After years of full time life on the road, we’ve learned that some accessories quickly become things you can’t imagine traveling without. For us, the Furrion Vision S Wireless RV Backup Camera System is one of them! Gifted to us by my parents about three years ago, it’s become one of our most used RV accessories, making everything from backing into campsites to changing lanes on busy highways so much easier.
What Is the Furrion Vision S?
The Furrion Vision S is a wireless camera system designed to give RV owners a view of what’s happening behind their camper. The system includes a rear-mounted camera and a monitor that sits inside the tow vehicle.
Our model (FOS43TASF) features a 4.3-inch monitor, a wide-angle camera, and infrared night vision. Although it’s marketed as a backup camera, we’ve found it just as useful while driving down the highway and changing lanes.
What’s in the Box?
The Furrion Vision S 4.3-inch wireless camera system typically includes:
- 4.3-inch LCD monitor
- Wireless rear camera with sharkfin housing
- Camera antenna
- Windshield monitor mount
- 12V vehicle power adapter
- Installation instructions and mounting hardware
Installation: Easy With a Prewired RV
One of the things that makes the Furrion Vision S appealing is its relatively straightforward installation, especially if your RV is already prewired for a compatible Furrion camera. Luckily, Our 2021 Forest River Grey Wolf 22MKSE came prewired, which made adding the camera so easy!
For RVs with a compatible factory installed Furrion mounting bracket and wiring, installation is simple and generally involves:
- Locate the camera preparation bracket near the top rear of the camper.
- Remove the existing cover to access the wiring connection.
- Connect the camera to the prepared power connection.
- Secure the camera using the appropriate mounting hardware.
- Mount the monitor inside your tow vehicle and connect its power cable.
- Power the system and pair the camera and monitor if needed.
Be sure to always disconnect power before installation and follow the instructions for your specific RV and camera model. For campers that aren’t prewired, installation may require additional wiring, mounting, and weatherproofing and unfortunately we can’t speak on that process.
One Important Thing We Learned About Our Truck
We tow our camper with a 2017 Chevy Silverado 2500, and there’s one little detail worth mentioning. For our camera to work while towing, we have to make sure our truck’s exterior lights are set to provide power to the camper’s running lights.
This is because the rear camera on many Furrion prewired RVs receives power through the trailer’s running-light circuit. If those lights aren’t powered, the monitor may turn on without displaying the camera feed. So, if you’ve installed your camera and can’t figure out why you’re not getting a picture, checking your running lights is a great place to start!
What We Love About Our Furrion Vision S
Better Visibility While Towing
This is probably our favorite feature! We typically leave our Furrion monitor plugged in throughout most of our drives while towing. Since our travel trailer blocks the view directly behind our truck, having that additional visibility is incredibly helpful, especially when changing lanes or keeping an eye on approaching vehicles. Of course, it doesn’t replace checking our mirrors and blind spots, but it’s another useful tool that we appreciate on the road.
Keeping an Eye on Our Rear Cargo Rack
Another reason we love having the camera running while driving is that it allows us to keep an eye on items secured to the cargo rack behind our camper. While we always make sure everything is properly secured before hitting the road, being able to periodically check the monitor during long drives gives us extra peace of mind.
Easier Campsite Parking
Anyone who’s backed a travel trailer into a tight campsite knows how challenging it can be, even with a smaller trailer like ours! Between trees, picnic tables, utility hookups, and neighboring campers, there can be plenty of obstacles to navigate. Our Furrion camera gives us an extra perspective when backing into campsites, and its infrared night vision is especially helpful when arriving after dark, which somehow seems to happen to us more often than we’d like! While I still get out to spot Anthony when needed, the camera allows him to see me and my hand signals more clearly, making the whole process a little easier and less stressful.
Reliable Performance
We’ve owned our Furrion Vision S for approximately three years and haven’t experienced any issues with the monitor. Considering how frequently we travel and how much we use it, that reliability has been a huge plus.
Are There Any Downsides?
Although we love our Furrion Vision S, there are a couple of things worth considering. At 4.3 inches, the monitor is smaller than some other options on the market, although we’ve found it perfectly adequate for our needs. The price is another factor, as Furrion systems can be more expensive than budget alternatives. Thankfully, ours was a gift, and we probably wouldn’t have purchased one ourselves, simply because we didn’t realize how useful it would be! Looking back, it’s definitely an accessory we wouldn’t want to travel without.
How Much Does the Furrion Vision S Cost?
The Furrion Vision S 4.3-inch wireless backup camera system typically costs a few hundred dollars, with prices ranging from approximately $235–$300 depending on the retailer. Since it’s an older model, pricing and availability may vary. Furrion also offers larger monitors and multi-camera systems for RVers looking for additional coverage.
Final Thoughts: Is the Furrion Vision S Worth It?
After a few years of using the Furrion Vision S, we can confidently say it’s been a worthwhile investment for our family. Whether we’re backing into a tight campsite, changing lanes on the highway, or keeping an eye on our rear cargo rack, the added visibility gives us peace of mind while traveling.
It’s even earned a spot in our article, [Budget-Friendly RV Upgrades That Made a Huge Difference], alongside other practical upgrades we’ve made throughout our full-time RV journey. While it may not be the newest or most advanced backup camera on the market, it’s continued to meet our needs and we really wouldn’t want to travel without it now.
