Those backup cameras seem nice, I know someone with a full size pickup and a camper trailer that is about 18’ long who wants one, but they want to use it for continuous use while driving (not just when backing up). They want a setup where they can turn it on when they start driving and towing their camper, then turn it off when they are done.
My understanding is the instructions on these devices involves splicing them into the electrical system so that they only activate when the car is in reverse. This person would want to avoid that since their goal is a camera to see behind them while towing the trailer. This person already has auxiliary side mirrors, they just want the extra security of a camera while driving.
I’m assuming the following method may work, but I am not talented at electronics or as an electrician. Can anyone opine?
Get a 25’ extension cord to work alongside the wireless backup camera to increase the length of wire between the camera and the wireless transmitter. Attach the camera to the license plate on the back of the trailer, then run the wire under the trailer. Have the extended wire then run along the hitch, and into the truck bed of the pickup truck.
Attach the transmitter for the camera to a 12V power supply (maybe a $25 12V battery like this one) instead of hooking it into the car’s electrical system, and then plug the monitor into the cigarette lighter.
Would that work? What about rain? Leaving a battery and transmitter exposed to the elements can’t be smart. Would those be capable of being put in the cab? If so, could the transmitter just be powered by an auxiliary cigarette lighter?
If at all possible, I think putting the transmitter in the cab would be smarter both for picture resolution and avoiding bad weather. But if not, is there some waterproof container which would hold a transmitter and a 12V battery (I assume it would take a 12V power supply since that is what a car battery is. I have no idea about the ma) without degrading the signal from the transmitter to the monitor?
Would running a wire from the truck bed into the cab require any drilling? Is there any way to do that?