Recommendations for a wireless trailer backup cam? And gift ideas for barn staff?

[Feathered_Feet]

Hello all,

I searched the forum but didn’t find anything within the last few years, and given how quickly tech changes, thought I’d ask for new recommendations.

I’d like to get my trainer a wireless backup cam for Christmas - she lamented this summer how her new truck bed cover means she can’t see the hitch (gooseneck). I’m assuming a backup cam could be mounted in such a way as to alleviate this problem? If so, does anyone have any recommendations for a brand/model they like? I get the impression she is pretty tech-averse, so it would have to be relatively simple/plug-and-play. (Hoping to keep this under $200.)

Bonus points for gift ideas for the barn staff - men in their 20s/early 30s that all live communally on a farm. I’m thinking in-ear headphones (since they like to listen to music/chat on the phone while they work), but am open to other ideas (budget ~ $50 per person, for a few guys).

Thanks in advance for the help!

[OzarksRider]

I use a Swift Hitch camera system (https://swifthitch.com/collections/cameras ). Mine is just the camera and a monitor, but you can also get one that uses a smart phone for the monitor. Mine was easy to set up–just mount the camera (base is magnetized) and then turn the camera and the monitor on. Easy peasy.

[LadyBug]

My husband replaced our old wired trailer monitor with an iBall system. It’s magnetic and wireless. It works perfectly with minimal effort.

[TheJenners]

@LadyBug

My husband replaced our old wired trailer monitor with an iBall system. It’s magnetic and wireless. It works perfectly with minimal effort.

The only I’ve run into this system is it uses bluetooth to communicate between the camera and the screen, so if anyone else is running a bluetooth device it goes all static-y.

[Feathered_Feet]

@TheJenners

@LadyBug

My husband replaced our old wired trailer monitor with an iBall system. It’s magnetic and wireless. It works perfectly with minimal effort.

The only I’ve run into this system is it uses bluetooth to communicate between the camera and the screen, so if anyone else is running a bluetooth device it goes all static-y.

Thank you all for the suggestions! I will definitely give these a look. Re: interference, it’s a fair point. I think if it were for monitoring horses that would be more of an issue but for quickly backing up a truck for a few minutes she can yell at anyone nearby to turn their bluetooths off (but thanks for mentioning it in case I decide to spring for a trailer monitor, too).

[LadyBug]

We had a phone connected to the truck with bluetooth and that wasn’t a problem. I’ll have to pay attention if we have trouble and see if that might be it, but so far it’s been a clear connection.

[Foxglove]

Can’t help on the back-up camera question --but as to “gift for staff,” my ma was raised (1920-30s) in a home with full staff - nanny, maids, housekeeper, cook, yardmen and chauffer. She never mentioned a butler, so probably didn’t have one. When I asked her your question, many years ago, as I was trying to decide what to pay the barn help (teenager), she said, “Everyone appreciates money and it is always the right color and size.” She even had a formula --such and such a percent for years of service. I have always followed her lead and given the barn girl/boy a week’s wage extra for Christmas/holidays, along with a note about how much I appreciate their help. No one has ever complained. The second benefit of giving help cash is that it keeps the relationship professional.

[greysfordays]

I agree with the above. The iball camera is dead easy to use. And cash is always appreciated. If you want to personalize it, go for a thoughtful note.

[DMK]

I have the newer garmin back up camera (wireless) on my truck and then I added one to my trailer, it’s awesome! (I tested the truck one back there to see if the signal reached before spending $$).

I keep it in the trailer as a monitor most of the time, it’s easy enough to take out and snap into place when it’s time to back up. I wouldn’t recommend it as a monitor camera if that’s what you want, because those cameras are designed to switch off on a few seconds of you are driving forward, but it’s enough that I can periodically check on the horse.

[Bluey]

We have an old IBall we stick in the trailer front inside and monitor the horses while hauling.
Works fine, never had any interference.
Runs on batteries that last 4-6 hours, take extra for longer trips.

[Redlei44]

For the barn staff, cash is always appropriate and appreciated.

[Feathered_Feet]

Thanks again for all the recs! I should that the boarders already give a big pile of cash to all the barn staff at the holidays, but seeing as how no one has ever complained about more cash, maybe that is the way to go (and keeps things simple