Rear view cameras?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Bronco209, Aug 3, 2007.

  1. Bronco209

    Bronco209 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 30, 2007
    Great Falls, MT
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    After reading about all the problems many drivers have backing and seeing behind them, I was wondering why the trucking industry has not started using some type of rear view camera system. I am just leaving the law enforcement business and we have cameras where we can view what is in front of us with a small monitor inside the car. It would seem just as easy to rig something up where drivers could see what was behind them on the same type of monitor. There would be an initial start up cost but think of the accidents that would be eliminated. Also, goodbye rear blind spot. Maybe there is already something like this out there and nobody uses it. If not, seems like a good idea to me. However, I am just a pre-newbie and don't really know what I am talking about. Just wondering?
     
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  3. leannamarie

    leannamarie "California Girl"

    That is exactly what I've been saying. Heck, half the new cars out there now have those backing cameras. So why not massive trucks?
     
  4. VULCAN1999

    VULCAN1999 World's #1 Grandpa

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    Bunnell, FL
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    Problem I see is people would never do the G.O.A.L (Get Out And Look) and then the accidents would happen even more, because the cameras probably wouldn't be able to show everything and people would rely on it to much and start hitting everything. Plus most companies have double or quadruple the amount of trailers to tractors, can you imagine the cost. Plus most people would end up knocking them off LOL.
     
  5. Baack

    Baack Road Train Member

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    I have seen advertisements for them so they must be around.
     
  6. BobC

    BobC Medium Load Member

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    Cincinnati, slOhio
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    The equipment is already out there & relatively inexpensive. You'll see it advertised in several trucking rags. It's probably standard issue on newer, more elaborate campers/coaches.

    I've never had the ocassion to use one in a big truck but I have installed a great many in motor homes, garbage trucks & police / fire vehicles.

    Backing by camera is a neat idea but I think it takes getting used to. The cameras, angles & lenses need to be setup before hand. The screens vary in size from a small video player to a 5-7" monitor screen.

    The better setups have markings on screen showing distance & a zoom feature. Some will pan, tilt & zoom.

    I don't know that I could trust or get used to it instead of my mirrors & G.O.A.L.

    I think the cameras are more for making sure there's no one walking behind you or that there's not a post or something sitting low on the ground.
     
  7. Bronco209

    Bronco209 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 30, 2007
    Great Falls, MT
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    Good points. I guess you would have to be disciplined and use the camera as a supplement to the safety measures that are already in place.
     
  8. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    I'll answer this one with a degree of intelligence...for once LOL.

    #1 Some trucks have camaras installed in the front quarter fenders, blind side :)

    #2 There can and will be some "wiring issues" for rear mounted camaras. Especially if they are mounted on the rear of the trailer.

    #3 Blue Tooth camaras have limitations, unless the signal strength is boasted higher than what is currently being offered to the public.

    #4 Camaras using "analog" signals, have interferance issues. The guy parked at door #6 running his 1600 watt linear to talk to the guy parked in door #5 being the main culprit.

    #5 Although this cann't be considered a problem "yet", Security issues at certian shippers who view any type of camara on site, as a potential security risk. Can you say... US Military?
     
  9. BobC

    BobC Medium Load Member

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    Wiring shouldn't be a big deal as long as you get to keep that trailer all the time. Perhaps the company might elect to install the units on all the trailers.
    Actually, if the cameras were purpose built, you could run the cameras' analog lines to a bluetooth device mounted on the front of the trailer. Then the distance is simply between the back of the cab & front of the trailer.
    A problem for other electronics as well.
    Hadn't thought of that one.
     
  10. knuckles

    knuckles Bobtail Member

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    Aug 7, 2007
    dayton, oh
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    because all the idiots would back into something and smash the pretty shinny new cameras
     
  11. Peeping_Tom

    Peeping_Tom Light Load Member

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    Jul 22, 2007
    Sharpsburg, Ga
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    where at ? first i have heard about this that wasn't laughed at.
     
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