4 Factors Fleets Consider When Choosing A Wireless Camera System
How To Select The Best Wireless Backup Camera For A Fleet?
"A large truck was somehow involved in around 74% of fatal passenger car accidents!"
There are more fleet-focused accident stats where that came from, and they're all equally ugly. Commercial vehicles tend to have the largest blind spots on the road, and the high fatality rates surrounding them are representative of that.
So when it comes to improving safety on a large scale with a wireless backup camera system, knowing the technicals and where to start is a huge step towards reaching that goal.
First, some basics on camera types:
| Type of camera | Mounting location | What does it see? |
|---|---|---|
| Front | Windshield | Road in front |
| Exterior | Side of the vehicle | Area around the vehicle |
| Rear | Back of the vehicle near the license plate | Area behind the vehicle |
| Dual-facing Dash cam | Windshield | Road in front and driver’s cab |
For any commercial fleet, camera quantity, resolution, IP rating, and signal transmission strength, will all determine which system they invest in:
1. Know How Many Cameras You Need
Sizing on a fleet level and on a more granular vehicle level will be a top priority:
- How many vehicles are in your fleet?
- How big are your fleet vehicles?
- How extensive are your vehicles' blind spots?
- Do your vehicles have trailers? Multiple trailers?
If you own a fleet with some work trucks, you might just install a single camera system per vehicle. However, a fleet with larger vehicles will benefit from a multiple-camera system with advanced capabilities.
2. Camera Resolution
One of the most important factors to consider before buying a wireless backup camera is its video quality.
Good camera resolution ensures that you can see everything crystal clear while driving. The best wireless backup camera is the one with a wide-angle lens that gives you a good field of view. Choose an HDR (high dynamic range) camera with at least 1080p for better detailed, brighter, and more precise views.
3. Weather-Resistance
Your fleet needs to function in all weather conditions and so do its safety systems.
To determine this, look for IP rating. This is an international standard that indicates the grit of the camera against dust, moisture, rain, or snow. Some of the most common IP ratings that you will see include:
- IP65 Enclosure: Protection from dust and water from a nozzle
- IP66 Enclosure: Protection from dust and water from heavy jets
- IP67 Enclosure: Protection from dust and water immersion for half an hour
- IP68 Enclosure: Protection from dust and constant water submersion
- IP69K Enclosure: Completely sealed off from all dust and constant water submersion
4. Camera Transmission
If your fleet consists of double or tandem trailers, you'll need to know how far your wireless camera's signals transmit. Not all systems are created equally, and some are more equipped for the largest vehicles on the road than others.
Summing Up
Going wireless is perfect for larger vehicles with multiple trailers, fleets that need quick trailer-switching, or those with refrigerated trailers that need to maintain surface integrity and avoid drilling holes. Use this list to help determine which system is right for you, and happy shopping!
