F-350 360 degree camera system question (custom ordered 2020)

[LosAngeles]

F-350 360 degree camera system question (custom ordered 2020)

I’m about to custom order a 2020 Lariat F350 - crew cab, 8’ bed.

We will *never* tow. We hate towing. We also keep our vehicles for a really long time, so resale isn’t really an issue.
There will always be a 9.5’ pop up truck camper in the bed. Tailgate will be permanently removed. Camper will hang out 18” approx.

So do I want to spend the $$$ to get the 360 camera system?

How useful is it?
Or will just using my mirrors + a backup camera be enough?
I’ll be driving alone quite a bit, so without a person who could hop out and be a spotter.

I am on the fence about adding the $710 ULTIMATE TRAILER TOW CAMERA SYSTEM to get the 360 degree camera system.

I have a couple of options:

OPTION A) (works only as a backup camera)

I could get a “tailgate” relocate external camera, and mount it low down on the rear of the camper, and plug it into the plug where the tailgate camera was plugged. No soldering. Here is an example camera. NOTE - this camera is NOT compatible with 360 camera system.

https://camera-source.com/automotive-cams/ford-oe-fit/add-on-universal-cam-for-trucks-w-factory-camera-8-display.html

OPTION is to get the $710 ULTIMATE TRAILER TOW CAMERA SYSTEM to get the 360 degree camera system….
then add the $415 Camera Source (ROSTRA)
“2017+ Super Duty W/ 360 View-Relocation Kit -Camera Included” (plug and play)

https://camera-source.com/automotive-cams/ford-oe-fit/2017-super-duty-w-360-view-relocation-kit-camera-included.html

Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

As an owner of a F350 CC with 8’ box, I’d never do it again. It’s a lovely truck, but waaaaaay tooooo long for me. Be sure you want something that loooooong.

If I could do it over, I’d go with an extended cab and 8’ box, or a CC with 6’ box, probably the extended cab.

 

[LosAngeles]

Any thoughts on the 360 camera system?

yes, I am sure we want the 9.5 foot camper, so we need to get the 8 foot bed...

and there are THREE of us, so yes I am sure we want the Crew Cab.

We are coming from a 38 foot (combined length) travel trailer + tug setup, so a loooong truck does not scare us at all.

now back on track - anyone else have any input about if to spend the $$$ to get the 360 camera system? Thanks.

As an owner of a F350 CC with 8’ box, I’d never do it again. It’s a lovely truck, but waaaaaay tooooo long for me. Be sure you want something that loooooong.

If I could do it over, I’d go with an extended cab and 8’ box, or a CC with 6’ box, probably the extended cab.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Apologies...

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

My FIL has the 2017 model of that truck, no 360* view camera. IMO, any help with situational awareness in that large of a platform is helpful. Considering the price of aftermarket units, I don’t think $750 is out of line. My big concern is, and always has been, the potential cost of repair should any of the electronic doohickeys go south on me.