrors when backing, so it was an easy transition for me to do the same with the camera on the back of the Monte.
I wouldn't want to travel without it.
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Old 10-19-2021, 01:37 PM   #8
Mikendebbie
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I have used the furrion camera on all of our trips and I like it…however - based on our most recent trip I am not happy with the resolution of my 4” screen. It looks too much like the world looks when I don’t wear my glasses..a tad blurry. I check the monitor when I am changing lanes. I don’t use very much to back up.

I am not sure if the resolution is a function of the monitor screen - or the camera - or both. I called Furrion customer service to ask a few questions but they have a recording stating “due to high volume of calls - please email your question”. I did but have not received a reply yet. I would like to get a system that has better resolution.
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Old 10-19-2021, 01:40 PM   #9
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When I bought ours, I had an option of 5" or 7" screen. I went with the 7" since I have the same "world view" you described, and I forget my glasses all the time.
I think the cameras would work with either one.
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Old 10-19-2021, 03:17 PM   #10
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Towed for years without one. Our new Montana came with the Furrion set and oh my, what a difference. I do use it for lane changes to check clearance and to confirm my side mirror. I do not use it for backing as the distances seem distorted to me. ALWAYS deploy a guide when backing or frequently GOAL!
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Old 10-19-2021, 03:23 PM   #11
Mikendebbie
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The question I emailed Furrion was something like this…

I have Furrion camera system xxxx? in my 2018 Montana.
I am not happy with the blurry resolution of my 4” screen.
Is it possible to purchase a higher resolution monitor that will work with my existing camera?

It would have been an easy conversation with a live support person. They say that they will answer my question in 48 hours.
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Old 10-19-2021, 05:33 PM   #12
Montana Man
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One of those came with our trailer. I can't say it really helps me unless backing up without help.
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Old 10-19-2021, 06:07 PM   #13
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There are plenty $150.00 wireless camera systems that will do the job. We have one since I often carry stuff on the fold down rear deck behind the 5er. I like being able to see how it's all riding back there. It also helps...sometimes...when backing up. For me...worth the $150. I wouldn't have spent $600 on a system that basically does the same thing.
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Old 10-20-2021, 04:28 AM   #14
riflegunbuilder
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Monitor is sitting on the dash of the truck. Can't remember last time I turned it on. It can be useful backing up by yourself. I pulled trailers for years with mirrors and don't think to use the camera.
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Old 11-24-2021, 07:52 AM   #15
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Backup camera update

I bought the VisionWorks system from TechnoRV. I chose the 5” screen monitor. It was on sale for a Black Friday price of $320. Installed the Sony camera last weekend. Very easy install. I do not have side marker cameras but I could add them to the system some day. The quality of the picture is incredible - true HD.

Had two issues during the camera pairing - which turned out not to be issues.
The camera has a pairing button you push during a 20 second pairing countdown. I followed the written instructions - but after the sequence is completed - it starts another 20 second countdown. I thought that meant pairing was unsuccessful and I turned it off to start again. I should have let it go because the monitor connects and the picture appears near the end of the second countdown.

The monitor has speakers built in on the back side. Some cameras have a built in microphone, but I did not want that feature. After the camera paired to the monitor - it started squealing sort of like an old fax machine. Called technical service. The sound is normal - just turn the volume down/off.

When I removed the Furrion camera it felt like a plastic feather. The Sony camera feels much heavier and substantial. We are taking a short trip for grandson’s 2nd birthday in a couple of weeks. Looking forward to trying this out on the road. Two thumbs up for this system from me.
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Old 12-23-2021, 08:47 AM   #16
dmanhart
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CADman_KS, If I may ask, what camera & monitor do you have? I just started pulling a motorcycle trailer behind my RV & want to be able to monitor it during travel.
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Old 12-23-2021, 12:23 PM   #17
Mikendebbie
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I have read several threads here and on the Keystone forum where several folks bought a Haloview from Tadi Brothers. They get a booster to strengthen the signal to prevent screen freezes and blackouts. I am not sure where the booster mounts…but they speak highly of the Haloview system

On my first trip I did experience some momentary signal loss and screen freezes. I called VisionWorks and they sent me a new antenna with a 24’ coax pigtail. I will mount the antenna somewhere on the roof closer to the monitor in the cab to see if it improves the signal. The picture on my monitor is great HD.
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Old 12-23-2021, 05:19 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmanhart View Post
CADman_KS, If I may ask, what camera & monitor do you have? I just started pulling a motorcycle trailer behind my RV & want to be able to monitor it during travel.
Absolutely!!

This is the unit that we have. I was able to contact the seller and they sent me an additional antenna that is supposedly better at getting signal, but I don't know that it helped much, but it was free. It will have moments when it is not active, and for the most part that happens when you are in crowded areas where there are a lot of radio signals. Otherwise, it works well, and for what it cost, I've been satisfied with it.

Beat of luck!!

Wireless Backup Camera
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Old 12-24-2021, 05:32 AM   #19
bwright
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We purchased our 3761 in July and I added the Furion and love being able to monitor what is going on behind me and to help with changing lanes. Good investment!
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Old 12-24-2021, 05:53 AM   #20
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As you can see, there are many opinions on usefulness. Everyone needs to determine what works for them. So, Keystone provides the 5” monitor. When you buy your Montana new, if you add $100, you can get the 7” from your dealer. I very seldom use mine backing but I really like it for driving. Especially those special people that crowd your bumper. I do not use the side cameras ever. On our Ram, I have a plexiglass plate ahead of the cup holders that I made. My Garmin and Camera Monitor are on there to leave my dash and windshield clear.
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