How many of you can see your dingy when pulling it? Is it important to be able to see it? We have a rear window with the magnifier on it, so we can kind of see it. We didn't want to spend the $500 to mount a camera. Just wondering!
Thanks,
Joe
I can see it via my backup camera as well, and it's a great peace of mind. My older motorhome didn't have the camera and monitor, and it drove me nuts. I'd always ask the kids to check on it for me.
Living full-time in the San Francisco Bay Area
Camper: 2004 Damon Daybreak 3285 WorkHorse 8.1 Toad: 2010 Mini Cooper Clubman S - BlueOx Toy: 2012 Ninja 650 - Versa Haul VH-SPORT-RO
I wouldn't tow without being able to see the toad. Like TwoHands said, I want to be able to see if everythings ok with the toad. Also helps when passing to see when to pull back in.
Check ebay for camera systems under $200.
Ron
2003 Gulf Stream Ultra Supreme 33'
F53 Class A
'95 Tracker toad
I am able to keep an eye on our toad using the video screen from the rear camera. I think that is a necessity by giving me the ability to see any problems at soon as they develop. Unusual movement on the toad might indicate a suddenly low or blow tire, smoke might mean a bearing or brake problem. By being able to see an abnormality early I can stop to find out what is wrong and minimize the damage. If I could not see a problem I would likely make things worse with continued travel
2011 Fleetwood Southwind 32VS
2009 Ford Edge
Retired Law Enforcement
U.S. Army 1965-1973/RVN 1968-'69
You can get a wireless camera and monitor at Autozone or advanced for about $70. You should always be able to see what's going on back there. Ask about Peak camera.
Ron & Charlotte
WD8CBT since 1976
28' Prowler & 05 Ram QC LB
I started with nothing and I still have most of it left
I never fail, I just succeed in finding out what doesn't work
We have a C class, and tow a Suzuki Gran Vitara, the RV has a rear window, I have a fresnell lens on the window for day time, and can see the Toad, via the rear view mirror, on the widshield.
At night, it was harder to see the Toad, so I installed, a pair of LED lights on the upper corners, of the windshield, and they only turn on, when the RV lights are turned on, not with the Toads.
In the day, I can see the roof rack, and at night I can see the LED's, so I know that the Toad, is still tail gaiting.
The LED's draw power, fron the Toads battery, and are turned on, by the running lights from the RV, via a rellay, that is on for the regular lights, and switches over, to battery with the RV's running lights, the Toads battery, is charged by the 12V, from the RV.
I hoppe I have confused the heck ot of every one, but it works great
My Tioga has no rear window, and no rear view camera.
I can see the shadow of the toad in the side mirrors when the angle of the sun is right.
I can see the toad in the side mirrors when I go around a corner.
I have never lost a toad.
I don't know anybody who has lost a toad.
I have read VERY FEW reports of a toad being lost, when you consider all of them that are out there all summer long, every summer.
and winter.
IMO, losing a toad is much ado about not much. The risk is minimal.
It just is not one of my major worries!
CM1, USN (RET)
2002 Fleetwood Southwind 32V, Ford V10
Toad: 2006 Jeep Rubicon LJ
Other toad: '06 PT Cruiser, Kar Kaddy dolly
Toy: 1977 Dodge W100 CC SWB, 3/4 ton axles & springs
"When seconds count, help is only minutes away!"