If you own a Coleman Lantern 17B or 17R, a backup camera is one of the best upgrades you can make. These are small trailers, but backing into a campsite is still a lot easier when you can clearly see what is behind you. Trees, picnic tables, low posts, and tight campground angles can all make a simple back-in harder than it looks from the driver’s seat.

The good news is that the current official 17B and 17R pages both list Furrion backup camera prep as a standard feature, which means you are not starting from scratch. If you choose a camera system built for Furrion-prepped RVs, installation is much simpler and usually does not require a full custom setup.

If you are still getting your trailer dialed in, this page also goes well with First Trip Checklist for the Coleman Lantern 17B and 17R, Must-Have Coleman 17B / 17R Upgrades That Actually Improve Camping,  and Keyless Entry for Coleman Lantern 17B / 17R.

The 3 backup cameras I would look at first

The product links below go to Amazon.

Best factory-style option

Amazon pick:

Furrion Vision S+ RV Backup Camera System with 7-Inch Monitor on Amazon

If you want the most natural fit for a Coleman 17B or 17R, this is the obvious place to start. The Vision S is the Furrion system designed as a plug-and-play option for pre-prepped RVs, and Amazon’s listing describes it with a 7-inch monitor, rear sharkfin camera, infrared night vision, wide-angle view, and waterproof construction. Since the trailer is already prepped around the Furrion style mount, this is the least confusing choice for owners who want the most direct match. 

Great overall 7-inch option

Amazon pick:

AMTIFO A7 Wireless RV Backup Camera on Amazon

This is the one I would probably choose for most owners. Amazon’s current listing says it is built for Furrion pre-wired RVs and includes a 7-inch monitor, 1080P video, DVR recording, 4-channel split-screen support, and IP69K waterproofing. The listing also showed Amazon’s Choice, 200+ bought in the past month, and in-stock availability when I checked. If you want a larger screen than the Furrion system and still want an easy install path, this is a very strong option.

Best value option

Amazon pick:

Yakry Y27-N Wireless RV Backup Camera on Amazon

If you want to spend less without giving up the Furrion-prepped fit, the Yakry Y27-N is one of the best value picks. Amazon’s listing says it comes with a Furrion bracket and pigtail wire, supports HD 1080P, uses a 7-inch monitor, supports up to 4 cameras, and can be installed in about 30 minutes. When I checked, it was listed on Amazon.com with active purchase availability.

Which one I would choose

If you want the most factory-style match, go with the Furrion Vision S+. If you want the best mix of features, price, and an easier-to-see screen, I would go with the AMTIFO A7. If you want the cheapest option that still makes sense for a Coleman 17B or 17R, the Yakry Y27-N is the one I would start with. 

What you need before you start

Before installing the camera, read the instructions that come with your camera kit from start to finish. The official Keystone backup camera install guide says to disconnect the 7-way cord from the tow vehicle before doing anything, and lists the basic tools as a new backup camera, wire cutter, screws, electrical tape, and a drill with a Phillips bit.

How to install a backup camera on a Coleman Lantern 17B / 17R

Step 1: Disconnect the 7-way cord

Start by unplugging the trailer’s 7-way cord from the tow vehicle. The official guide says this removes power to the clearance lights before installation, which is the first safety step you should take before touching the rear prep wiring.

Step 2: Find the rear prep cover

Go to the upper rear wall of the trailer and locate the backup camera prep cover or wire clip. On prepped units, this is the piece held in place with two screws where the camera will mount.

Step 3: Remove the cover and pull out the wires

Remove the two screws, pull the prep cover out carefully, and bring the wires out just far enough to work on them. Do not yank them out. You only want enough slack to make clean connections.

Step 4: Identify the wires

The official install guide says the green wire is positive and the white wire is negative. That is the key wiring detail for the factory prep on these trailers.

Step 5: Prepare the wires

Cut the positive and negative wires if your camera kit instructions call for it, then strip back about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of insulation so the connections can be made cleanly.

Step 6: Connect the camera

The official guide says the camera prep wire typically uses red for positive and black for negative on the camera side. Connect the camera’s positive lead to the trailer’s green positive wire and the camera’s negative lead to the trailer’s white negative wire. Secure the connections with the hardware or connectors supplied with your camera kit, then insulate the connection with electrical tape if needed.

Step 7: Tuck the wires back in

Carefully tuck the wires back into the wall so they do not get pinched when the camera is mounted. Take your time here. A rushed install is how wires end up damaged later.

Step 8: Mount the camera

Use the screws included with the camera kit to secure the camera to the rear mounting location. Since the 17B and 17R are already prepped for this style of install, this should be much more straightforward than mounting a universal camera system from scratch.

Step 9: Test the system before sealing anything up

Before finishing the job, power the system back up and check the picture on the monitor. The official guide specifically says to verify operation before sealing everything up. Make sure the image is clear, the angle is useful, and the monitor is paired properly before you call the install done.

Step 10: Seal and finish

Once the camera is working properly, seal any openings as needed to help protect against moisture and debris. That is the final step in the official guide, and it is worth doing properly so the install stays weather-tight.

Helpful install tips for the Coleman 17B and 17R

Choose compatibility first. On this trailer, the biggest advantage is the factory Furrion prep. That matters more than getting distracted by random feature lists on cameras that are not designed around that mount.

Test the picture in your driveway before your next trip. It is much easier to adjust the angle at home than while people are waiting behind you at a campground check-in or back-in site.

Use the camera as a helper, not a replacement. It is there to support your mirrors and your normal backing routine, not replace basic towing habits.

If you camp in tighter provincial or national park sites, a larger 7-inch monitor is usually worth it. The extra screen space can make it easier to judge distance and see obstacles behind the trailer.

If you want the least guesswork, the Furrion Vision S+ is the safest pick. If you want better value , the AMTIFO A7 or Yakry Y27-N make more sense.

Why this upgrade is worth doing

A backup camera is one of those upgrades that makes a difference every single trip. It makes arrivals less stressful, helps when backing into awkward sites, and gives you more confidence when moving slowly through campgrounds or setting up in the dark. Because the Coleman 17B and 17R already come prepped for a backup camera, it is also one of the easier upgrades you can do yourself.

Final thoughts

If I were buying a backup camera for a Coleman Lantern 17B or 17R today, I would start with the AMTIFO A7 for the bigger screen and strong value, look at the Furrion Vision S if I wanted the most factory-style option, and use the Yakry Y27-N if I wanted to keep the cost lower while still getting a Furrion-prepped install.

No matter which one you choose, this is one of the most useful upgrades you can make to the trailer. It is simple, practical, and something you will appreciate every time you back into camp.