A horse trailer camera does two jobs a camper's backup camera doesn't. It lets you check the horses on the road (where the law allows), and it has to work on a trailer that almost never comes pre-wired for a camera. Visionworks makes three 7" wireless systems that suit horse trailers, plus add-on cameras and power parts for the awkward cases. This guide compares them so you can buy the right one the first time.
The three systems
| Interior camera system | Interior and exterior system | Rear indicator light system | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part number | VWIC714-HDWL | VWIC714-HTV2WL | VWIC714-RILHDWL |
| What you see | Inside the trailer | Inside the trailer and behind it, on one monitor | Behind the trailer |
| Monitor | 7" | 7" | 7" |
| Video | No-delay, real-time video at 60 fps | ||
| Night vision | 35+ ft in complete darkness | ||
| Cameras per monitor | Watch and record up to 4 | ||
| Signal range | 1,000+ ft (Visionworks' figure, with good line of sight) | ||
| Best for | Checking stock on the road (where the law allows) when you already have a way to back up | Most horse owners: one screen for the stalls and for reversing | Backing up a trailer that isn't pre-wired, with a camera built into a light |
The figures in the table come from Visionworks' product pages for each system. They share the same video, night vision, recording and range specs, so the choice is about which views you need.
Which one to buy
You want to see the horses and back up: interior and exterior system
The VWIC714-HTV2WL puts both views on one 7" monitor. Check the stalls on the highway (where the law allows), then switch to the rear view at the trailhead or the barn. If you want both views, this is the system to start with. Every Visionworks HD monitor takes up to four cameras, so you can add a side camera later.
You already have a backup camera: interior system
If the tow vehicle or trailer already has a working rear camera, the VWIC714-HDWL adds the view inside the trailer on its own 7" monitor. It has the same 60 fps real-time video and 35+ ft night vision, which matters for checking stock after dark.
You mainly need to reverse: rear indicator light system
The VWIC714-RILHDWL camera is built into a rear indicator light. Visionworks says that makes it very easy to install, and it suits horse and cargo trailers that aren't pre-wired for a camera. The camera is also sold on its own as the VWCAMRIL-HDWL, if you already have a Visionworks HD monitor.
Add-ons that matter on a horse trailer
- Side marker light cameras. A gooseneck or a long bumper-pull hides the lane beside you. The left, right or pair of side marker light cameras mount where a side marker light already sits and pair with any Visionworks HD monitor.
- Booster antenna. Visionworks recommends its omni-directional booster antenna on trailers longer than 30 ft, or if you use the camera while driving (where the law allows) and not just when backing up. Watching the stalls on the road is exactly that use. It mounts on top of the trailer and has a 7 dBi antenna on a shielded 30 ft cable.
- 7-way power management adapter. Newer tow vehicles use variable-voltage systems that don't always give a trailer the steady power a wireless camera needs. Visionworks lists 2019 and newer Chevy/GMC and 2021 and newer Ford and Dodge. The VW7PMA provides constant 12V to the trailer. Visionworks says it also lets you turn on marker lights and power cameras when the trailer is disconnected from the truck. That's handy for checking on horses at a show with the truck unhitched, as long as the trailer has its own 12V battery.
- Battery pack. For a camera you move between trailers, the VWMOBAT runs a Visionworks wireless camera with no wiring for 6 to 8 hours per charge. It comes with an AC/DC charger, a 12V charger and a magnet.
Mounting the monitor in the truck
All three systems use a 7" monitor. For a 7" monitor Visionworks sells a suction cup mount (VWSCB-01) with a height adjustment, and a cup holder mount (VWCUPHM) that locks into most cup holders and keeps the screen out of your view through the windshield. In an older truck or farm truck with no cup holder, the VWMCUP gives the cup holder mount a spot to sit on its 65 lb magnet. The monitor can be powered from the 12V socket with the VW12VCA adapter, which works with all Visionworks monitors.
Before you order: a checklist
- Which views do you need? Stalls only, rear only, or both. Both means the interior and exterior system.
- Where will the rear camera get power? A light position (rear indicator light camera), a pre-wire (rare on horse trailers), or the battery pack. Our answer on adding a wireless camera to a trailer that isn't pre-wired walks through each option.
- How long is the trailer? Over 30 ft, plan on the booster antenna.
- What year is the truck? 2019+ GM or 2021+ Ford or Dodge: consider the VW7PMA. See why a trailer camera cuts out behind a newer truck.
- Do you want recordings? The monitor records to an SD card of up to 256GB. The card isn't included.
Running a living quarters trailer? Our guide to living quarters horse trailer power and bearings covers the rest of the trailer.
FAQ
Can I see inside the trailer at night?
Yes. Visionworks rates the night vision on all three systems at 35+ ft in complete darkness.
Is there a delay in the picture?
Visionworks lists no-delay, real-time video at 60 fps on all three systems.
Can I add more cameras later?
Yes. Each monitor shows and records up to four cameras. The side marker light, license plate, dash and long-range cameras all pair with Visionworks HD monitors.
What warranty do the cameras have?
Visionworks gives its cameras a 3-year camera warranty.
Visionworks systems ship from our warehouse in Upland, California. See the full Visionworks range, or ask us which system fits your trailer.