Other Uses for the SwiftHitch

I was very interested to see in what other ways the SwiftHitch could be used. To be fair, when using a product for other than it's intended use one should not be disappointed with it's limitations and the SwiftHitch does have it's limitations.

SwiftHitch can be used as an inspection camera.

I used the camera system to look into areas of my RV where I can't see directly... deep inside storage compartments and up inside where the king pin box is welded to the frame.

I mentioned before that the Night Vision LEDs were bright. Well inside a dark storage compartment they are so bright they can cause a glare right where you want to see. Another problem is with the fixed focus lens. Because the camera is optimized for use as a hitching aid it can't focus close up which means detailed inspections, for example looking for cracked welds, are not possible.

I understand The folks that make the SwiftHitch are soon going to offer some additional accessories for the system. Maybe one will be a slip on lens that will focus close up while also defusing the infra red light from the LEDs.

I next taped the camera to the end of a extension handle and used it to inspect the roof of my RV. This is handy for me because I can't get up on the roof and I don't carry a ladder.

A much more elegant alternative to taping the camera to an old scrub brush pole is the telescoping pole offered by the SwiftHitch company. The pole screws on to the camera and extends 5 feet.

Do you have a camera tripod or monopod? The SwiftHitch camera mounts to any standard camera mount.

Again, the inability of the camera to focus up close means you won't be looking for sources of roof leaks and minor damage but it works well for a general inspection... overall cleanliness, damaged or missing vent covers etc.

Since we don't have slide out awnings it is especially nice to use the camera to check the slide roofs for debris before running them in for travel.

While I still had the camera on the poll I also looked under the trailer. Like the roof inspection I just got a general view but it was good enough to know that everything was okay... nothing loose or hanging. Sure beats getting on my hands and knees.

SwiftHitch can be for temporary observation

One form of entertainment at the campground is watching the activities of the other campers. Looking out the window at my computer desk gives me a nice view but it's a limited view. I can't see the comings and goings on the road out front. It's a snap to set the SwiftHitch camera in the front window and keep an eye on the happenings while a continue to work at the computer.

We regularly park the rig in our son's backyard. During that time we take advantage of having a delivery address and order items online.

Being in the backyard we can't see when a delivery van arrives. In the past I've used a wired camera system to keep a lookout. It will be a lot easier to just set up the SwiftHitch for the day.

My Conclusions About SwiftHitch

Even with the limitations I have discussed, being able to use the SwiftHitch camera system for other purposes adds a lot of value and makes it easier to justify it's purchase.

The SwiftHitch backup camera system makes hitching up quick and easy. If you are an RVer who owns a travel trailer, SwiftHitch should be a welcomed addition to your gear,

Watch the Companion Video on YouTube

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