Daimler Truck North America has begun factory production of a new Exterior Camera System. The new system is designed to provide 360-degree visibility for vocational and medium-duty truck operators working in tight, complex and often unpredictable environments.

The system is now available on Freightliner and Western Star vocational and medium-duty models. It builds on DTNA’s existing standard backup camera by adding left-side, right-side and forward-facing camera views. The result is full perimeter visibility displayed through a consistent in-cab touchscreen interface across a wide range of body types and applications.

“Clear visibility around the vehicle is important for the work our customers do every day,” said Aaron Scates, vice president of vocational and medium-duty market development at Daimler Truck North America. “Offering an exterior camera system that covers all sides of the vehicle improves operator confidence. The breadth of camera options and system integration with our interactive touchscreen display make this one of the most complete visibility solutions available for vocational products today.”

Integrated, Automatic Operation

The Exterior Camera System is designed to work with factory-installed vehicle systems. Side camera views automatically activate when turn signals are engaged, while the rear camera displays when the truck is placed in reverse. A forward-facing camera, mounted in the grille, can be manually activated by the driver when additional visibility is needed.

Live video feeds are shown on the in-cab touchscreen, allowing operators to monitor surroundings without relying on separate aftermarket displays or controls.

DTNA said the system’s camera views and activation logic can be customized during the build process using its Custom Hardware and Electronics Configurator.

The configurator enables camera functions to correspond with specific vehicle inputs such as turn signals, reverse gear or body equipment operation -- a key feature for vocational applications such as dump, refuse, utility and construction.

Factory Installation vs. Aftermarket

DTNA emphasized that the Exterior Camera System is factory-installed to ensure full integration and performance. This includes automatic activation and native touchscreen functionality. These are capabilities the company said are difficult to replicate with typical aftermarket systems.

“The advantage of this comprehensive system is that everything works together seamlessly from day one,” Scates said. “Customers benefit from the performance and quality of a factory-installed system that’s designed specifically for how their trucks are used out in the field.”

For customers who prefer to source their own camera hardware, DTNA is also offering a prewire option. That configuration includes wiring provisions only, allowing customer-supplied cameras to be installed while still leveraging the truck’s integrated architecture.

Standard and Optional Coverage

Backup cameras remain standard equipment on Freightliner and Western Star vocational and medium-duty trucks. The expanded Exterior Camera System -- including side and forward-facing cameras -- is available based on customer specifications.

DTNA said the new system is intended to help reduce upfit costs, improve driver awareness and boost jobsite performance by giving operators better visibility around their vehicles.

Customers interested in adding the Exterior Camera System to new truck orders are encouraged to contact their local Freightliner or Western Star dealer for configuration details.