Exterior Camera System: Visibility Where It Matters Most

From crowded jobsites to tight neighborhood streets, vocational operators are constantly maneuvering around challenging work environments. Every task calls for confidence behind the wheel and a clear view of what's happening around the truck.

That's why Freightliner developed the Exterior Camera System. By providing additional visibility around the vehicle, it helps operators maintain greater awareness throughout the workday so they can focus on the job at hand.

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Browse Article by Focus Area:

•    Factory-Installed Camera Configuration 
•    How Camera Views Are Triggered 
•    How CHEC Supports Specialized Applications 
•    Need More Flexibility? Consider Pre-Wire
•    Finding the Right Fit

Curious which setup is best for you? Contact your dealer today.

Factory-Installed Camera Configuration

Freightliner designed the Exterior Camera System around the way vocational crews work.

The factory-installed camera displays through the Interior Touchscreen Display (ITD), giving operators one place to monitor their surroundings.

Because every business has different needs, teams can choose the camera combination that best supports the work they do. Those using dump trucks may find that the standard backup camera meets their visibility needs. Crews who use utility trucks while working alongside traffic may benefit from adding the passenger-side camera to help operators monitor the work zone as they position the truck near the curb. Whatever the application, the system can be configured around the visibility needs of the job.

Beyond flexible camera configurations, the Exterior Camera System is also designed to work with technology that automatically displays the most helpful camera views as operators perform routine demanding work.

How Camera Views Work

Freightliner makes sure that accessing the right camera view is simple and intuitive.

When operators shift the truck into reverse, the backup camera automatically appears on the ITD. Similarly, when either turn signal is activated, the corresponding side camera view will automatically display. That way, operators can see the relevant camera view on the ITD based on the action they’re taking. Additionally, all exterior camera displays can be manually selected to appear on the screen. This gives operators the flexibility to manually check whichever view they need at the moment, while also having the convenience of automatic views on their ITD as they do their job.

For many vocational applications, these automatic camera triggers provide the intuitive visibility operators need throughout the workday. But for crews using specialized equipment, Freightliner's Custom Hardware and Electronics Configurator (CHEC) can take that flexibility even further.

How CHEC Supports Specialized Applications

Vocational work is demanding enough, so the technology supporting it should work as seamlessly as possible to display the right camera view.

CHEC is Freightliner's custom electrical engineering software that tells the ITD which camera angle to display based on a specific trigger. While Freightliner's factory-installed camera system already includes automatic triggers to help get the job done, CHEC allows the triggers to be customized for specialized equipment and job-specific workflows.

In the cab, this means the ITD automatically presents the appropriate camera view when those custom triggers are activated. That way, operators see the views that correspond with the task they’re performing instead of needing to manually choose their camera display.

Picture an M2 106 Plus collecting refuse through a residential neighborhood. As the operator extends the collection arm toward the curb, the passenger-side camera can be configured to trigger via the CHEC tool to automatically display that specific camera view on the ITD. That way, operators are given a continuous view of the sidewalk, collection area, and the surrounding environment without taking their hands off the wheel or their attention away from driving.

The display changes automatically when it’s triggered, so operators can stay focused on the job and not on manually managing the ITD. By presenting the right camera view at the right time, CHEC reduces distractions while improving visibility for specialized vocational applications.

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In addition to automating the in-cab camera display, Freightliner also offers the flexibility to customize where the exterior cameras are mounted on the truck.

Need More Flexibility? Consider Pre-Wire

While most crews find the views they need from the factory-installed camera configuration, some may benefit from visibility that’s more tailored.

For those situations, Freightliner's pre-wire option provides the wiring infrastructure needed to install cameras wherever they're most valuable. Instead of factory-mounted camera locations, fleets can position cameras around specialized equipment, custom bodies, or unique work conditions while still displaying every view through the ITD.

That flexibility allows the cameras to be mounted exactly where crews find it beneficial. A camera mounted above the dump body of a 114SD Plus can be programmed to display on the ITD when the dump body is raised, giving operators a clear view from the cab during material unloading. On a utility truck, a camera mounted near the outriggers can help operators monitor deployment, positioning, and the surrounding work area. Or on a flatbed, a camera mounted along the side can provide a dedicated view of the cargo area during load securement.

With these options available, it's easy to tailor the Exterior Camera System to the demands of your operation.

Finding the Right Fit

Whether your tasks are best served by the factory-installed camera configuration or require the flexibility of pre-wire, the Exterior Camera System is designed to help you work smarter, more confidently, and with greater awareness throughout the day. And with CHEC’s custom programming, Freightliner makes sure your crews are getting the right views at the right time.
Not sure which setup is right for your application?

Your Freightliner dealer can help recommend the configuration that best fits your vocational needs.

Contact your local Freightliner dealer.

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