A Visionworks wireless camera kit goes in quickly. The details decide whether you're happy with it a month later: where the monitor sits, how it gets power, whether the picture holds up at the back of a long trailer, and whether the recording is there when you need it. This guide covers the setup choices for any Visionworks HD wireless system, with the part for each job.
1. Mount the monitor where you can see it without losing the road
Visionworks offers several ways to hold the monitor. The Gen2 RV kits include a suction cup, a ram-style mount and the cup holder mount. The magnet-camera systems include a suction cup and the cup holder mount. You can buy each mount on its own too.
| Mount | Part | Fits | Use it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cup holder mount | VWCUPHM | 5" and 7" monitors; most cup holders; also holds any size cell phone | You don't want anything blocking your view through the windshield |
| Magnetic cup holder | VWMCUP | Holds the VWCUPHM, or a drink; 65 lb magnet base | An older truck, tractor or farm truck with no cup holder |
| Suction cup mount, 7" | VWSCB-01 | Visionworks 7" monitors, with height adjustment | Windshield mounting, or a spare for a second vehicle |
| Suction cup mount, 5" | VWSCB-02 | Visionworks 5" monitors, with height adjustment | Same, for the 5" monitor |
Two practical points. First, the cup holder mount is listed for 5" and 7" monitors. If you plan on a 10" monitor, use the suction cup from the kit, or the ram-style mount that comes with the Gen2 kit. Second, if you move the monitor between a truck and a tractor or a second tow vehicle, a spare mount for each one saves pulling the mount every time.
Wherever it goes, check your state's rules on windshield-mounted devices, and keep the screen out of the path of the airbags.
2. Power the monitor
The VW12VCA cigarette lighter adapter powers the monitor from the 12V socket and works with all Visionworks monitors. Visionworks' comparison sheet for the 7" Gen2 kit also lists USB monitor power. If your dash has a spare USB port, that keeps the 12V socket free. Check the kit's included cables before you buy an extra adapter.
3. Power the camera
A wireless camera sends video without a cable, but it still needs power at the back of the rig. The options:
- RV pre-wired for a Furrion camera: the Gen2 kits include the bracket and 12V adapter. The VWFPL bracket and adapter is sold separately if yours is missing. See Visionworks on a Furrion pre-wired RV.
- A light position on the trailer: the rear indicator light camera and the side marker light cameras are built into a light.
- Semi trailer running lights: the VWTLADP truck light adapter uses the existing 12V at the running lights.
- Nothing at all: the VWMOBAT battery pack gives 6 to 8 hours per charge and comes with an AC/DC charger, a 12V charger and a magnet.
If the picture drops out or the camera reboots only behind a newer truck, the cause is often the truck's variable-voltage trailer supply. The VW7PMA 7-way power management adapter provides constant 12V to the trailer. Visionworks' flyer lists 2019 and newer Chevy/GMC and 2021 and newer Ford and Dodge. More in why a wireless trailer camera cuts out with a newer truck.
4. Get a clean signal
Visionworks quotes a range of 1,000+ ft with good line of sight. In practice the path from camera to cab is rarely clear. A trailer's front wall, a slide room, a metal horse trailer or a load in the truck bed all sit between the camera and the monitor. Three things help:
- Mount the camera high and centered where the design allows, so the signal has a clearer path over the trailer.
- Keep the monitor's antenna clear. Don't tuck the monitor behind metal or deep in a console.
- Add the booster antenna on long trailers. Visionworks says its omni-directional booster antenna can be particularly helpful on trailers longer than 30 ft, or if you use the camera while driving (where the law allows) and not just when backing up. It mounts on top of the RV and has a 7 dBi antenna on a shielded 30 ft cable.
5. Set up recording
Every Visionworks HD monitor has a built-in DVR that records up to four cameras. It takes an SD card of up to 256GB, and the card isn't included. Visionworks says the system can record while you drive, or double as a security system. The VWDCAM1-HDWL dash camera can also serve as a security camera.
- Buy the card before your first trip, and stay at or under 256GB.
- Check that recording has started after you install the card. The monitor's manual shows how to start and play back recordings.
- If you need to keep footage of an incident, copy it off the card as soon as you can.
6. Plan for more cameras
Each HD monitor takes up to four cameras: side marker light cameras, a license plate camera, a dash camera and a long-range camera all pair with it. Stay within the HD wireless line, since Visionworks says the long-range VWCAMAIO1-HDWL doesn't work with its MACH2 systems or non-HD monitors. Our guide to adding side marker, license plate and dash cameras covers where each goes. If quad view feels small, see 5" vs 7" vs 10" monitors.
FAQ
Which mount comes in the Gen2 kit?
Visionworks lists a suction cup, a ram-style mount and its cup holder mount with the Gen2 RV kits.
Will the cup holder mount hold a 10" monitor?
Visionworks lists the VWCUPHM for 5" and 7" monitors. For a 10", use the suction cup, or the ram-style mount that comes with the Gen2 kit.
How long does the camera battery pack last?
6 to 8 hours per charge, according to Visionworks.
Do I need the booster antenna?
Not for most short trailers. Visionworks suggests it for trailers longer than 30 ft, or for watching the cameras while you drive (where the law allows).
Visionworks parts ship from our warehouse in Upland, California. Browse the full Visionworks range, or ask us what your setup needs.