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Another recent trend RV manufacturers have been leaning towards is the installation of a backup camera, or at least the RV being pre-wired for a backup camera. Pre-wired typically means the installation of the mounting bracket (with blank panel), and wiring the 12VDC power connection for use of a wireless camera such as a Furrion Backup or Backup/Observation camera. That is how my fifth wheel was manufactured. It came with a mounting bracket and 12VDC pre-wired so all I needed to do is purchase the camera and install it on the bracket. Generally it was a straight-forward installation - but there is some important consideration you should make as to how the 12VDC power connection is configured. You may need to make a change. Generally, there are 4 available configurations of the Furrion camera:
I asked Furrion what the difference between the Backup and Backup/Observation camera was, and in the RV industry fashion, they never replied. Therefore, the differences I gleaned was by reading the different owner's manuals (which may or may not be totally accurate).
The Backup camera is intended for backup use only, and has a range of 100Meters or less, and a power consumption of around 220mA @ 12VDC. The monitor for this camera is somewhat different than the Backup/Observation camera as it allows two backup cameras to be viewed - switched between the two by the UP/DN switches on the monitor. The Backup/Observation camera is supposed to have a high-speed capability, and has a range of 300Meters or less, a power consumption of 300mA @ 12VDC, and the monitor can only support a single camera. It is also about 20% more expensive. I am not sure if the "high speed observation" feature means the refresh rate is faster or not, but my guess is that it might have some such capability to support watching the rear of the RV as you are traveling 60mph down the highway.
I ended up purchasing the FRC12TAPK-BL which is the full installation version and includes the bracket and power cable for the camera. I did not need these items, but the full kit was $30 cheaper than the pre-wired kit! One word of caution: Placement of an observation camera in the cab of your tow vehicle may be illegal in some areas, if the driver can see the video. Therefore check your applicable laws in regards so such activity.
Power options. You can power the camera via backup light, clearance light, or dedicated power. Using the clearance light is a popular option if you are doing a clean installation as you will typically locate the camera fairly close to the center clearance light. That way, the camera is powered anytime you have your tow vehicle headlights on. The factory ended up wiring my camera with a semi-dedicated circuit (meaning they tapped off an existing overhead light). However, they did not provide any means to turn the camera off. I do not like this as the camera can use up to 300mA (especially at night with the IR LEDs on), and even with an 80AH deep cycle battery, you can discharge the battery below the 50% charge point in only a couple of weeks. So I have to figure out a way to turn the power off.
After some difficulty poking around the wiring (and using my trusty inspection camera and B&K; clamp meter), I was able to locate where the camera tied into the wiring (it was connected to the overhead lights). From there, I was simply able to install a switch - which I did in the ceiling of a rear cabinet so that it is out of the way.
 For you Reflection 29RS owners, the wiring for the camera is under this puck light on the right side of the rig, at the rear above the sofa. Simply pull down on the light fixture and it should expose enough wiring that you will see the cable for the camera. If not, CAREFULLY pull on the wire so you do not rip anything out, and eventually the cable should be exposed.
Of course, if you have a 29RS, there is no guarantee that your coach will be wired the same way. It was not the best location, as I cannot reach the switch unless the slide-outs are deployed. A far better location would be near the main switch panel, but I could not do that without a major project to run a set of wires - and I did not want to rip up a new RV. So I compromised on the switch location... at least now I can turn the camera off. So again, the RV industry wants cheap - whether or not it actually works (or is the best solution).
Project video.
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