Furrion Backup/Observation Camera Working Intermittently on Volkswagen Atlas

Updated 06/09/2021 | Published 07/06/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Furrion Vision S Wireless RV Backup Camera System w/ Night Vision - Rear Mount - 4.3" Screen

(718)

$450.25

7-Way Trailer Adapter for Towing Trailers with LED Lights

(167)

$37.64

Question:

I am having issues with my Furrion Camera on my FLAGSTAFF EPRO and my tow vehicle which is a VW Atlas. When the trailer is properly connected to the Atlas the picture at receiver is a set of still shots not normal video. IF I disconnect the camera and then connect it directly to a 12v plug, it works perfectly. So it appears that the electical signal from the Atlas to the trailer is flickering? All the LED tail lights and marker lights, turn signals and hazard signals work fine. Just an issues with the camera. The camera came pre-wired from the factory. I asssume the factory pre-wire is connected to the marker and tail light circuit. So when using the 12v from the ATLAS the camera has issues but when connected to the 12v power to the trailer - no issues. I am not a novice to 12v wiring but this has me befuzzled. Thanks

asked by: Ken A

Expert Reply:

It definitely sounds like the 12 volt trailer accessory circuit of your VW Atlas is at fault. This type of issue isn't uncommon for German vehicles as they make some of their circuits just more complicated. The easy solution is use the adapter part # C57003 which puts a bit more resistance on the circuit and will trick the vehicle into thinking there's a trailer connected and give the circuit the amperage and voltage more consistently.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Adam T.

8/8/2020

Hello. I have a 2020 Audi Q7 and the camera does not work. I understand the voltage is either incorrect or too noisy. Do you have an adaptor to fix the problem or do I need to wire the camera to the 12v battery?

Jon G.

8/19/2020

If you're using the same type of camera setup as Ken then you can either use the Adapter # C57003 Jameson referenced as being the solution, or you can connect the camera straight to the trailer battery. Just be careful doing it this way though because that means there will be a constant drain on the battery. This means that you'll probably want the camera on a switch so that you can keep it from pulling power when not towing, and you'll want to make sure that your trailer battery bank is receiving some kind of charge as well so that it doesn't get completely drained.

David N.

6/8/2021

@JonG I have the same issue as Ken A. I have a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium equipped with LED parking lights. My Furrion Vision S Observation Camera FOS05TASF is installed on my travel trailer and connected to the marker lights for power. When the Atlas is connected to the trailer with the 7-way and parking lights on, the Camera is displaying a still shot for a second then goes blackout the other second and it goes on and on. Marker lights are all working fine on the trailer. I bought and tried the Curt C57003 adapter without any improvement. It seems that the Atlas is not providing enough power by the parking light circuit to correctly power the camera. Spoke with a Furrion rep on June 8th, 2021 and he mentioned they are still developing an adapter to correct this situation. In the meantime, is there any other solution than directly connecting the camera to the trailer battery as it means a hell of a job to hide that wire all around and through the rear wall of the trailer? Maybe an existing power adapter? Or even getting a direct 12V to the parking light pin of the 7-way with a diode? Thanks

Jon G.

6/9/2021

@DavidN I knew that was an issue with the newer GM trucks but I didn't realize that's an issue with a lot of newer vehicles (the adapter that is). Instead of running 12V power directly to the battery I supposed you could connect constant 12V power to the running lights - my only issue with that is that the 12V power is typically connected to larger gauge wire so I wouldn't want to melt your running light wires, plus you would need to unplug your trailer anytime you turn your vehicle off so you don't drain the battery.