Hardworking Trucks recently posted a review of an interesting product, the Swift Hitch portable wireless backup camera system. As the name implies, it’s intended for use when connecting a trailer hitch. The transmitter/camera has a magnetic base that allows it to be attached to a tailgate, bumper, or anything else a magnet will stick to. It transmits live video to the LCD screen on a hand-held monitor, so you can back the ball under the trailer’s coupler without the help of a spotter or without getting out of the truck to see if you’re close. The camera has a visual range of 15 feet and automatic night-vision so you can connect to a trailer in the dark. Transmitting range is 300 feet.
In terms of technology, the Swift Hitch is not all that different from one of the inspection scopes where the screen can be removed from the handset. But instead of the camera being attached to the end of a snake-like cable, it’s an entirely separate module. This allows it to be used for things other than hitching a trailer. For example, the maker sells a telescoping extension to which the camera can be attached (like using a really long selfie stick). When configured in this manner a tradesman could use it to inspect areas that are difficult to get to or out of reach without climbing a ladder. The manufacturer’s website shows it being used to inspect the back of an AC compressor mounted high on a wall and mentions builders, electricians, mechanics, plumbers, HVAC mechanics, and chimney sweeps as trades that might use it.
The system is available in various models and configurations with prices starting at $219.
