Why aren't there back up cameras for easier backing?

A camera mounted on the right side of the trailer, even mounted up front, would be nice to let you see down the right side and what it's going into.

No, it wouldn't be perfect, just another tool like GPS.

 

Plenty of "drivers" do that already. I hate it when I pull into a truck stop that has lots of proper spaces left, but guys are parked all over the place blocking the through lanes. A couple of days ago, I couldn't even get out of the scales because some ####### was blocking the way...I had to go the wrong way and drive through the exit side of the fuel pumps....

 

This line of thinking is what the Safety Dept. at any major carrier would cite if you asked them why they don't install backup cameras. They want us to G.O.A.L. (get out and look), which is exactly what we should be doing. Cameras would be a disincentive.

 

Are we getting so lazy now we ain't even got time to get out of the truck and take a walk around the back to see whats there?

 

Probably society is too lazy or insecure to get out. Frankly I prefer my eyes to a proper GOAL. Alot of things the camera wont see.

Yet for those whom run with cameras. This too can help. When I was driving I thought it would be nice to see what was happening on the catwalk. Yet if you cant figure out by the shadows behind you of if there is some one back there, then even the camera wont help you.

 

In theory the OP has a point, the cost of small closed circuit cameras has gone down while the quality has gone up. In fact rear view cameras are mandatory on new cars starting (I believe it was 2017?) because as simple as a small mirror is, the popularity of SUVs and their blind spots have actually lead to a lot of nasty accidents involving running over small children while backing.

There's really no reason why a GoPro like unit could be standardized on all trailers and hooked into a weatherproof umbilical like the lights and ABS has for years.

Really it just comes down to cost. Nobody wants to take the initiative investment and "we've always done it this way" mentality.

(I often use this as my anti-robot truck argument: how can we expect companies to subsidize a 10 fold increase in complexity when nobody is willing to do something as simple as a rear view camera.)

 

Welllll lets see here.

Power steering
Automatic transmission
Auto slack adjuster
Auto lights
Smartphones
Bluetooth
Auto tire inflation
Gps
Laptop
Mobile wifi
Wasing machine
Dryer
Auto coffee pot
Automatic transaction machine
Microwave
Abs


How much do you use?




This list literally will go on and on and on.

This thread is originally from 2012, back before most companies even had a camera facing foward.

But pleaseeeeee! Tell me how a tool will make anyone lazier than we already are?

 

Speak for yourself.
Something, something "cold dead hands",,,

D'OH!

 

I sure am not speaking for me. I have 13 gears under my mack, thank you.

 

i dont want a camera, i want to be super duper backer upper king of the world lol