Sonik Technology

What is a truck rear-view camera

A rear-view (or reverse) camera for a truck is a camera mounted on the rear of the vehicle (or trailer) that provides the driver with a visual feed of what is behind the truck. It is used especially for reversing, manoeuvring in tight spaces, detecting obstacles and people, and reducing blind spots. Sometimes multiple rear cameras may be used (e.g. one for central view, one for wide view or side blind spots).

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Key specifications & features

When choosing or designing a rear view camera for a truck, the following specs/features are important. Trucks have more demanding requirements than passenger cars.

Specification / Feature Why it’s important for trucks Typical or desirable values

Resolution / Image Quality To clearly see obstacles, small objects, people, licence plates. Helps in low light, longer distance. 720p or 1080p (some higher). AHD / HD video output. High TV-lines in analog systems.
Lens Field of View (FOV) Trucks are large; wide angle helps reduce blind spots, especially while reversing or docking trailers. 120-170 or more; sometimes dual lenses with different FOVs (narrow+wide).
Low Light / Night Vision Capability Many operations happen in dusk, dawn, night, dark warehouses or poorly lit roads. The camera must still see clearly. Infrared LEDs, or “Starlight” sensors, minimum illumination as low as ~0.01-0.1 lux. Automatic switching of IR or night mode.
Dynamic Range / HDR / WDR / Backlight Compensation Strong light from sun, headlights, or reflections can wash out image; HDR/WDR helps handle bright & dark zones. Wide dynamic range, strong backlight compensation.
Waterproof & Shock/Vibration Resistance Rear of trucks faces rain, washdowns, mud, dust, and considerable vibration from road; camera must survive. IP rating IP67 to IP69K; rugged housing; shock/vibration rated (several G’s).
Operating Temperature / Environmental Robustness Trucks operate in hot sun, cold nights, humidity, etc. -20C to +70C or more (some designs go more); high humidity tolerance.
Power Supply / Voltage Compatibility Trucks often use 12V or 24V systems; power insulation, protection from surges or reverse polarity important. Support for 12-24V; protection circuits; low current draw.
Connector & Cabling Long cable runs; connectors need to be rugged, waterproof, vibration resistant; proper shielding to reduce interference. Aviation-style locking connectors; shielded cable; IP waterproof connectors.
Night Vision / IR Illumination Helps when visibility is very low, e.g. night, fog, inside dark areas. IR LEDs integrated; automatic IR cut; some with IR range up to 8-10m or more.
Mirror / Non-mirror Image, Grid Lines Mirror image helps driver use existing reversing logic; guidelines help judge distance. Optional mirror or normal image; overlay guidelines that may be dynamic or fixed.
Monitor or Display Integration Need a screen in cab or integrate with existing monitor (e.g. in-mirror display, in dash). For multi-camera setups, monitor must support multiple inputs. 5-7” or larger, bright screen, daylight readable; support for multi-channel input if multiple cameras.
Optional Extra Features For better safety / usability. Audio backup sensor, automatic switching when reverse gear engaged, wireless feed (if needed), recording capability, heating/defogging, sunshade for lens etc.