A client from North East recently contacted ENORMIS Mobile Specialties to inquire about installing a motorhome backup camera system, a new source unit with Apple CarPlay, a trailer brake controller and a keyless entry solution. We invited the client to bring his 2015 Thor Motor Coach Four Winds to our shop so that Doug Reichert, our integration expert, could inspect the vehicle and provide him with an accurate quote. When Rich, the owner of the RV arrived at ENORMIS, he told us that the dealer said there was no way to install a brake controller without an expensive new harness. Hogwash! This was a chance for our team to shine!
Motorhome Backup Camera and Convenience Upgrades
Art Dougan, one of our MECP-certified technicians, was tasked with upgrading this Class C motorhome to meet the client’s needs. We had no problem adding a high-quality trailer brake controller to the vehicle. Art mounted the controller on the trim panel under the dash of the vehicle. The wiring for the controller would be run with the cables from the rest of the vehicle upgrades.
Next, we designed a backup camera system that centered around a Kenwood DDX6705S multimedia receiver. Art installed the receiver in the dash of the vehicle and began the process of running wiring through the massive vehicle. The camera wiring followed the factory wire channels through the floor, up the side and finally exiting near the top of the rear where he would mount the camera. We used a heavy-duty night vision camera that can handle the hottest summer days, heavy rain and even harsh winter conditions. The camera image displays on the screen of the Kenwood radio as soon as the transmission is put in reverse.
The client asked if we could add some speakers to the outside of the vehicle, but without cutting anything. Art mounted a pair of JVC 6×9-inch speakers in compact enclosures and secured them to the inside of the storage locker on the driver’s side of the vehicle. To listen to music outdoors, all the owner has to do is drop down the door to the storage locker. A switch on the dash turns the speakers on, and the client can use the Kenwood Remote app with his smartphone to control the radio from a nearby picnic table or campfire. We installed USB port in one of the black switch panels on the dash of the RV.
OEM Keyless Entry System Integration
This Thor RV is built on a Ford E-350 chassis. As such, Art was able to use our Ford programming computer to turn on the factory keyless entry system and pair two brand-new Ford remotes to the vehicle. The result is clean, simple and reliable.
Pennsylvania’s Mobile Electronic Experts
With the motorhome backup camera and entertainment upgrades installed, it was time to return the vehicle to the client. We helped pair his phone to the radio and demonstrated how the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration functions worked. The client was thrilled with the upgrades we installed and was glad that he had reached out to us for the project. If you live in the Erie area, drop by ENORMIS Mobile Specialties and let us know what features you want to be added to your car, truck, SUV or RV. For more information, give us a call or send us an e-mail using our online contact page.
This post was provided by Doug Reichert and he can be reached at 814.899.8885 x117 or his direct phone # is 814.899.8882 or email him at doug@enormis.net