Most of the time, travelling the open road is one of the most enjoyable parts of being a truck driver. And like many things in life, moving forward along a chosen path is far preferable to going backwards. This is, quite literally, true when you’re piloting any truck big enough to hide what’s behind it – whether it’s an 18-wheeler, dump truck, car carrier, box truck, cement mixer, tanker truck, or bus.
Going backwards. Yes, we mean the dreaded parts of the trip when you must put the gear shifter in Reverse and rely on experience, caution, and nerves of steel to get you through. These are the moments where you really earn your money, and where low-speed accidents are most likely to occur.
From the second you pick up a load, you’re faced with situations where blind spots up the difficulty level of your job. There’s just no escaping it. For example, backing up between other trucks at rest stops is something you’ll face constantly along the way. Plus, any turn at a tight intersection is made harder by not knowing what’s directly behind you - even if you don’t need to back up.
Of course, the biggest challenges often come at loading docks. Maybe it’s a large department store, supermarket, or smaller retail outlet requiring you to navigate narrow, crowded parking lots where back-and-forth maneuvers are necessary before you can even approach the loading dock. A separate entrance for semis? In a perfect world, but not always.
Once you make it to the rear of the building, you can begin an approach to the loading platform. Sometimes, tight spaces require an “alley dock” maneuver to position the trailer where it needs to be. Other times, it’s carelessly left dumpsters, parked cars, and other debris that cause headaches.
How Backup Cameras Can Help
In this article, we’ll examine complete back-up camera systems that effectively eliminate blind spots behind or to the sides of the rig. If your trucking company doesn’t already have these on every trailer (they should), we offer portable, wireless systems that transmit their signal via Bluetooth to a monitor in the cab. Because these systems can quickly be installed and removed, it’s easy to take them along when you change trucks.
If you drive for a trucking company with a big fleet and no permanently assigned rig, purchasing a backup camera system of your own makes sense – especially since they start at under $100. When you consider out-of-pocket costs for property damage you can be liable for after the most minor of accidents, a backup camera system is worth every penny. Even if your company pays for damage, the black mark of an accident on your record can cost you financially through less desirable assignments, lower wages, and even job loss.
Kits include a color monitor for inside the cab and a camera that mounts in one of a few ways. Some cameras are built in to a bar that’s installed over the rear license plate, while others are fitted to a bracket that bolts in place using a portable drill and screwdriver. A few even have a magnetic base that adheres instantly to metal.
Backup cameras are also helpful when you’re moving forward at high speeds. Mounted on the back of the truck, a camera can eliminate the significant “no man’s land” blind spots where other vehicles lurk. You’ll be able to see those motorcycles and sports cars that abruptly dart from your rear bumper into the next lane just as you start to. And you’ll also know when a car is riding extremely close behind your trailer to improve fuel economy through reduced wind resistance (known as “drafting”).
Based on feedback we’ve gotten from customers, backup cameras effectively eliminate blind spots and reduce the chance of nearby vehicles being hit or forced off the road because it was impossible to know they were there.
At low speeds, rear cameras are also worth their weight in gold. When you’re pulling onto a weight scale, you’ll have an easier time knowing when you’re all the way on. And if you mount a camera on the roof of the trailer, you can monitor clearance underneath low awnings.
Should you choose to, a camera mounted inside the trailer allows you to keep an eye on loading or unloading progress from the cab – helpful in cases where you’re not permitted to stand there watching. You’ll also be able to monitor whether cargo is being loaded unevenly before it’s too late.
If trucking deliveries take you to unpaved sites, backup cameras let you keep a close eye on uneven terrain to see pits or holes in the ground that might destabilize the truck or it’s load.
Backup Camera Systems We Offer
Because a backup camera must be able to handle all weather conditions, wireless systems we sell come with waterproof cameras. Many camera assemblies will also feature built-in LED lights, and some even have infra-red night vision technology. Most of the cameras get their power from a hard wire connection you’ll make to one of the reverse light bulb sockets in the taillight assemblies – a factor that places limitations on where cameras can be positioned. If your goal is to put a camera on the roof or other far away location, look for cameras with their own batteries (we have several listed further below).
As for monitors in the cab, they will include their own bases, stands, or windshield suction cups. And when you’re making your final selection, don’t forget to choose a system with a listed broadcasting range that’s greater than the total length of your truck and trailer.
License Plate Cameras
Starting with systems featuring cameras that screw on over the rear license plate, we’ve got the Pyle Wireless Rear View System (4.3” monitor, 60’ range), Boyo License Plate Mount Wireless Rear View Camera (4.3” monitor, 67’ range), and the Peak Wireless Rear View System w/ Top License Plate Camera (7” monitor, 196’ range).
While the intended position of these cameras is the license plate area, they can actually be mounted a little higher up where you may choose to drill or use double-sided adhesive tape.
“Surface Mount” Cameras
We’ve also got some great choices when it comes to cameras affixed to their own bracket stand that’s mounted with quick drilling. These are known as “surface mount” cameras. We’ll start with two systems with such cameras that are more permanent in nature because their monitors are integrated into a replacement rearview mirror assembly. Check out the Pyle Wireless Rearview Mirror Rear View Camera (4.3” monitor, 80’ range) and the Rear View Safety Wireless Rear View System (4.3” monitor, 70’ range). Both make good choices for owner/operators or drivers assigned to one truck who prefer not to have an extra screen “cluttering” the dashboard.
If you prefer a traditional portable monitor, the Boyo Wireless Rear View System w/Surface Mount Camera (5” monitor, 60’ range) is a good example. Race Sport’s Rear View System w/Surface Mount Camera/Parking Sensors (3.5” camera) includes a bonus not normally found on backup camera systems - 4 small round proximity sensors designed for permanent installation in the front & rear bumper covers.
The Crimestopper Wireless Rear View System w/Surface Mount Camera (7” monitor, 200’ range) features a night vision camera with LED lights on a swivel mount base. Boyo’s Surface Mount Wireless Rear View System (7” monitor, 60’ range) offers the distinction of being available with up to 4 cameras.
Cameras With Magnetic No-Drill Base
For those who don’t like the idea of drilling, we’ve got the Rear View Safety Wireless Rearview System w/Hitch Camera (3.5” monitor, 70’ range) and the Swift Hitch Wireless Rear View System w/Magnetic Mount Camera (2.5” monitor) – both with battery-operated cameras mounted on a powerful magnetic base that will firmly adhere to metal surfaces.
Note that the true benefit of these systems is the fact that the battery-operated cameras can be mounted anywhere on your truck because no hard wiring to taillight sockets is necessary. Rear View Safety offers a separate version featuring a camera equipped with a rechargeable battery, and Swift Hitch’s camera comes only with a rechargeable battery.
Note that in our Semi Trucks Cameras & Driver Safety main section, we offer more than just replacement backup cameras. You’ll also find useful dash cams, parking proximity sensors, and blind spot detection systems.
We also encourage you to check through other sections of our website where you’ll find great products such as interior accessories, exterior accessories, lights & bulbs, mechanical repair parts, wheels & tires, tire chains, audio electronics, and more! If you have questions about anything on our website, we'll be happy to help on the phone seven days a week!