Dash Cam for Trailers: What to Check When Towing

Towing changes where the rear camera should go

A standard front and rear dash cam captures the road behind your tow vehicle. When you hitch up a trailer, though, that view is blocked by the trailer body. The important viewpoint shifts to the rear of the trailer, which changes where the rear camera needs to be mounted and how the camera connects to the rest of the system. If you are comparing systems, start with how many channels you need because a trailer setup often asks for at least two cameras. It also changes how you think about the rear camera, because the distance from the cab to the trailer tail can be much longer than it is in a passenger car.

Tow vehicles also create extra blind zones at the rear. IIHS notes that rear crash prevention systems are showing real-world crash reductions, and CDC reports that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death in the United States. A dash cam is not an active safety system, but a properly placed rear camera gives you a continuous view of traffic and obstacles behind the trailer.

Rear camera mounting points for trailers

Where you mount the rear camera determines the usefulness of the video. The best location depends on the trailer type, the camera's mount, and how much cable or wireless range you have. Common options include:

• Tow vehicle rear window or tailgate: the easiest install, but it only helps when the trailer is not blocking the view.
• Trailer rear door or frame: the most useful view while towing, but the camera is exposed to weather, vibration, and road spray.
• Trailer spare tire mount or ladder: popular on RVs and toy haulers, provided the mount can stay rigid at speed.
• Inside the trailer looking out a rear window: a compromise when you cannot mount outside, but glass reflections and dirt can reduce image quality.

Cable length and routing

Wired rear cameras are limited by the cable in the box. Measure the distance from the front unit to the rear mounting point along the actual routing path, not as a straight line. A pickup towing a fifth-wheel trailer may need a longer cable than a sedan with a small utility trailer. Look for a kit that either includes a long cable or accepts an extension, and check the cable length before buying.

Route the cable along the same paths used for trailer wiring: under panels, along the frame, or through flexible conduit. If you mount the camera on the trailer, you need a removable or weatherproof connection at the hitch so you can disconnect the trailer. Avoid clamping the cable in tailgate hinges or door seals, and give it enough slack to handle turning. If you already have a camera and the factory cable is too short, a rear camera cable replacement is one option.

Wireless rear camera options

Wireless rear cameras avoid the hardest part of a trailer install: running a long cable from the cab to the back of the trailer. Instead, the rear camera sends video over a wireless link to a display, often a mirror dash cam or a monitor in the cab. That makes it easier to move the camera between vehicles or put a camera on a trailer that is disconnected regularly.

Wireless is not a magic solution, because the camera still needs power and the wireless signal must be strong enough for the distance between the trailer and the cab. Enclosed trailers and long fifth-wheel setups can weaken a signal, so confirm that the camera is rated for the distance you need. Compare the trade-offs in wired vs wireless rear cameras before deciding. If you frequently swap trailers or use different tow vehicles, a wireless system can save time, but you still have to plan a power source for the camera on the trailer.

What to check before you buy

Once you know the basics, use this checklist when comparing dash cams for towing:

• Does the rear camera mount fit the trailer's surface and stay rigid at highway speeds?
• Is the included cable long enough, or can you add an extension?
• Does the system show a live rear view on a screen you can see while driving?
• If wireless, can the camera maintain a reliable signal at your trailer length?
• Is the rear camera protected from weather, vibration, and road spray if mounted outside?

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I mount a dash cam rear camera on the trailer?

Yes, as long as the mount can handle the trailer's surface and the camera can be aimed correctly. If the camera is outside, check that it is protected from weather and road spray. The main issue is getting power and video to the camera, either with a long cable or a wireless link.

Do I need a wireless rear camera for towing?

Not always. A wired camera works well if the included cable reaches the trailer's rear point and you can route it cleanly. Wireless is easier when you disconnect the trailer often or need to avoid a long cable run, but you still need to power the rear camera.

How long should the rear camera cable be for a trailer?

Measure from the front unit to the rear mounting point along the routing path, then add extra slack for turns and disconnects. There is no one-size answer. Kits with a longer cable or an extension option make it easier to fit a trailer.

Can a mirror dash cam replace a backup camera for towing?

A mirror dash cam can show a live rear view while you drive, and some are designed to replace the rearview mirror. It can be helpful for towing, but check the display delay and field of view, and keep in mind that it is not a substitute for safe driving and proper mirrors.

Does my trailer need its own dash cam?

Not necessarily. Many people use the rear camera of a tow-vehicle dash cam mounted on the trailer itself. If the trailer is parked on its own or used by different vehicles, a separate camera on the trailer may be useful, but it needs its own power source.