Answer
Nov 25, 2025 - 01:35 PM
Surveillance trailer masts generally extend between 15 and 30 feet (4.5–9 meters), with specific heights varying by model and application. Greater mast height expands the camera’s field of view, allowing for broader area coverage, improved line-of-sight over obstacles, and more effective monitoring—especially with PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) or thermal cameras. However, extremely tall masts may require extra stabilization, especially in windy environments, as excessive sway can degrade video quality and detection accuracy.
Cameras mounted on buildings are typically installed around 13 feet from the ground. If cameras are positioned too high, the steep angle reduces their ability to capture identifiable details, such as faces and license plates. Therefore, the optimal height for surveillance trailer cameras is generally 18–25 feet, balancing distance with a favorable viewing angle for accurate identification.
There are two primary mast types on surveillance trailers:telescoping and tilt-up. Telescoping masts are common but can suffer from sway, especially at the top when fully extended. Even minor mast movement (1–2 inches) can translate into significant camera displacement (2–3 feet) at target distances, impairing AI-driven human detection and reducing performance. Poorly designed masts can be identified by the presence of support cables running from the mast’s top to its base, which indicate a need for additional stabilization. Backstreet Surveillance addresses these issues with a robust steel tilt-up mast, eliminating the need for support wires and virtually eliminating mast sway. The Sentry-Pro surveillance trailer features this advanced mast design, ensuring stable, reliable camera performance even at greater heights.
One way to combat the sway problem with telescoping masts is to over-build the mast with heavier steel and tighter tolerances. The Scout design is a good example of a surveillance trailer with an over designed telescoping mast. This excess in design eliminates the sway most other masts experience.
Cameras mounted on buildings are typically installed around 13 feet from the ground. If cameras are positioned too high, the steep angle reduces their ability to capture identifiable details, such as faces and license plates. Therefore, the optimal height for surveillance trailer cameras is generally 18–25 feet, balancing distance with a favorable viewing angle for accurate identification.
There are two primary mast types on surveillance trailers:telescoping and tilt-up. Telescoping masts are common but can suffer from sway, especially at the top when fully extended. Even minor mast movement (1–2 inches) can translate into significant camera displacement (2–3 feet) at target distances, impairing AI-driven human detection and reducing performance. Poorly designed masts can be identified by the presence of support cables running from the mast’s top to its base, which indicate a need for additional stabilization. Backstreet Surveillance addresses these issues with a robust steel tilt-up mast, eliminating the need for support wires and virtually eliminating mast sway. The Sentry-Pro surveillance trailer features this advanced mast design, ensuring stable, reliable camera performance even at greater heights.
One way to combat the sway problem with telescoping masts is to over-build the mast with heavier steel and tighter tolerances. The Scout design is a good example of a surveillance trailer with an over designed telescoping mast. This excess in design eliminates the sway most other masts experience.
