Whether you’ve owned an RV before, or are in the market for a new one, knowing all the different types that are available and the various uses for them is useful. RV’s, or recreation vehicles, are vehicles that are sized specifically for outdoor activities and vacation. They can often serve as a home away from home, and offer numerous amenities, sizes, and more. Some are better for camping, some are better for road trips.

 

We’ll take you through the different types of RV, pros and cons, and additional features and accessories you can add to make things safer and more enjoyable. No matter what kind of RV you opt for, any truck, trailer, and RV can benefit from a backup camera.

 

Our affordable, high-quality RV cameras increase drivers’ range of vision, helping to prevent accidents, injuries, and damages, and help you feel at ease while parking, hitching, or maneuvering through tight parking lots and campgrounds. Learn more about how Camera Source can help you adapt to the unique challenges of driving and parking RV’s in this article as we define each type of RV.

1. Class A Diesel / Gas Motorhomes

Class A diesel motorhomes, which are also known as “diesel pushers” are the Rolls-Royce of RV and motorhomes. Whenever you’re looking at one of these models at a dealer, you can be reasonably confident that you’re looking at the top of the line. They have high end finishes, the ability to “cut” the wheels, and come with an insane amount of amenities. 

Pros

• Luxurious! These motorhomes are fully functional houses on wheels
• Maneuverable. In spite of their giant size, the ability to “cut” or turn the wheels at sharp angles makes them more maneuverable than you might think.
• Efficient. Though they are giant, Class As use diesel engines, which are efficient and get great fuel economy at a cheaper price point. Gas engines will be a bit more expensive to own, but come with the benefit of easier starting and maintenance. 

Cons

• Most Class A motorhomes are huge. This means that you’ll need a dedicated place to store them when they’re not in use or a very large driveway. Many homeowners have issues with neighbors who are irritated by the size of a Class A. 
• Camping limitations can happen, depending on where you’re traveling. Class A motorhomes are fantastic for cross country travel in luxury, but many campgrounds do not support mobile homes of this size, so that’s another consideration.
• They are the most expensive of the RV options available to a consumer.

 

Large motorhomes like these need large safety precautions, and good backup cameras are the best way to do this. Camera Source has rear, side, and front cameras, as well as multiple RV camera kits that will help you ensure that no matter which direction you’re maneuvering your RV, you’ve got a view. 

2. Class B Motorhomes

Class B motorhomes resembled oversized vans, and the reason for this is that many of them are. They are the smallest of the classes of motorhome, in spite of the fact that B comes before C. Usually these homes will be a modified version of a cargo or sprinter van with features and functions designed for camping. Most of them use gasoline (some are diesel powered) and are road ready upon purchase. A great option for folks with a lower budget or who do not plan to camp as much, and may want to use the vehicle for other purposes beyond camping and RVing. 

Pros

• Affordably priced, most class B motorhomes are not expensive to purchase or maintain, especially secondhand
• Similar handling to regular cars and trucks, don’t require additional practice to drive
• Customizable and versatile, class Bs can be modified to different purposes and uses. 

Cons

• Class Bs are the smallest motorhomes you can find beyond sleeping in a car, so for multi-person groups, they can be a bit less comfortable for large groups.

 

The thing that most Class B motorhomes and regular cars and trucks have in common is a need for a quality backup camera. At Camera Source, we have backup cameras that can replace OEM models on a motorhome, or stock kits that allow you to add a backup camera to a van that doesn’t have one. 

3. Class C Motorhomes

Class C motorhomes are the type of motorhome that usually springs to mind when people talk about them. They’re usually a van or truck chassis with a camper built into it. They tow the line between Class A and Class B, providing a hybrid of both space and function. Whether you’re packing along an entire family or just a partner, class Cs have spacious floorplans and comfortable bedding options.

Pros

• Similar to driving a normal vehicle, ease of use.
• Lots of space and amenities to choose from. 
• Easy to set up and tear down

Cons

• Not particularly fuel efficient
• Needs a large driveway or dedicated parking

 

4. Fifth Wheel Campers

In the world of trailers, the fifth wheel is the luxury option. Often, these trailers are very large, requiring a vehicle with high towing capacity to move. The “fifth wheel” refers to the hitch these trailers require, which mounts in the center of the trailer bed. Fifth wheel trailers are often spacious, full-featured, and come with optional hookups for electricity, propane, and more. Great for long camping trips.

Pros

• Easy to store and transport.
• Many features and amenities
• Cheaper to acquire than Class A,B, and C style homes. 

Cons

• Driving with a trailer requires skill and practice, as controlling one when backing up is a challenge. 
• Can be difficult to store in the case of large trailers. 

5. Travel Trailers

Travel trailers are a category that includes fifth wheel trailers, but there are other options available as well. Many require less towing capacity and a smaller mounting hitch, but they share many of the same features, and travel trailers are often slightly smaller. They can also be referred to as caravans, campers, tourers or camper trailers, but most of this type have a ball hitch and are a bit easier to maneuver than a 5th wheel. 

 

Pros

• Cheap, easy to find.
• Come in a wide variety of size options, from minimal to deluxe.
• Can be stored in a variety of spaces.

 

Cons

• Require some skill to maneuver and drive.
• Can really hit your gas mileage. 

 

Backing up a trailer and keeping an eye on it is a full-time responsibility when driving. Backup cameras for a trailer to keep an eye on the hitch and how it’s moving and what it can possibly run into is essential for safe driving. On top of that, adding side view cameras to help assist when merging and driving can dramatically improve the safety of a drive from campsite to campsite. 

6. Toy Haulers

A toy hauler is a type of RV featuring a garage or loading bay in the rear. They often have a drop down ramp or a hydraulic lift to get things like ATVs, Motorcycles, and Bikes into the trailer easily. In other aspects, they are similar to motorhomes and trailers. Some Class A and Class C vehicles will come with a built-in toy hauler. 

7. Teardrop Campers & Tiny Trailers

Teardrop campers and tiny trailers are the budget options of the trailer world. Many teardrop campers are small and tear shaped, containing only a sleeping area and some storage. Many do not have kitchens or bathrooms, but they make up for this by being light and easily maneuverable. 

 

Popup campers are another type of tiny trailer, and they can be a decent hybrid between a teardrop and a larger camper. They usually come with a hand crank that you use to open the trailer up, and they often come with septic lines, toilets, and sparse kitchens. 

Pros

• Small, maneuverable, cheap.
• Easy to park, and often don’t require dedicated parking or storage.

Cons

• Not many features, often flimsier than other types of trailers
• Can be hard work to set up

8. Truck Campers

Truck campers are a specific type of trailer which can be mounted on the bed of a pickup truck. They come in different sizes, with different levels of comfort, though most of the common types will run pretty light due to weight restrictions. Often, the bed is located over top of the cab of the truck, and many of them have four posts which can ground the trailer when stopped for camping. 

Pros

• Small, affordable, and easy to attach to a vehicle. 
• Often are highly customizable to different needs
• Can be removed and reattached with minimal effort. 

Cons

• Some trucks are not equipped to carry the load of a camper. 
• Usually smaller, with less room and amenities. 

Get the Right Camera for Your RV

At Camera Source, we’re here to help ensure that you have the right backup camera for the type of vehicle you have. We sell universal and wireless kits that can do just about any job you might have, and we also have pros and cons lists, and advice for choosing the right RV camera and how to install it on your RV. Start browsing our cameras and planning your next adventure, or get in touch with us today!

Not sure about the difference between an all-wheel drive and a four-wheel drive vehicle? You’ve come to the right place. At Camera Source, we’re the backup camera experts, and we know a thing or two about the trucks that they’re used on. In this article, we’ll take you through the differences between both, as well as give you some suggestions for further qualities to look for. 

 

What is all-wheel drive & four-wheel drive?

First, a little bit of definition. Whenever you hear “so-and-so drive”, that is referring to what type of torque you’re getting sent through the drivetrain of the vehicle. The drivetrain is the system of components that transfers energy from the engine or motor of the vehicle to the wheels. Sometimes you might hear the word powertrain used, which is not the same thing, as a powertrain includes the engine itself. 

All-Wheel Drive, Defined

With an all-wheel drive vehicle, each of the wheels on the vehicle is powered independently, meaning they can all provide torque to the wheels. AWD vehicles have three differentials, or gear boxes, on the front, center, and rear, and these differentials mean your four tires can get traction independently of each other. This allows for superior traction and handling in all types of weather conditions. 

 

Previously, all-wheel drive vehicles generally did not come with the option to be turned on and off, always delivering full power to all of the wheels to ensure maximum traction and handling, making them less fuel efficient than front or rear-wheel drive. Now, there are modern part-time AWD systems that use an array of electronic sensors that feed information to a computer to control the amount of power directed to each wheel. 

 

There are two kinds of all-wheel-drive systems: full-time AWD, and part-time all-wheel-drive or an automatic AWD system.  

 

Full-time AWD  drives all four wheels continuously, while automatic AWD only uses AWD when necessary. Most of the time, part-time systems are in two-wheel-drive mode to conserve fuel, and switch to AWD only when traction is needed. Usually, part-time AWD sends torque to two driven wheels, either the front or rear, depending on the make and model. The system automatically engages the other two wheels when sensors indicate road conditions that demand extra traction. 

Vehicles with AWD

The most common vehicles that come with all-wheel drive are SUVs and crossovers. However, there are multiple sedans, trucks, and minivans that have AWD. If you’re looking for a safe vehicle that will handle great in inclement weather and rough terrain, AWD vehicles offer a huge advantage. However, if you live in a city or an area with good weather year-round, AWD vehicles may not be the best option for you.

 

The same vehicles and drivers that benefit from AWD are the same who benefit from backup cameras for enhanced safety and confidence when backing into traffic, around corners, through crowded parking lots, or into a tight parking space. 

4-Wheel Drive, Defined

4-wheel drive is very similar to all-wheel drive. With a 4WD vehicle, you have all four wheels operating at once, giving the driver maximum traction and the ability to keep moving through rough conditions, such as when off-roading. 

 

Most 4WD systems can be turned on and off. This allows you to deploy the system for maximum fuel economy in many rough environments. It also is useful for people who work in rough conditions and need to turn on extra power for towing and other situations. 

Vehicles with 4X4

Pickup trucks and Sport Utility Vehicles are the most common cars that come with 4WD. Not all SUVs have a 4X4 system, but most four-wheel drive vehicles fall within the SUV or crossover category, such as Jeeps.

 

If you’re considering purchasing a Jeep, make sure you equip it with backup and front and side cameras for maximum safety when off-roading, rock crawling, and adventuring.

AWD vs. 4x4: Which is better?

The answer to this question depends on your relative needs. Commonly, AWD systems are found on cars and family vehicles, designed to allow for maximum safety and control in a number of different environments and situations. 

 

For families and folks who end up driving on a lot of rough roads, or wet and icy streets, AWD is likely the best choice. You’re forced to sacrifice fuel economy in exchange for safety and peace of mind. 

 

4X4, on the other hand, is great for people who need to use their vehicle in tough environments, or for towing or other needs. If you’re looking for a truck that can handle a number of different scenarios, like towing, deep snow, off-roading, and rock crawling, a 4X4 vehicle is going to give you maximum control and allow you to do things like switch to 2-wheel drive, which is optimal for towing. 

Do you need 4WD or AWD?

To get more granular about which type of vehicle drivetrain is best for you, there are some pretty important questions to ask yourself:

 

 

• What are you hauling? - Travel trailers, lumber, or utility trailers? Depending on what you’re going to be toting around with your vehicle, this could be the primary decision factor. If you’re not hauling anything regularly or at any other time, you might not need either. Many drivers prefer rear or front-wheel drive to 4WD and AWD because they feel that the vehicle handles better. 

• How important is fuel economy to you? - If you’re worried about gas prices or want a vehicle that is as fuel efficient as possible, 4WD/AWD might not be the right choice, as these vehicles are far less fuel efficient and suited to long drives than other, lighter and less mechanically complex vehicles. 

• What does the future hold for your vehicle needs? - Depending on where you live or where you might move in the future, a vehicle with all-terrain capability might be just what the doctor ordered.  If you live in an area where it occasionally snows, or go up to the mountains for occasional winter sports, and still want good fuel economy, an AWD is a good choice. If you're frequently in snowy conditions, like to go on camping adventures, and/or expect to haul gear consistently, a 4WD system is ideal, at the sacrifice of some fuel economy. 

 

Get the Right Camera for Your AWD or 4WD Vehicle

No matter the type of vehicle you’re driving, a quality backup camera is one of the best upgrades you can add to it to improve safety and overall comfort. At Camera Source, we have backup camera kits that can help you replace a broken backup camera on your vehicle, or install an entirely new one with a more high-definition monitor. Regardless of what backup camera you want, we can help you get what you need, and our helpful, knowledgeable staff is at the ready. Get in touch with us to learn more, or start browsing products today. 

There are a number of reasons why you’d need to be looking at a wiring diagram for your Ford F-350. They’re useful, and give you an idea of how power travels through your car. Whether you’re looking to replace a broken camera, add a camera to improve the safety of your vehicle, or looking to replace the factory standard camera or monitor, you may need one. 

 

If you’re reading this, you probably already know that Ford F-350 wiring diagrams can be hard to come by. Usually, the first place to check is in the vehicle's maintenance or service manual.

Wiring diagrams vary by model year, that’s why all our products include in depth instructions and quality customer support based in the USA. This guide is intended as a general introduction to the process.

Gather your Tools

Once you’ve gathered up all the right manuals and guides, you’re going to need the tools and materials necessary to get the job done. 

The Right Camera & Monitor from Camera Source

Depending on the reason for installation, you may need a different device. Common reasons for using a wiring diagram include but are not limited to:

 

• Replacing a broken camera or upgrading to a better camera
• Installing additional cameras to improve safety 
• Relocating a factory standard camera to a better position 
• Relocating or upgrading the monitor 

 

When in doubt, you can rely on a universal camera! If installation seems like a daunting task, we have wireless cameras too! 

Kits

Depending on the model year you’re working with, you may need a different wiring kit. Camera Source has the different types of kits you’ll need. Depending on what you’re trying to do, there are many different levels and pros and cons to the various types of installation. If you’re just looking to replace or repair an existing camera with a manufacturer’s model, we have OEM cameras that will work for just about any model of Ford. 

 

If you’re not looking to go OEM, we have plenty of options for you as well, including: 

 

• Factory Tailgate Cameras - Usually, in newer models of F-350, the backup camera is mounted on the factory tailgate, so starting there is a great place to begin when thinking about a repair or replacement. 
• Factory 3rd Brake Light Cameras - 3rd brake lights are often added to a vehicle as a supplement, and they can also be a convenient place to add a backup camera, as they’ll share wiring infrastructure. 
• Camper / Utility Bed Cameras - Use camper / utility bed cameras for cab and chassis trucks that did not come with a bed from the factory.

Front & Side Cameras

Front side cameras are another option for setting your F-350 up with the latest in tech. These cameras can give you a dashboard level view (for recording and safety purposes), as well as giving you access to live feeds of other parts of your vehicle, which is often needed for specialty tasks. 

 

• A front grille is a great place for mounting a camera and is often common for front-view cameras. 
• Side mirrors can be a useful place to mount a monitor or add cameras above and below for better coverage of the side of the vehicle.  

Monitors, Displays, & More

As far as displays are concerned, there are options for using an existing factory display, aftermarket displays, or camera kits that come with their own displays. If you want to unclutter your dashboard, you can switch to a rearview mirror monitor.  

Other Tools

Having the right tools is essential to a good installation. Here’s what you’ll need:

 

• A hand drill with drill bits for drilling metal (preferable high-speed bits coated with titanium oxide)
• Torx set
• Wrench Set
• Safety Goggles
• Flashlights
• Standard wire stripper/crimper
• Torx socket set
• Razor knife
• Socket or nut runner set
• Trim removal tool or small plastic putty knife
• Soldering iron and solder (optional)
• Shrink tube (optional)

How to Install A Backup Camera on A Ford F-350

Instructions will vary based on your vehicle and the type of camera and monitor you're working with. Here are some additional helpful resources if this is a first-time install:

• Beginners’ Guide to Backup Camera Installation
• Powering Your Backup Camera
• Installing a Side View Camera
• Installing Wireless and Wired RV Backup Cameras
• Adding a Backup Camera to an Older Car

Step 1: Run the Wires

1. Run the camera and power cable through the hole into the interior of your car. Locate the reverse light wires for your car. This is how to connect a backup camera to the reverse light. Make sure to double-check your owner’s manual to ensure you’ve located the right one.
2. Strip the positive and negative wires on your reverse lights (make sure your car is powered off before you do this). 
3. Using a small screwdriver, separate some of the strands of the stripped wire, and splice in the power cable for your backup camera to them. Usually, you can do this by looping the wires together. This might vary based on the model of your F-350, so make sure to check that wiring diagram. 
4. Make sure positive is connected to positive and negative is connected to negative. Once you’ve done this, cover everything in electrical tape.
5. Connect the RCA cable to the camera’s cable, and run it all from the trunk to the fuse box area at the front of the car. This is usually located to the bottom left of the steering wheel. 
6. You can conceal the cable underneath the ceiling panels of your vehicle if you want to peel them back, or if you don’t care about aesthetics, just attach it to the ceiling of your truck.

Step 2: Mount the Display

This part of installation varies based on the monitor on the location. 

• Are you using the factory monitor in the dash?
• Upgrading to a rear view mirror monitor?
• Or installing a whole new one in the dash of an older car? 

 

Depending on the location, this is where the wiring diagram can be helpful to identify power sources and grounding points. 

 

1. Following the mounting instructions that come with the device is your best bet. If all else fails, this backup camera installation guide can be very helpful.
2. Connect the RCA cable to the RCA output on the monitor. You may also need to run a trigger wire up to your monitor, or even power it through the same source as the backup camera. (Again models will vary.)
3. If the monitor requires it, you’ll likely need to install a fuse tap, which will allow you to connect the bare wiring of your monitor to the power of your fuse box. See the guide linked above for good instructions on how to do this.

Step 3: Mount the Camera

You’re now in the final stages: mounting and testing out the camera itself. You’ve already identified where the camera was previously installed, so now it’s a matter of adding a new mount or simply swapping the camera out. Once you’ve done that, connect the appropriate wires, test out your monitor, and you now should be ready to go. 

Get What You Need from Camera Source

Camera Source is your first and last stop for quality backup camera supplies and equipment. No matter the type of vehicle you’re working with, we have what you need to make your next replacement or addition easy. Get in touch with us today, or start browsing products now!

 

Farming is a complex and challenging industry, and like any industry, there’s plenty of equipment. In this article, we’ll cover the different types of equipment, how they’re used, and how they can be made additionally safe. 

 

Wish you had an extra set of eyes while operating ag equipment? We have the heavy duty high definition backup camera kits you need for your agricultural equipment. No need to worry about excessive vibration or wet weather conditions— these waterproof camera systems can handle it, so you can get a clear picture of what’s happening outside the vehicle to help prevent accidents and injuries. 

Combine Harvesters

Combine harvesters are powerful pieces of equipment that do the bulk of the harvesting on a farm, which can be divided into a few categories:

 

• Reaping: The process of cutting the plant, which is accomplished by the header, reel and cutter bar on the combine. The header gathers the crops while the reel pushes them toward the cutter bar, which cuts the crops at their base.
• Threshing: The process of separating the edible parts of the crop from the non-edible parts. This is accomplished by the threshing drum, which beats the cut crops to separate the grains from their stalks.
• Winnowing: The process of separating light chaff from the grain, and it is usually accomplished while the grain is in the threshing drum. Chaff is usually separated from the grain through the use of sieves.

 

One of the easiest ways to enhance the safety of a combine is to install an agricultural camera. An ag camera can dramatically enhance your awareness of surroundings when operating a combine. That means the risk of accidents is greatly reduced while operating a combine, tractor or other equipment and vehicles.

 

In addition, installing an agricultural camera on a combine can help prevent entanglement with moving parts. Install a camera near parts of machinery to monitor it while running instead of getting off the tractor while it’s running and risk accident and injury. Combines (and many types of farm equipment) can benefit from a multi-camera setup to monitor multiple pieces of equipment on a vehicle at once. 

UTVs & ATVs

ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), which are also sometimes referred to as quads or four-wheelers, are small utility vehicles that only have seats available for a single driver. An ATV can fit tight spaces and do quick turns to do simple farming tasks.

 

UTVs (utility task vehicles), or side-to-side (SxS) vehicles, are bigger, far more expensive, and more powerful than ATVs. This beefy farming vehicle can be controlled by two people and can handle heavy loads. Due to its big size, this vehicle allows you to have extra storage space for your farming machinery or personal belongings. Whether you’re unloading or loading up an ATV/UTV or driving through fields, installing a backup camera on your four-wheeler can prevent accidents and injuries.

Trucks

The good old-fashioned truck is a common piece of farm equipment. These vehicles are often pulling long trips, moving trailers, or just getting workers from point A to point B. Camera Source has a camera for every kind of work truck:

• Ford backup cameras
• Ford front and side cameras
• GM reverse cameras 
• GM front and side cameras
• Dodge backup cameras
• Dodge front and side cameras
• Toyota reverse cameras
• Honda backup cameras

 

If your truck isn’t one of the models above, don’t worry–we have backup cameras for nearly every type of vehicle, including models of truck that might be out of service or not have OEM cameras available. 

Tractors

The tractor is the workhorse of the farm, and these vehicles come in many different shapes and sizes. 

 

• Compact Tractors - As their name implies, are small, high-powered tractors that can assist with all the basic functions needed on a farm. Compact tractors are ideal for material handling and working in tight spaces where traditional tractors can't fit. Working in compact spaces can come with unique challenges, including limited visibility. When you’re in that kind of situation, a commercial-grade CCD camera with a rugged casing, sunshield, and night vision can help solve tight fit issues. Cameras like this one provide a 130-degree range of vision, which means you’ll have full visibility and can mount the camera anywhere, so you can keep an eye on implements and other pieces of equipment as well. 

• Wheeled Tractors - General-purpose tractors are tractors that help you get the most out of your machinery. These utility tractors can meet a variety of demands and can be outfitted for tilling, material handling and equipment pulling. With a range of options in horsepower, lifting capacity, control and cab style, wheeled tractors are built to service whatever purpose might be required.

• Track Tractors - This is a style of farming vehicle that has rubber tracks instead of tires, similar to a tank. These can get better power and traction in tough to navigate areas. 

• Orchard Tractors - Orchard tractors are narrow tractors meant to navigate orchards and other similar environments, where it might be difficult to get a larger tractor in between the rows. 

 

 

Regardless of what type of tractor you’re using, preventing accidents and injuries with well-documented safety plans and backup cameras is a must. The one modern safety feature that tractors currently lack, but should include, are backup cameras. Significant blind spots are a problem for large trucks, let alone tractors and other farm equipment, prompting the need to install agricultural cameras yourself. Fortunately, Camera Source has a huge selection of high quality cameras and accessories. 

 

Backup cameras can increase ease and safety of driving a tractor in traffic by eliminating blind spots and providing better visibility of their surroundings. Installing backup cameras on tractors can help the driver identify and avoid collisions with obstacles, and uneven surfaces, bumps, and holes that can cause the tractor to become unstable. This can help prevent:

 

• Rollovers and overturns 
• Runovers 
• Collisions 

 

A backup camera can help prevent tractor accidents, save lives, and save money.

Tractor Attachments

Tractor attachments are attached to tractors or pulled behind them to add a new level of functionality. Their uses range widely from soil management to seeding. 

 

Agricultural backup cameras can also help perform tasks with accuracy and precision, like loading and unloading, hitching and towing, and operation of equipment and implements. Make your farm safer with a quality backup camera for your tractor. Agricultural cameras are useful when operating a tractor with attachments. A wireless agricultural backup camera can be installed just about anywhere on the surface of a tractor or equipment that it will fit, so you can safely monitor moving parts from a distance. Some agricultural cameras even come with microphones for enhanced communication and environmental awareness. 

 

Our agricultural camera systems make it easy to work with complex equipment or in wet weather conditions. No more overloading of grain carts or getting out of the tractor to check equipment. You can also use them to see behind large equipment, monitor baler knotting, planter seed drops, and so much more. 

Plows

A plow is a large tractor attachment that drags behind the tractor, using long blades to cut furrows in the soil. This process not only loosens and turns the soil, but it also helps kill off any surface vegetation that is not intended to be there. While the soil has to go through several subsequent steps to be ready for planting, plowing is an essential first step. Each plow type is suited to a specific soil type, soil condition and crop type. Here is a look at the three most common types of plows:

 

• Moldboard plows: This type of plow has wing-shaped blades, which are specifically designed to cut into and turn the soil. This is an ideal type of plow for shallow but thorough soil turning, which is often necessary for land that hasn't been used for crop production for several years.
• Disc plows: This plow has rows of discs that work to turn the soil and cut up weeds. These are less common than moldboard plows as they are less effective at turning the soil, but disc plows may be more useful for soil that is particularly sticky or rocky.
• Chisel plows: These plows have long shanks. These shanks turn the soil at a depth of a foot or more. This is often necessary for land that has been used for consistent crop production.

 

Plows can range widely in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the type, size, brand and condition of the plow.

Harrows

Where plowing primes the soil, harrowing further agitates it in preparation for agricultural work. These attachments break down clumps of soil, make the soil surface level and redistribute crop and weed residue to make it easier for new plants to take root and grow. Harrows can also be used after distributing manure and fertilizer, as they can help break up clumps and distribute the fertilizer more evenly. Some common types of harrows include:

 

• Spring harrows: An older style that isn't commonly found today. These attachments use flexible iron teeth mounted in rows to loosen and agitate the soil.
• Roller harrows: Large spiked tubes and, as the name suggests, are rolled across the soil to help crush and prepare soil for seeding. 
• Chain harrows: These look like chain nets with spiked attachments. They aerate the ground in preparation for seeding and/or fertilizer. 
• Disc harrows: The more modern version of spring harrows, they are large discs that break up and agitate the ground for planting.

 

Often, multiple types of harrows are used for different purposes and may be used multiple times during the soil preparation process. Harrows can be pulled behind tractors or ATVs, depending on their size and complexity. More advanced harrows require a tractor, but they often combine the benefits of multiple types of harrows all into one.

Spreaders

Fertilizer spreaders function as the name suggests — they spread fertilizer across a field. While there are fertilizer spreaders that can be run separately, most farming operations require a tractor-run fertilizer spreader for quick, evenly distributed fertilization.

 

There are multiple types of fertilizer spreaders, varying primarily based on the type of fertilizer used. These are some of the more common types of tractor-mounted fertilizer spreaders:

 

• Broadcast spreader: This common spreader drops fertilizer with the help of gravity.
• Manure spreader:This takes solid manure from livestock and spreads it across a field. This is an easy way of utilizing manure effectively, though the solid manure will often need to be run over with a harrow to break it up and mix it in with the soil.
• Slurry spreader: Liquid manure spreaders are also known as slurry spreaders, which spray a slurry of liquid manure across a field.

Seeders

Seeders, as the name would suggest, are designed to spread seeds across large plots of land quickly and efficiently. While small farms may use small mechanical seeders or even hand-seeding methods, tractor-pulled seeders are most commonly used in large-scale farms today. There are different machines used in agriculture seeding, however, like:

 

• Broadcast seeders: With this type of seeder, seeds are placed in a specific type of hopper, and are slowly “broadcast” or spread evenly throughout a large area. 
• Air seeders: Very large seeders that use compressed air to shoot seeds into the ground. They’re effective, but can only be used on specific types of seed, mainly round seed. 
• Box drill seeders: The most common seeder, thanks to its ease of use and compatibility with most types of seed.
• Planters: The most accurate seeders, though they also tend to be the most expensive. Planters consist of blades that cut the ground and drop seeds, in quick succession. 

Balers

Balers are essential for hay, straw and corn stalk collection. These tractor attachments collect these materials and wrap them into more easily manageable bales. There are three general kinds of hay balers:

 

• Round balers: These work by rolling hay into round shapes and then wrapping it.
• Square balers: These collect hay, straw or stalks into compactors, which help pack and compress the material into a square shape. Once the baler has enough material, it ties it with two lengths of twine or wire and then deposits it in a particular area. Square balers come in multiple sizes to work for a variety of applications.
• Large square balers: Works about the same as regular square balers, but they handle significantly larger volumes for industrial-size farms.

Wagons & Trailers

Farm wagons and trailers are a necessity for any operation. Wagons and trailers are available in a wide range of sizes and materials, and they’re used for many different activities on a farm. Wagons and trailers are often used for harvest transportation, material handling, and moving people and equipment. You can keep your trailer, its contents, and others safe with a trailer backup camera to enhance your awareness of your surroundings. 

Other Common Attachments

There are a wide variety of other tractor attachments commonly used in farming and related applications that can benefit from being monitored via backup camera in case of falter. 

 

• Sprayers - Sprayer attachments can be used to spray pesticides, fertilizers and other substances across large areas. These are a must-have for any farming operation that handles large acreages.
• Mowers - Mowers are a necessity for any large plot of land, but tractor owners can benefit from mower attachments. There are a variety of mower types to meet a range of farm needs from grass management to harvesting. The specific type of mower you require for your application will depend on your land, and you may need multiple attachments to attend to different areas of your property.
• Transplanters - Tractor-pulled transplanters make transplanting easy by taking large quantities of growing plants, digging holes for them and depositing them, all using machinery.
• Cultivators - Cultivators are used for soil cultivation, specifically in the area of weed control. These are used for shallow tilling and are often used in smaller farming operations.
• Plastic mulch layers - For large-scale farms that use methods involving plasticulture, a plastic mulch layer tractor attachment is a necessity. This equipment takes a ream of plastic and lays it flat along the bed using a series of wheels.
• Rakes - Raking attachments are essential for making hay. Several types of rakes are available as pull-behind attachments, including wheel rakes, parallel-bar rakes, rotary rakes and belt rakes.

Camera Source for Safer Farm Equipment

Backup cameras provide enhanced safety on the farm and on the road, and they also help you monitor equipment while it runs to prevent issues. Whether you’re looking for a monitor that can display multiple cameras, or one that can withstand excessive vibrations for use in agriculture or commercial vehicles, we’ve got options to fit your needs. Monitor kits come with everything you need to install so you can easily upgrade your current vehicle monitor with something that better fits your needs.

 

If you’re looking for great cameras at great prices, as well as numerous different mounting options, Camera Source has you covered. Get in touch with us to learn more about what cameras might work for you. 

Installing a backup camera on a Ford F-250 is not too different from installing one on a Ford F-150. If you’re relocating the current camera to a different location on the truck, a wiring diagram is helpful to know how to run the wires between the camera mount and display, and how to power them. 

If you’re reading this, you probably already know that Ford F-250 wiring diagrams can be hard to come by. Wiring diagrams can be found in the vehicle’s service manual. Wiring diagrams vary by model year, so you need to purchase the service manual for your specific model year. Since this is the case, the instructions found below can be a basic camera installation guide for your truck. Good backup camera providers, like ourselves, will also provide in depth instructions for you.

Even without the wiring diagram for your Ford F-250 model year, Camera Source can help you get the right equipment with detailed instructions for easy DIY installation. If installation seems like a daunting task, we have wireless cameras too! Keep reading for camera installation instructions for a Ford F-250. 

What’s Your Reason for Installation?

Before you can start, you need to have a sense of where the camera is going to go. You might be relocating your current camera, replacing a broken camera, adding a new monitor or additional location— there’s a lot of options. The process of installation will vary based on the type of installation, i.e., the relocation, the replacement, or the addition of cameras or monitors.

Common reasons for using a wiring diagram include but are not limited to:

• Replacing a broken camera 

• Adding cameras to improve safety 

• Relocating a factory standard camera to a better position 

• Replacing the monitor

Camera Location

If you plan to relocate your current camera or add another camera, knowing the location can help you select the right kind of camera. There are several different places to mount a Ford F-250 backup camera, here are the most common locations:

• Rear cameras are the most common type of camera, and for good reason. Being able to see the rear of your vehicle as you back up has numerous benefits, which is why most vehicles come standard with them now.  Rear cameras can be placed in a number of locations: Cargo/3rd brake light, utility beds, license plates, tailgates, or a recessed surface.
• Front cameras, on the other hand, are often for more specialized use. Most commonly, they are employed as dash cams by law enforcement, but they can have other uses, for instance to monitor a winch or a vehicle with low ground clearance.  
• Likewise, side cameras are useful supplements to rear mirrors and cameras. They can be combined with blind spot sensors for enhanced safety. 

 

If you’re relocating, replacing, or adding cameras to any of these mounting points, the F-250 wiring diagram will be helpful for installation. 

Materials & Tools 

To start, you’re going to need the right camera. Camera Source is your best source for this, no matter what type of camera you’re looking for. 

Cameras for the Ford F-250 

There are several different categories of camera, but most commonly, you want to tailor the camera to your expected use. 

• Factory Tailgate - Usually, in newer models, the backup camera is mounted on the factory tailgate, so starting there is a great place to begin when thinking about a repair or replacement. There are even backup cameras in a Ford emblem and tailgate handle cameras.
• Factory 3rd Brake Light - 3rd brake lights are often added to a vehicle as a supplement, and they can also be a convenient place to add a backup camera, as they’ll share wiring infrastructure. 
• Front Grille - The front grille is a great place for mounting a camera and is often common for front-view cameras. 
• Side Cameras - Side mirrors can be a useful place to mount a monitor or add cameras above and below for better coverage of the side of the vehicle.  
• Universal Cameras - If you can’t find just the right fit, universal cameras have the flexibility to fit your unique needs. 
• Wireless Cameras - We have wireless cameras too if installation seems like a daunting task.

If you’re looking to go with a full upgrade, there are multi-camera kits available, including ones that supplement utility beds and campers and 5th wheel trailers. Figuring out how you want to use the camera is important to identifying the right kind of monitor. 

Displays & Monitors

The other key component of a backup camera installation is considering your display. Are you using the factory display or an aftermarket monitor? Installing a camera can sometimes involve more than just replacing the camera— you might need to insure compatibility between the camera and the display. Luckily our wiring kits take care of the problem. They can be helpful to novice mechanics or older vehicles that aren't already equipped with cameras. 

There are options for using an existing factory display, aftermarket displays, or camera kits that come with their own displays. If you want to unclutter your dashboard, you can switch to a rearview mirror monitor.  

Once you have your camera, monitor, and wiring kit, you’ll need the following tools for installation:

• Trim tools
• Flat blade screwdrivers
• Hex and star sockets
• Wire strippers
• Pliers
• Electric tape
• Heat shrink
• Wire ties
• Soldering gun and solder

How to Install a Backup Camera on an F-250

Instructions will vary based on your vehicle and the type of camera and monitor you're working with. Here are some additional helpful resources if this is a first-time install:

• Beginners’ Guide to Backup Camera Installation
• Powering Your Backup Camera
• Installing a Side View Camera
• Installing Wireless and Wired RV Backup Cameras
• Adding a Backup Camera to an Older Car

Step 1: Run The Wires

1. Run the camera and power cable through the hole into the interior of your car. 
2. Locate the reverse light wires for your car. This is a tricky step, and you want to make sure that you do a good job. This is how to connect a backup camera to the reverse light. Make sure to double check your owners manual to ensure you’ve located the right one.
3. Strip the positive and negative wires on your reverse lights (make sure your car is powered off before you do this). 
4. Using a small screwdriver, separate some of the strands of the stripped wire, and splice in the power cable for your backup camera to them. Usually you can do this by looping the wires together. 
5. Make sure positive is connected to positive and negative is connected to negative. Once you’ve done this, cover everything in electrical tape.
6. Connect the RCA cable to the camera’s cable, and run it all from the trunk to the fuse box area at the front of the car. This is usually located to the bottom left of the steering wheel. You can conceal the cable underneath the ceiling panels of your vehicle if you want to peel them back, or if you don’t care about aesthetics, just attach it to the ceiling of your car.

Step 2: Mount The Display

It may be one that mounts to your rearview mirror or one that mounts to your dashboard. In either event, following the mounting instructions that come with the device is your best bet. If all else fails, this backup camera installation guide can be very helpful.

Connect the RCA cable to the RCA output on the monitor. You may also need to run a trigger wire up to your monitor, or even power it through the same source as the backup camera. (Again models will vary.)

If the monitor requires it, you’ll likely need to install a fuse tap, which will allow you to connect the bare wiring of your monitor to the power of your fuse box. See the guide linked above for good instructions on how to do this.

Step 3: Mount The Camera

If you haven’t already created mounting points for the camera, now is the time to do that. Once you’ve made the appropriately sized holes, mount the camera itself to the surface, and connect the appropriate wires (RCA and power) according to instructions provided, and you should be ready to go!

Camera Source for Backup Cameras

No matter what kind of backup camera you’re looking for, Camera Source has you covered. Get in touch with us, or start browsing our products today.

 

Trailers come in a variety of shapes and sizes to be able to accommodate different vehicles and cargos. They can take some weight off your roof rack or increase your SUV load capacity. The different types of trailers can be categorized by their use, size, and shape.  The cargo the trailer will be used for usually determines the size and shape of the trailer. Trailers often have other features that are use-specific, so identifying precisely how you’re going to use the trailer is important. When shopping for trailers, knowing the size of cargo you’ll be regularly transporting is key, and it is also important when you’re working out what size of vehicle you’ll need to pull the trailer. 

No matter what type of trailer you may currently have or plan to in the future, protect it, your cargo, and your vehicle with help from Camera Source. We offer the highest quality cameras at great prices:

• 5th-wheel camper cameras 
• RV and bus cameras
• Wireless cameras
• Heavy duty cameras

If you’re shopping around for trailers, we’ll give an overview of the sizes, shapes, and uses of different trailer types, and how you can improve your hauling experience. 

Types of Utility Trailers

Utility trailers are non-powered vehicles that are towed by powered vehicles like a car or truck. They are connected with a hitch, usually a two-inch ball hitch, which allows for the trailer to move independently from the towing vehicle. There are many different types of utility trailers available, with tailgate options, size options, and configurations that are specific to particular needs. Utility trailers are pretty versatile, but knowing the different configurations and uses is important. Here’s several different types. 

Open-Air Trailers 

Open-air trailers are what they sound like, they are open to fresh air.  Often these trailers will feature some combination of metal and wood, usually treated to handle the elements. Most of the time, there will be a wooden floor using 2x8s and some form of side rail for cargo containment, and they are affordable. As a general use trailer, they are handy but offer little protection from the elements. 

Flatdeck Trailers

Flatdeck trailers are like open-air trailers, but they’re designed for easier loading and durability, and often do not have sides, rails, or a tailgate so you can easily load different sized items on them. One of the most common uses for a flatdeck trailer is carrying vehicles. Since there’s not a lot of surfaces to secure a camera to, a recess lip mounted backup camera or a universal surface mount backup camera are great options to enhance safety and confidence when driving in reverse. 

Landscape Trailers 

Another variation of open-air trailers is the landscape trailer, which is used to carry landscaping materials. Often, these are modified open-air trailers that have built-in ramps, racks, tie downs, and other features designed to help with landscaping equipment and supplies. A heavy duty dual backup camera is a good option for landscape trailers since they need to be durable, and the second camera can be used to monitor the contents of the trailer like gravel, plants, or expensive tools.

Dump Trailers

A dump trailer is like a dump truck, utilizing hydraulics to lift trailer beds from their frames, making unloading heavy stuff easier and more efficient. Dump trailers come in different sizes, but often will require a vehicle large enough to haul and weigh them down, but they are versatile, so they can often be a great investment if you do a lot of hauling. Backup cameras like a 3rd brake light camera or universal camera with an adjustable angle mount can be helpful when using a dump trailer. You can use the backup camera to monitor the load in transit, while dumping, or to reverse around obstacles and through tight spaces with confidence and precision..

Enclosed Trailers

Enclosed trailers, also called cargo trailers, and like open-air trailers, are pretty self-explanatory. They’re secure, watertight, and have a durable cargo box design.These trailers are designed to endure harsh weather and offer maximum protection. Because of this, they’re often expensive. These trailers usually come in widths from five to eight feet, and lengths from eight to thirty-two feet. Like regular utility trailers, an enclosed trailer must have brake lights and proper license plates in order to be road-worthy in the United States. They’re super versatile and are some of the most widely used trailers by contractors and other professionals. equipment

Livestock Trailers

Livestock trailers are enclosed trailers with bumper pull or gooseneck hitches that are designed to transport and house animals safely. They are ventilated, naturally, and often have windows, tie downs, ramps, and pen systems to keep animals safe while in transit. Smaller livestock trailers are called stock boxes, while larger ones are often referred to as cattle haulers. It’s a good idea to equip livestock trailers (and other farm vehicles and farming equipment) with agricultural backup cameras to avoid rollovers and collisions with people, animals, or objects when reversing in and out of paddocks, barns, or pastures.  

Types of Recreational Vehicle Trailers 

Recreation and vehicle trailers are specifically designed to safely transport and haul specific types of vehicles. Here are some of the types you might encounter. 

Car Trailers

Car trailers are four-wheeled car carriers that can hold an entire vehicle in transit. Unlike hitches and tow dollies that lift the front end of a vehicle, a car trailer allows you to haul a car fully off the ground, reducing wear on the car while in transit. Since car trailers are large and transport large and valuable cargo, they benefit from backup cameras to assist in loading and unloading.

Tow Dollies

A tow dolly is a small trailer that tows the front of a car by lifting the front wheels off the ground. Depending on the weight of the vehicle being towed, this might not work, but tow dollies are effective for many smaller vehicles. 

Boat, Motorcycle, & Other Vehicle Trailers

There are many other types of trailers and dollies that are vehicle specific, but the most common are boat, motorcycle, jetski, and kayak and canoe dollies. Each of these will have different specifications and limitations, so evaluate them on a case-by-case basis. 

Campers & Travel Trailers

Campers and recreational vehicles that are towed behind a vehicle are travel trailers. These are vehicles that are also domiciles that are commonly used for road tripping, camping, or living the mobile lifestyle. Many utilize fifth-wheel hitches, while others use simple ball hitches. Most of the time, a camper or trailer will have a frame and the necessary accoutrement to make sure that you can easily haul it, and live in it. 

Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer 

Fifth-wheel trailers are a type of camper travel trailer that will give you the benefits of a full-sized RV, without including the engine and other parts. They can be tricky to drive with, and they also require a specific type of hitch and truck to haul, making a camper and 5th wheel backup camera helpful for parking, reversing, and  hitching the camper trailer to your vehicle.

Popup Travel Trailer 

Popup trailers are trailers that “pop-up,” becoming a full sized sleeping trailer and camper when opened. They’re often less expensive than other types of trailers and take up less space when not in use. Although they are smaller and easier to maneuver than other campers and travel trailers, they can benefit from backup cameras as well. These trailers are often lumped together with A-frame trailers, and they are very similar, though an A-frame usually has a more robust frame. 

Teardrop Travel Trailer 

Sometimes referred to as a tiny camper, these trailers are indeed small. Many are shaped like teardrops, and usually are able to sleep 1-2 people, and do not have tables or any other amenities of larger trailers. The advantage, of course, is that they can be hauled by smaller vehicles and are much easier to store. 

Trucking & Freight Trailers

There’s plenty of different types of trucking and freight trailers, depending on the type of freight being hauled. Here are some of the most common you may find in a commercial fleet.

Flatbed Trailers 

If you’re a long-haul trucker, many of these trailers will make an appearance along the road. Flatbed trailers are often attached to a cab to hold shipping boxes or other types of freight. They’re cheap, come in a variety of sizes, and are incredibly versatile.

Dry Van Trailers

Dry van trailers are often what people think of when they think of semis and long-haul trucking. They’re those giant, boxy trailers that sit on the back of a commercial hauling vehicle. These are use-specific and often expensive, so protecting them with backup cameras is always a good idea.

Refrigerated Trailers

Refrigerated trailers are exactly what they sound like: enclosed shipping trailers with built-in refrigeration. These trailers often require generators and specialized vehicles for transport. 

Step Deck and Hotshot Trailers

Step deck trailers, often called hotshot trailers, are trailers with built-in ramps for transporting vehicles, large pieces equipement, and other large objects. These are large commercial trucks that haul a hotshot.

Camera Source to Protect Your Trailer 

Camera Source is here to keep your trailer safe no matter what type it is. The key to unloading and loading a trailer is to make sure that everything can be safe while you’re doing it. Properly backing up and securing a load goes a long way toward getting things done. We have a huge supply of backup cameras, Get in touch with us today, or start browsing our products now. 

Utility trailers are useful, coming in a variety of shapes and sizes to serve a number of purposes, and can offer some of the functionality of a roof rack’s weight bearing capability without putting any pressure or weight on the top of your vehicle. Whether you’re transporting landscaping tools, equipment, or small vehicles, knowing the weight of your utility trailer is a matter of safety. Here, we’ll show you how. 

Know Your Numbers

Whether you’re hauling lumber or trying to determine your load capacity in tandem with that of an SUV, knowing the right numbers and what they mean is essential for both safety and success. You should know the weight of the trailer for safe driving, or registration purposes (like a boat trailer). 

Usually, your trailer should have a VIN sticker somewhere on the frame or near the tongue that lists the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the maximum capacity that it can support. The GVWR is the empty weight of the trailer plus the capacity that the trailer is rated for. Subtract the max capacity from the GVWR and you have the empty trailer weight.  

If you want to know the exact weight of your utility trailer with its load, you have a couple of options for determining its exact weight. 

The first option for determining your trailer’s weight is to know the weight of the utility trailer while empty and know how much weight you’re loading into the trailer. If you’re uncertain of your calculations and the weight of your load, the sure way to know is to weigh the trailer.

Weigh Your Utility Trailer on a Truck Scale

The simplest and fastest way to weigh a utility trailer is to take it to a truck scale. Locations capable of weighing trucks and utility trailers include but may not be limited to:  

• Truck stops 
• Weigh stations
• Junk yards 
• Landfills 
• Gravel yards 
• Freight yards 
• Grain elevators 
• Grain and feed stores 
• CAT scales 
• RV lots

Make sure to call ahead and ask if you can come by to weigh your trailer, some places can be busy or don’t have space for an extra vehicle to stop by. If you don’t have a convenient location with truck scales to take your utility trailer to, you can weigh your trailer at home.

How to Weigh Your Trailer at Home

To weigh your utility trailer at home, you need either a tongue weight scale or a bathroom scale. The easiest way to weigh a trailer at home (without purchasing a large industrial vehicle scale) is with a trailer tongue weight scale, such as this one from Sherline. 

Trailer tongue weight should be between 10-15 percent of gross trailer weight (GTW). For example, a 1000 lb trailer should have a tongue weight between 100 lbs and 150 lbs. Average trailer tongue weight scale prices range from about $150-$350, depending on the scale and the seller. 

If you can’t get a hold of a trailer tongue weight scale, you can measure it with a bathroom scale.

How to Weigh A Utility Trailer with A Bathroom Scale

Step 1: Level Out the Trailer

Being level is important when getting an accurate weight. Make sure that the wheels are chocked so the trailer can’t roll.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground

Take a reliable board, like a 2x4, and place it directly below the trailer’s tongue. The board needs to be at least 3.5 feet long for this to work. 

Place the bathroom scale roughly 2 feet in either direction from the trailer tongue, and a block or brick about 1 foot from the trailer tongue the opposite end from the scale. You’ll want to protect the bathroom scale with a small piece of plywood or other material on the top.

Insert two horizontal pipes between the 2×4 and scale/brick: one in the center of the bathroom scale and one in the center of the brick.

Step 3: Weigh it on the Scale

Lower the trailer jack until the coupler is fully resting on a vertically-positioned pipe. Read the scale and multiply by 3. The average bathroom scale can’t do the entire weight, hence the multiplier. 

Why Utility Trailer Weight Matters

The weight in your trailer can affect the overall health of your axles, frame, and suspension. If you improperly load or overload your fill your utility trailer, you could be putting your truck, your trailer, and others at risk. Overloaded and improperly loaded vehicles are more prone to rollover accidents. 

Average Utility Trailer Weights

The weight capacity of a small utility trailer can also range significantly. A short, aluminum utility trailer may only have a GVWR of 1,000 lbs, while a wide, double-axle, steel utility trailer may be rated for 3,000 lbs.

According to Curt, open utility trailers less than 10 feet long typically weigh about 700 lbs unloaded, but they can vary greatly – from 300 lbs to 1,100 lbs – depending on the construction, width, features, number of axles, and more. 

Camera Source for A Safer Road 

In addition to knowing your weights and measures, using a quality backup camera is a great way to increase your safety on the road. A backup camera can help you navigate with confidence  while reversing, hitching, or parking your utility trailer and truck. When you’re looking for backup cameras for a safer road, Camera Source is your best stop for backup cameras. 

Checkout our inventory of high quality backup cameras to keep your truck, trailer, and more safe. Camera Source offers a huge selection of high quality automotive cameras and accessories (reverse, heavy duty, front and side, bluetooth, and more!) for all the popular manufacturers:

• Ford rearview backup cameras

• GM backup cameras

• Dodge backup cameras

• Toyota rear view cameras

• Jeep backup cameras

• Subaru rear view cameras 

• UTV cameras

• RV backup cameras 

If you can’t find a camera that’s designed for your specific vehicle, that’s not the end of the road. We have universal cameras that will work well on many vehicles. Get in touch with us today, or start shopping now. 

Loading and unloading flatbed trailers must be done correctly to avoid dangerous accidents and serious injuries. If you overload or improperly load a trailer, you could lose control of it as you are transporting the load. This is one of the causes of rollover accidents. The safe loading and unloading of flat bed trailers includes best practices and safety procedures that are used for tailgate safety. 

If you follow the tips here, you’ll ensure you have a safer and smoother loading and unloading process. 

Potential Risks & Hazards While Loading & Unloading Flatbed Trailers 

The work of loading and unloading flatbed trailers presents opportunities for back and shoulder injuries as well as hand injuries, such as pinches, abrasions, cuts, and bruises:

1. Falls - Trips and falls from heights have the potential to result in more severe trauma. For fall protection, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, requires equipment when workers are over 4 feet off the ground and no guard rail is available for balance. These requirements apply when workers are on flatbed trucks with no railing around the edge. 
2. Environment -  Ice, snow, rain, and mud make surfaces slippery and can create slip, trip, and fall hazards, as well as reduced visibility.
3. Cargo -  Obstructed view and falling cargo as a result of heavy objects, wrongly distributed weight, and unsecure fastening pose risks to workers while loading and unloading, as well as during transport. 

General Safety Tips

A safety-first approach is the best way to prevent damages and injuries, making it the best policy. Flatbed trailer safety has some unique challenges, but there are general safety tips that apply to multiple procedures.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

• Avoid distractions and don’t hurry. 
• Watch your step when working on or around the truck.
• Be attentive to your surroundings and hazards.

Safety starts with being aware of your surroundings, therefore the first safety tip is to get a trailer backup camera for increased awareness and visibility. A backup camera provides peace of mind and can prevent damages to your flatbed trailer and vehicle when reversing. Being able to see what’s behind you and in your blind spots makes maneuvering through tight spaces like parking lots, narrow roads, and neighborhoods easier and safer for everyone. It also allows for precision and accuracy of movement to be able to perform tasks like hitching a trailer or navigating around obstacles. A backup camera will help you protect your flatbed trailer and everyone around you.

Checkout our inventory of high quality backup cameras to keep your truck, trailer, and more safe. Camera Source offers a huge selection of high quality automotive cameras and accessories (reverse, heavy duty, front and side, bluetooth, and more!) for all the popular manufacturers:

• Fifth wheel backup cameras

• Backup cameras above brake lights

• UTV rear view cameras

• Wireless backup cameras

• UTV cameras

• RV backup cameras 

If you can’t find a camera that’s designed for your specific vehicle, that’s not the end of the road. We have universal cameras that will work well on many vehicles. Get in touch with us today, or start shopping now.  

Use PPE

Personal protective equipment is what it sounds like— gear or clothing designed to minimize the wearer’s exposure to hazards.

• Always wear gloves to protect your hands when loading cargo or securing a load. 
• Wear proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and steel toes, and ensure it’s made of puncture-resistant material.

Consider what other PPE may be necessary for the specific load or setting — Do you need goggles to protect your eyes while loading or unloading cargo with particulates? What about earplugs to protect your hearing if you're loading or unloading your flatbed trailer in a noisy environment?

Conduct Thorough Safety Inspections 

Make sure everything is in good working order and inspect for damages or wear and tear that could cause failure or a threat to safety. Ensure the vehicle, trailer, and cargo are inspected thoroughly before leaving. At each stop, re-check the cargo and make sure the anchoring devices are properly in place.

Preparing a Flatbed Trailer for Loading 

An important step for preparing a flatbed trailer for safe loading and unloading includes making sure the trailer is stabilized. Unrestrained trucks can creep forward due to movement entering and exiting the trailer. Make sure chocks are put in place to prevent the trailer from creeping forward. If the vehicle is on a slope, you’re more likely to experience difficulties or accidents and injuries while loading and unloading the trailer. 

Make sure that the vehicle is stopped, braked, and stabilized when loading and unloading, especially in precarious situations.

Check Your Deck

Before you begin loading your cargo, make sure the flatbed trailer bed is free from corrosion or damage. A corroded or damaged trailer is a wide-open opportunity for disaster. 

Check the hold-down openings and ensure they are sturdy and do not have any kinks or cracks. The “D” rings. or hold-downs, should not have any bends and must be tight against the deck. If you see any forms of damage, do not load the cargo until repairs have been made.

After you’ve checked the trailer bed for damages and have ensured “D” rings are secure, make sure the deck is level. To check for a level deck, couple the flatbed trailer to the tow vehicle and visually confirm that it is level. 

Secure the Ramps

At this point, you can also check to make sure ramps are secured to the trailer, and when lowered, that they rest firmly on the ground. When using the ramps for loading, remove the pins and straps to lower the ramp to ground level. When handling these units, make sure you practice safe lifting procedures to prevent injuries. Whenever you’re raising or lowering something using a ramp, a solid foundation is key to avoid accidents. Some of the common types of ramps on flatbed trailers according to PJTrailers include:

• Spring loaded ramps
• Mesh ramps
• Fold down ramps
• Removable ramps
• Dovetail ramps

Safely operating and securing the ramp is an important step, and can differ based on the type of ramp that’s equipped. Make sure you know how to safely operate all equipment before using it. 

Safely Loading the Flatbed Trailer

Once you’ve secured your ramps and made sure that the deck is free of any risks or dangers, it’s time to load up!

Ensure Even Distribution

Distributing the weight on your cargo is a high priority when loading your flatbed trailer.  To ensure you’ve loaded within the accepted rating, add the distribution of the weight along with the combined weight of the cargo and the trailer. This amount is the GVW, or gross vehicle weight. The tow vehicle hitch will handle the rest of the weight. To avoid creating a sway at towing speeds, you must make sure the trailer tongue and tow vehicle hitch are supporting the right amount of loaded trailer weight.

The distribution of your load cannot be more than its rating. You have to consider the axles, wheels, and tires into this rating. If you are pulling a triple axle flatbed trailer or tandem, you have to consider the front-to-rear load distribution as well, so you do not overload any of the axles.

Keep the Center of Gravity in Check

To make sure your trailer travels appropriately, keep the center of gravity as low as possible. To ensure this, keep the heavy items on the floor and above the axles. Loading upward from the bottom, maintain an even side-to-side distribution of the weight making sure to keep proper weight on the tongue. Keep in mind the GVW and never go over that total weight rating.

Place about 60% of your cargo on the front half of the flatbed, with 40% in the back end, and secure it with appropriate tensioning devices, chains, or straps. Flatbed trailers are often bumpy when traveling, so the load must be secured to prevent shifting while transporting. If cargo begins to move, you could lose control of your truck. A secure center of gravity avoids this contingency. 

Properly Secure the Flatbed Load 

Use the proper chains, straps and tensioning devices for the types of items you’re securing, such as a tarp. Since flatbed trailers are open and used for transporting an array of cargo, people use tarps to protect cargo while in transit.

In addition to protecting the load, tarps can help restrain and contain a load. According to the Eagle Leasing Company, restrained means secured to the flatbed in such a way that the load will not fall over. Contained means secured in a way that it will not shift in any direction. 

Tips for Flatbed Trailer Tarp Application

Tarps often weigh over 100 pounds, so placing one on top of a load can be challenging. Manually tarping flatbed loads can be a dangerous task, especially if the driver must climb onto the trailer to position the tarp. The load may shift, roll or be slippery. Some possible solutions to reduce tarping risks include:

• Use an overhead crane, forklift, or hoist to lift the tarp to the top of the load, allowing the driver to stand on the ground while applying tie-downs.
• Use a rolling catwalk for safer access.
• Sliding or rolling tarp retrofit solutions.

• In the case of tall, uneven, or oddly shaped loads, an extra tie-down strap can be thrown over the tarp to secure it while in transit. 
• You can use a combination of items to secure the cargo on your flatbed trailer. Chain binders, chains, and cargo straps will all help keep the freight in place and prevent it from shifting during transit.

Secure the Ramps (Again)

Some flatbed trailers are equipped with two or three fold-down ramps. They can be stored against the trailer deck while traveling. If your ramps do not fold over, straps and safety lock pins ought to be installed to keep them safely in place. 

Flatbed Trailer Unloading 

Unloading procedures will vary from load to load, depending on what you are transporting. It might require machinery to remove, or it may have to be done by hand. 

Using a Flatbed Trailer Ladder

If you have to access the bed of your trailer to handle the cargo to adjust position, secure it, or to handle unloading, use a portable safety ladder. Using one of these safety devices can benefit you in many ways. It will ensure that you do not fall while climbing up and down your trailer. The ladder eliminates the need to use the tires or other areas of the truck to get to the load you are carrying. Using a ladder can also help you load and unload faster because it provides quick access to your flatbed trailer. The best trailer safety ladders are sturdy, have good traction on the steps, and have support handles. All of these features enhance safety.

Camera Source for A Safer Road

One of the most effective ways to avoid accidents with a trailer is to install a backup camera. At Camera Source, we have hundreds of different backup camera models for many different uses, vehicles, and situations. If you’re looking to make your trailer safer, we’re your first and last stop. Get in touch today.

Whether you have a travel trailer, a boat trailer, or a utility trailer, it’s important to know its weight. Knowing your trailer weight is important for registration purposes, as well as making sure you don’t overload your rig for a safe trip, similar to a roof rack or an SUV. 

Your trailer should have a capacity plate, typically on the tongue or somewhere on the frame. It should list the Maximum Capacity, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). 

To find the weight of the trailer, simply subtract the trailer’s maximum capacity from the GVWR and you're left with the weight of the trailer. If you’re unable to find the plate or are skeptical of the info on it, you can weigh it to be certain of the exact weight. 

The simplest and fastest way to weigh a trailer is to take it to a truck scale. Locations capable of weighing trucks and boat trailers may include but are not be limited to:  

• Truck stops 
• Weigh stations
• Junk yards 
• Landfills 
• Gravel yards 
• Freight yards 
• Grain elevators 
• Grain and feed stores 
• CAT scales 
• RV lots

If you don’t have the time or a convenient location to take your trailer to weigh it, you can weigh your trailer at home.  

 

How to Weigh Your Trailer at Home

Weighing your trailer at home may seem like a feat, but it’s simple enough with the right tools and know-how. Mechanical Elements has a helpful guide and videos on how to weigh large items at home without an industrial scale, including a utility trailer. The same process of weighing large appliances or furniture at home also applies to vehicles such as trailers and campers.  

Weigh Your Trailer with a Trailer Tongue Weight Scale

The easiest way to weigh a trailer at home (without purchasing a large industrial vehicle scale) is with a trailer tongue weight scale, such as this one from Sherline. Trailer tongue weight should be between 10-15 percent of gross trailer weight (GTW). For example, a 1000 lb trailer should have a tongue weight between 100 lbs and 150 lbs.

Average trailer tongue weight scale prices range from about $150-$350, depending on the scale and the seller.  

Weigh Your Trailer with a Bathroom Scale

If you can’t get a hold of a trailer tongue weight scale, you can measure it with a more common kind of scale.To measure the trailer, you’re going to need a bathroom scale. Then, take the following steps. 

Step 1. Level out the trailer

Being level is important when getting an accurate weight. Make sure that the wheels are chocked so the trailer cannot roll.

Step 2. Prepare the ground

1. Take a reliable board, like a 2x4, and place it directly below the trailer’s tongue. The board needs to be at least 3.5 feet long for this to work. 
2. Place the bathroom scale roughly 2 feet in either direction from the trailer tongue, and a block or brick about 1 foot from the trailer tongue the opposite end from the scale. You’ll want to protect the bathroom scale with a small piece of plywood or other material on the top.
3. Insert two horizontal pipes between the 2×4 and scale/brick: one in the center of the bathroom scale and one in the center of the brick.

Step 3. Weigh it on the scale

• Lower the trailer jack until the coupler is fully resting on a vertically-positioned pipe. 
• Read the scale and multiply by 3. The average bathroom scale can’t do the entire weight, hence the multiplier. 
• This is your trailer tongue weight, which is 10-15 percent of gross trailer weight. 

Average Trailer Weight by Trailer Type

If you have any doubts about your calculations, it helps to have a frame of reference to double check if your numbers are close. Below are the trailer weights and capacity by type according to Curt:

Trailer Type	Average Empty Weight (lbs.)	Empty Weight Range (lbs.)	GVWR (lbs.)	Average Load Capacity (lbs.)
Canoe / Kayak Trailer	200	100 to 400	200 to 800	200
Jet Ski Trailer	300	100 to 500	800 to 3,000	1,500
Motorcycle Trailer	500	300 to 800	1,300 to 3,500	1,900
Fishing Boat Trailer	600	200 to 1,100	900 to 6,000	2,700
Tow Dolly	600	400 to 800	3,000 to 5,000	3,400
Small Open Utility Trailer	700	300 to 1,100	1,000 to 3,000	1,800
Small Enclosed Utility Trailer	1,000	400 to 1,800	2,000 to 7,000	2,200
Teardrop Trailer	1,700	500 to 3,200	2,000 to 4,000	700
A-Frame Camper	1,700	1,200 to 2,300	2,500 to 3,600	1,200
Car Trailer	1,900	1,500 to 2,800	6,000 to 15,000	7,100
Large Boat Trailer	2,200	1,100 to 4,400	5,400 to 34,400	11,400
Pop Up Camper	2,300	1,400 to 3,000	2,700 to 4,000	1,100
Large Enclosed Utility Trailer	2,700	900 to 5,200	3,000 to 10,000	4,400
Small Travel Trailer	2,800	1,200 to 3,900	1,900 to 4,500	800
Small Horse Trailer	2,900	2,300 to 3,900	7,000 to 8,000	4,300
Large Flatbed Trailer	3,000	500 to 7,700	2,900 to 26,000	7,400
Dump Trailer	4,500	1,100 to 10,100	3,000 to 30,000	12,400
Large Travel Trailer	6,700	4,500 to 8,700	6,300 to 10,500	1,600
Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer	7,200	4,700 to 10,400	15,900 to 36,000	16,000
Large Livestock Trailer	7,300	4,200 to 10,900	14,000 to 24,000	11,400
Toy Hauler	7,600	3,600 to 11,400	14,700 to 22,500	10,300
5th Wheel Camper	12,700	5,000 to 16,000	17,000 to 20,000	6,000

Understanding Your Trailer’s Weights

You’d think that weight would be a simple concept, but when it comes to trailers’ capacity and vehicle’s towing capacity, there are a few important terms to know.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

This is the maximum allowable weight of a fully-loaded trailer, including liquids, passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of any towed vehicle (most travel trailers can’t tow an additional vehicle). This is the weight you will want to know before departing on your first camping trip with your new travel trailer. It is the most a trailer can weigh in total, as determined by the trailer manufacturer.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

GCWR is the maximum weight of your vehicle with a trailer attached. This means the weight of both the tow vehicle and the trailer together. It also includes any cargo or load placed in either vehicle. 

Dry Weight or Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)

UVW means the weight of an RV as built at the factory, by the manufacturer. It does not include the weight of the cargo, freshwater, propane gas, occupants, etc. It is the weight of the trailer with nothing extra in it, and is the weight you should know when shopping for a new travel trailer!

Tongue Weight or Hitch Weight (HW)

Also known as tongue weight, HW is the amount of weight of the trailer that is carried on the hitch. You will need to know this weight when shopping for a proper hitch. Hitches are rated both by their towing capacity and their tongue weight.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

GAWR is the maximum allowable weight each axle assembly is designed to carry. This is important to know, because it’s possible to be under the GVWR and still exceed an axle rating, depending on how you load the RV with your personal cargo.

Why Trailer Weight Matters

When it comes to towing a travel trailer, why might the weight of your rig matter? Besides wear and tear on your tow vehicle, there are other important factors when it comes to the weight of your travel trailer. Overloaded and improperly loaded vehicles are more prone to rollover accidents.

The weight inside your trailer matters for the overall health of your axles, frame, and suspension. If you fill your travel trailer with heavy objects, even if your tow vehicle can handle it, it might not be the best idea for the life of your trailer. 

Keeping the weight of your travel trailer down near the lower end of your tow vehicle’s towing capacity will ensure a long life for it, especially if you’re planning to tow over many mountain passes or other strenuous drives. 

While you’re on the topic of your trailer weight, you should also think about its safety on the road, and consider installing a backup camera. Camera Source has the backup cameras and front and side cameras that make loading, hitching, hauling, and parking your vehicle and trailer safer and easier. We have the tools and equipment to help you outfit your rig with whatever you need. Get in touch with us today!

When you’re carrying a longer load, it can be confusing to try and figure out the answer to a seemingly simple question: how much can something hang off the back of your truck? 

Well, the answer is a little complicated, because it depends. Depending on which state you’re in, the answer might be different. 

Disclaimer of liability: The information herein is for educational purposes only and does not supersede local law or your common sense judgement. Please consult local laws before attempting to transport oversized loads. Camera Source assumes no responsibility whatsoever for any damages as a result of following these guidelines. 

According to the Federal Highway Administration, “No State shall impose a front overhang limitation of less than 3 feet or a rear overhang limitation of less than 4 feet.”

Using the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Size Regulation law as a general guideline, oversized loads like lumber that exceed an overhang of 3 feet to the front, 4 inches to the side, or 4 feet to the rear must be marked by a white, red, yellow or orange fluorescent flag.

This is a general guideline, and laws vary by state. 

While vehicle size regulations vary by state, when you have a backup camera, you will always know where your vehicle or trailer ends, so you can reverse and park with confidence and ease. Camera Source offers a huge selection of high quality automotive cameras and accessories for optimum safety. 

What can hang off the back of a truck?

Examples of objects that may be too large for your car or truck, and require additional tools such as a roof rack or utility trailer to transport:

• Lumber
• Poles
• Ladders
• Pipes
• Kayaks
• Canoes
• Surfboards
• Bicycles 

It's important to make sure that no matter what you're transporting, it should be properly secured and marked with a flag.

What is the widest and highest load without a permit?

Loads exceeding 8.5 feet wide are considered oversize and require a state permit. Most states have a maximum height of limit of 13.5 feet. Some states may permit heights up to 14 feet.

State Breakdown

The following states follow the federal overhang limit of 3 feet in the front and 4 feet in the rear: 

1. Arkansas 
2. Georgia 
3. Illinois 
4. Indiana 
5. Iowa 
6. Massachusetts 
7. Missouri 
8. Montana 
9. New Hampshire 
10. New Jersey 
11. New York
12. North Carolina
13. Ohio 
14. Oklahoma 
15. South Dakota 
16. Tennessee 
17. Texas 
18. Utah 
19. Virginia
20. Wisconsin

Below are the overhang regulations by state according to Motor and Wheel. Many of the following states make exceptions in specific cases to allow vehicles to overhang their load beyond the legal limit. But you may require special permits, visual signs and sometimes escorts. 

Alabama

In Alabama, loads can overhang by 5 feet from the front and 4 feet off the rear of the truck or any vehicle. Any load protruding more than the limit must have a visible red flag during the day or a red light at night.

Alaska

The state of Alaska allows an overhang of 3 feet in front and 4 feet in the truck’s rear and widths up to 12 feet. Loads that overhang over 10 feet or 17 feet high must have an “Oversize Load” sign.

Arizona

An object can overhang from a truck by 3 feet in the front and 6 feet in the rear in Arizona. Anything that exceeds this distance violates traffic law even if you use proper markings.

California

California allows cargo to overhang a vehicle by 4 feet beyond the rear, 3 feet beyond the front and 4 inches beyond the side of the vehicle. You must use markings if the load extends 1 foot or more to the left or over 4 feet to the rear of any vehicle. In some cases, California allows overhang up to 10 feet if the vehicle’s overall length does not exceed 75 feet.

Colorado

In Colorado, overhang must not extend beyond 4 feet to the front grill of the vehicle and 10 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle. Any extension beyond the stated limit is a class B traffic offense.

Connecticut

Connecticut allows objects a maximum overhang distance of 3 feet in the front, 4 feet in the rear and 6 inches on both sides. In some cases, there are no restrictions to the overhang provided you use proper markings.

Delaware

In Delaware, the DOT allows trucks to carry loads that protrude 3 feet beyond the foremost part of the vehicle and 6 feet beyond the rear. 

Florida

Florida allows trucks transporting automobiles and boats to overhang their cargo by 9 feet beyond the rear and 3 feet in front of the vehicle. Trucks with trees can overhang 10 feet beyond the rear. Other vehicles are allowed 4 feet of overhang beyond the vehicle’s end.

Hawaii

Hawaii allows the transportation of overhanging loads which does not exceed 4 feet beyond the front and 10 feet in the vehicle’s rear.However, the rule does not apply if you are hauling objects which cannot be readily disassembled such as poles and pipes. But you must use proper markings at the extreme ends of the load.

Idaho

The Idaho DOT allows a maximum overhang of 4 feet beyond the front and 10 feet beyond the rear of a vehicle. Loads can also overhang to a maximum of 6 inches beyond the right and left fender of a vehicle.

Kansas

In Kansas, loads are allowed to overhang 3 feet to the front and 4 feet to the rear. When transporting cargo which cannot be easily disassembled, the state allows more overhang so long as the overall length of the vehicle does not exceed 85 feet.

Kentucky

Kentucky permits an overhang not exceeding 3 feet in front and 5 feet in the rear of a truck.

Louisiana

Louisiana allows an overhang of 4 feet to the front and 8 feet to the rear of a truck.

Maine

Maine allows trucks to carry loads with a front overhang not exceeding 4 feet and rear overhang of 6 feet.

Maryland

The legal overhang limit in Maryland is 3 feet to the front and 6 feet to the rear of the truck.

Michigan

Legal overhang for trucks in Michigan is unrestricted so long as you stay within the legal length of your vehicle. But anything that protrudes over 4 feet to the rear must be flagged.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, the legal overhang limit is 3 feet in front, 4 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle and six inches beyond the end of the fenders on the left and right sides of the vehicle.

Mississippi

Mississippi has an overhang limit of 3 feet in the front and 15 feet in the rear of a truck.

Nebraska

Nebraska permits any amount of overhang so long as you don’t exceed the legal length of your truck.

Nevada

Nevada has an overhang limit of 10 feet to the front and extreme rear of a truck.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, the overhang limit is 3 feet to the front and 7 feet to the rear of the vehicle.

North Dakota

This state has a legal overhang of 10 feet to the front and the rear of the vehicle.

Oregon

In Oregon, trucks are allowed an overhand not exceeding 4 feet to the front and 5 feet to the rear.

Pennsylvania

The legal overhang in Pennsylvania is 3 feet to the front and 6 feet to the rear.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island permits an overhang not exceeding 3 feet to the front and 6 feet to the rear of a truck.

South Carolina

The regular overhang in South Carolina is 3 feet to the front and 6 feet to the rear. However, trailers less than 48 feet are allowed 15 feet overhang to the rear while trailers measuring 53 feet and above can overhang up to 10 feet to their rear.

Vermont

Vermont allows an overhang of 3 feet to the front and 6 feet to the rear. In some cases, the state does not restrict the amount of overhang at the rear so long as it does not exceed 1/3 of total length.

Washington

Washington has an overhang limit that must not exceed 3 feet to the front and 15 feet to the rear.

West Virginia

The legal overhang limit in West Virginia is 3 feet to the front and 6 feet to the rear.

Wyoming

Wyoming allows an overhang of 4 feet to both the front and rear of a truck.

Camera Source for A Safer Road 

No matter what state you’re in, safety should be the first priority. A backup camera can be helpful when navigating long loads. No matter what kind of backup camera you need, Camera Source has it covered. We offer a massive selection of both OEM and aftermarket cameras, so you can make sure that no part of your vehicle is unmonitored. Our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team is there to support you. Get in touch with us or start browsing our inventory now.