Temp back up cameras for old vehicles and trailers

**Lynn** · #1 10-08-2023, 05:43 PM

First, I am horrible at backing up trailers. Getting better, but still need some help.
Would like to purchase a couple of mini cameras that I can view on my iphone with an app. I figure I could put one on top of each tail light bracket and get a good view of what I am about to run into.
Would like something I can do split screen so both are viewable at the same time.
As a bonus, I could place one on the tailgate of either the El Camino or the Yukon XL when hooking up, as neither has a back up camera.
Any bright ideas?

Lee Stewart · #2 10-08-2023, 08:58 PM

How about this one from Amazon?

**Too Many Projects** · #3 10-09-2023, 12:38 PM

That set up would be handy with the cameras attached to magnetic mounts.

And you are correct in saying they will only show what you are going to run into, you'll still have to practice which way to turn the wheel and when.

As a semi owner/driver for over 40 years, I can say, practicing is the best way to train your brain to work in reverse.
I once hired a driver with NO experience and paid him 3 hours wages to drive backward around the yard and buildings were I parked the trucks with a 28 ft end dump trailer. He got fairly good at it and better with time on the job.

You have a good sized lot at your shop. Get a half dozen cones and set up a spot where you need to back the trailer into, straight at first and I don't mean backing up 20 ft. Once you can back it up 100 ft in a straight line, with minimal corrections of the steering, and using ONLY the mirrors, then start working on turning it into an angled spot.

The 2 most common mistakes people make are over correcting and turning too soon, or late. Once you have to turn the steering more than 1/2 turn to correct, it's better to pull ahead and start over. Get used to making very small corrections before you're out of control.

And turning to angle a trailer requires visualizing where the axle(s) on the trailer is, not the back of the trailer. The axle is the pivot point of where/when the trailer is going to start rotating for a turn.
I don't mean to preach, but anyone can do this. I don't mean to say it is easy to learn, but, like most everything else, if you want to get proficient, you need to practice and learn. Don't give in to impatience and frustration. Gain confidence by getting good.

**big gear head** · #4 10-09-2023, 01:08 PM

I've used my Go Pro for this type of thing. The suction cup attachment makes it easy to stick it where I want and the app lets me view it on my phone.

**SS427** · #5 10-09-2023, 02:47 PM

Lynn, come out to my house and back up my crew cab and 24' enclosed trailer down my 900' S curve driveway. I assure you that after doing it a dozen or so times you will become proficient. I went from about 10 minutes time down to 3 in a short period and never have to stop and pull forward anymore. LOL

**Too Many Projects** · #6 10-09-2023, 04:57 PM

Dang, Rick, you need about 6 end dump loads of 3/4 minus driveway gravel brought out by someone who knows how to gate spread and a track steer skid loader to fix that mess...

How do you plow that low area and get the snow out to the side ?...

**SS427** · #7 10-09-2023, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Too Many Projects

How do you plow that low area and get the snow out to the side ?...

The first photo was taken after I moved in and has been since taken care of. The second photo is with the rock (though about 3 years old). Ann refuses to have a blacktop drive so the rock is the best choice and works well. As for plowing, I have not used a shovel in 5 years here but when needed the John Deere tractor with bucket takes one pass, 10 minutes and its clean.

This photo was taken 11 years ago and no problem to plow even with a 48" wide plow on a small tractor. If the snow gets too bad you simply drive through the fields as they are always blown down to the dirt.

**67since67** · #8 10-09-2023, 05:29 PM

For a few years I was in the habit of riding along with Chuck Hanson to Charlotte AutoFair, Pickup with a loaded single axle trailer. The first time along, after three or four tries backing into the swap space I said "Want me to give a try? Where do you want it parked?" I backed it in first try. After that Chuck would stop in the isle and get out without a word, and I would slide over and place the trailer.

Agree with Mitch, watch the mirrors to "Steer" the trailer tires to the apex of the curve and the rest will follow. - Bill W

**1967 4K** · #9 10-09-2023, 06:05 PM

I was blessed to grow up on a farm. I learned so many simple things such as backing a trailer at a very young age. A trailer is simple compared to backing a four wheel silage wagon or hay wagon.
Just relax and get behind the wheel and do it. Practice practice practice.

Pro Stock John · #10 10-09-2023, 06:13 PM

Historically I have been terrible at backing up a trailer. Recently I had to drop off an open trailer in a narrow parking lot. The lot was off a busy road. My buddy said just turn 90 degrees and then you'll be able to back it in. It took a very long time. I got better as a result. I did use a few cones to keep me off the side of the building since it was dark, trailer is black, and it was raining.

I'm interested to follow this convo.

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