Magnetic camera for truck bed

[RollTideRam]

Does anyone have suggestions for a cheap camera to use in my truck bed for hooking up a Gooseneck? I would like one with a magnet or may have to add that. Have a plug in my bed for a power source. A factory style cargo camera is more than I want to spend right now. I have a Furrion monitor (pretty small) for the camera on my camper, not sure if I would need a new monitor.

 

[s219]

You might want to look at the thread here on TBN "backup camera for $50" or something like that. It has loads of information from many folks. Back then I spent about $25 for a screen and $12 for a camera, to put on my tractor front loader. I bought the same items to use on my last truck to look in the cargo bed, and yes, I used a magnet to hold the camera in place (was nice, because I could move it anywhere I needed).

Amazon has tons of cameras and screens. Don't spend more than about $20-30 for the screen or $10-15 for the camera. Some people spend more than that but when you look close it's all the same cheapo stuff coming from China. I've had the setup on my tractor for many years and it's still doing great. If it ever breaks or gets destroyed, not much $$ investment to replace it all.

 

[RustyA]

We have iball set up. Camera is aa batteries and monitor plugs into 12v in truck. Good resolution. Works in bed, back of truck and back of trailer. Had it for 10 years.

 

[RustyA]

Amazon.com: Iball 5.8GHz Wireless Magnetic Trailer Hitch Rear View Camera

 

[ovrszd]

Following. Need one to see my GN ball.

 

[4570Man]

Back when I used to have a GN I’d put my phone on camera and lean it against the back window and I could see the trailer ball with it.

 

[2017JD1025r]

I have been thinking of a setup like this. I think some cameras allow phone view ability through Bluetooth or WiFi. But with a cost. But no extra screen to deal with

 

[ovrszd]

I just need it periodically. Simple, wireless, magnetic, fits in the console when not used.

 

[RustyA]

You just described our iball. Simple fits in console until needed.

 

[ovrszd]

You just described our iball. Simple fits in console until needed.

Can't do $160.

 

[RollTideRam]

The iball looks good, but to high. I think I found one on Amazon for around $70. Will need to look and see if I have a 7 way plug that I can put on it to use in my bed. Thanks for the suggestions. JC

 

[ovrszd]

Let us know what you get and how you like it.

 

[r porter]

ya want cheap?
get one of the magnetic rods that sit on the ball and and set it just ahead of the ball on the truck bed. i can back right up to the rod and when it touches the rod i am over the ball.

 

[ovrszd]

ya want cheap?
get one of the magnetic rods that sit on the ball and and set it just ahead of the ball on the truck bed. i can back right up to the rod and when it touches the rod i am over the ball.

I currently use a magnetic CB antenna stuck to the back side of my inbed fuel tank. When the tip of the antenna touches the GN stem I'm there. Problem is I have to be very close before I realize I might be off to the side a pinch.

Thought maybe a cheap camera setup would eliminate that problem.

 

[JJZ 109]

Amazon.com: Iball 5.8GHz Wireless Magnetic Trailer Hitch Rear View Camera

On a similar note but a few dollars more. I bought one over 3 years ago when I had a 5th wheel camper. I'd set it right on the 5th wheel and guide myself right onto the pin. Sold the camper and then the last 3 trucks have had a tailgate cam so it hasn't been used in a long time. But I keep it on hand just in case. It was a great little camera for my needs at the time.

Amazon.com : Rear View Safety Wireless Magnetic Hitch Camera for Easy Hitching of Trailers, Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels | RVS-83112 : Camera & Photo

 

[bigtiller]

I currently use a magnetic CB antenna stuck to the back side of my inbed fuel tank. When the tip of the antenna touches the GN stem I'm there. Problem is I have to be very close before I realize I might be off to the side a pinch.

Thought maybe a cheap camera setup would eliminate that problem.

So do I

I place it on the tongue and match it up with a sliver of duct tape on the top edge, and center of the tailgate. Line them up looking at the rearview mirror.

 

[ovrszd]

So do I

I place it on the tongue and match it up with a sliver of duct tape on the top edge, and center of the tailgate. Line them up looking at the rearview mirror.

Good solution.

In my older truck I painted a red stripe on the bed floor from the tailgate forward to the ball. In my newer truck I can't see any of the bed so I end up using the mirrors and trying to center myself. If I can back straight at the trailer that gets me within 2-3 inches. If I'm at an angle I'm guessing.