RV & Trailer Backup Cameras – RV Trader Accessories Store

Backing a trailer into a campsite or driveway is one of those skills that takes time to build - and even experienced drivers work with significant blind spots behind a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or enclosed cargo trailer. A backup camera eliminates most of that guesswork, and modern wireless systems do it without running wire from the trailer to the cab.

This collection carries four purpose-built trailer and RV camera systems: a wireless trailer camera that streams to your phone, a wireless system with a dedicated monitor and night vision, a dual-mode hitch alignment and backup camera for the tow vehicle, and a Garmin wireless backup camera for license plate mounting. Each one solves a specific visibility problem - the right choice depends on whether you need rear trailer vision while driving, help aligning the hitch ball before coupling, or both.

Shopping for the trailer to back up? Browse travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers on RVTrader.com.

The Four Systems in This Collection

Hopkins vueSMART Wireless Trailer Camera

The simplest and most affordable option. The vueSMART camera mounts beneath an existing trailer light using a universal bracket, drawing power from the trailer's existing light wiring - no new wiring runs required. Once mounted, it connects via WiFi to the Hopkins Towing Solutions mobile app on your phone or tablet, streaming HD video with a 152-degree wide-angle view. LED lights enable nighttime use. The waterproof design handles weather exposure, and the camera is capable of both live view and still image or video capture from the app.

Best for: Trailer owners who want a fast, low-cost installation and are comfortable using a phone or tablet for rear view while backing. Signal range is adequate for trailers up to about 46 feet. Note that the camera connects to your phone via WiFi, which can interrupt GPS navigation apps - a practical consideration for driving use versus parking use.

Rear Observation System with License Plate Night Vision Backup Camera

A complete wired backup camera system with a dedicated monitor - no phone required. The camera mounts at the license plate position and includes night vision capability for low-light and nighttime reversing. The monitor mounts in the cab, giving the driver a persistent rear view independent of any mobile device.

Best for: Drivers who want a self-contained system with a dedicated display, night vision, and no reliance on phone connectivity. Wired systems are more reliable over long trailer lengths and in areas with wireless interference.

Hopkins Smart Hitch Camera and Sensor System

A dual-purpose system designed specifically for the hitch connection process. In Hitch Mode, the camera and proximity sensors guide the driver to align the tow vehicle's hitch ball directly under the trailer coupler - a process that normally requires a spotter or repeated get-in/get-out trips. Once aligned and hooked up, it switches to Everyday Mode as a standard backup camera. Connects to the tow vehicle's existing 7-way connector for power, with a 3.5" color monitor and adjustable sensor zones. Universal fit for any vehicle with a 7-way connection.

Best for: Drivers who frequently hitch and unhitch solo and want precision alignment without a spotter. The sensor system provides audible and visual alerts as the hitch ball closes on the coupler. Also functions as a standard backup camera once the trailer is attached.

Garmin Wireless Backup Camera with License Plate Mount (BC50)

Garmin's wireless backup camera mounts at the license plate position and integrates with compatible Garmin GPS navigators - the backup feed appears directly on the Garmin display when the vehicle is put in reverse, replacing the navigation view with the camera view automatically. No phone and no separate monitor required if you're already running a compatible Garmin navigator.

Best for: Drivers with a compatible Garmin GPS unit who want seamless backup camera integration without adding a separate monitor. Check compatibility with your specific Garmin device before purchasing.

How RV and Trailer Backup Cameras Work

Trailer backup cameras mount on the rear of the trailer - at the license plate, beneath a tail light, or on a purpose-built bracket - and transmit a video signal to a display in the tow vehicle cab. Wired systems run a video cable from the camera through the trailer to a monitor; wireless systems transmit via WiFi or a dedicated wireless frequency, eliminating the need for a cable run.

The camera gives the driver visibility behind the trailer that mirrors would never provide - a straight view down the trailer's centerline, showing what's behind and to the sides of the rear. Night vision-equipped cameras add infrared LEDs that illuminate the area behind the trailer without visible light.

Hitch alignment cameras are a related but distinct function - these mount on the tow vehicle near the hitch ball, looking rearward, helping the driver position the ball under the coupler during hookup. The Hopkins Smart Hitch system in this collection does both.

FAQ

How do RV trailer backup cameras work? A backup camera mounts on the rear of the trailer and transmits video - via cable or wirelessly - to a monitor or phone in the tow vehicle cab. Wireless systems use WiFi or a dedicated frequency; wired systems run a cable from camera to display. The camera activates when the vehicle is in reverse (on hitch-connected systems) or runs continuously for ongoing rear visibility while driving.

Do I need a wired or wireless trailer backup camera? Wireless systems are faster to install and don't require routing cable from the trailer to the cab - useful on long trailers where a cable run would be complex. Wired systems are generally more reliable, don't depend on WiFi signal strength, and aren't affected by interference. For most travel trailer and utility trailer applications, a wireless system works well. For very long trailers or full-time use, a wired system with a dedicated monitor is more dependable.

Can I use my phone as a backup camera monitor? Yes - the Hopkins vueSMART uses your phone or tablet as the display via the Hopkins Towing Solutions app. This avoids the cost of a dedicated monitor but means your phone's GPS navigation may be interrupted while the camera is connected via WiFi.

What is a hitch alignment camera? A hitch alignment camera mounts on the tow vehicle near the hitch ball and shows the driver the coupler approach on a monitor, with proximity sensors that alert when the ball is nearly under the coupler. The Hopkins Smart Hitch system in this collection provides this function alongside standard backup camera capability, letting one system handle both solo hookup and reversing use.

Does the Garmin BC50 work with any Garmin GPS? The Garmin BC50 is compatible with specific Garmin navigator models. Check your Garmin device's compatibility list before purchasing - the camera integrates directly with the navigator display on supported units, eliminating the need for a separate monitor.

For the full towing setup alongside your camera system, the trailer hitches collection covers receiver hitches, ball mounts, and hitch pins. Already have a rig? Browse RV listings on RVTrader.com for travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.