Question: Post-purchase, Front Trail cam install

[Setec641A]

I'm shopping for a Rubi or Shadow Ops, but I can't find what I'm looking for. Every time I find the perfect Jeep, it has thousands in things don't want, or doesn't have the Tech package, which includes the front trail cam. So, my question is, how difficult would it be to install the front trail cam post-purchase, since it would be the ONLY reason I want the Technology package. Is the wiring harness present already, and I would just have to program the Jeep for it, or is it much more involved than that? Thank you very much!

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[GladLad]

It's a process to do. You'll need modules, new grill parts, front camera, change out the rear camera, washer hoses, etc.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...allation-2023-diesel-gladiator-rubicon.75779/

And I think there's another thread on it as well, but maybe that one will be enough to change your mind. You could also find simpler aftermarket camera options, but they're lower quality and don't show your tire turning tracks.

Fyi, the camera only works at very slow speeds. I think under 8mph to turn it on, and will kick off shortly after going above. If you're on a trail where you need it and then have sections where you'll speed up again, you'll need to turn it back on regularly.

A Tazer will allow you to turn it on at any speed. However, it's still only useful at slow speeds, so that's really just helpful to get around it turning off on you. At higher speeds you wouldn't watch it, and even if you did it wouldn't be useful as it's only good for what's directly in front of you.

It's good for rock crawling, watching tire placement, cresting a hill and seeing what's in front of you when you can't see over your hood, or staying on top of a narrow obstacle/track. And if you get a lift or bigger tires, the placement accuracy of the camera tire tracks will be off.

Useful, but I personally wouldn't go through the trouble of installing one after seeing those threads.

 

[BourbonRunner]

Believe me, I get it. I searched for way too long for a JTM with the trail cam and SelecTrac but held out and secured it. And on the Class IV roads in Vermont last week I was glad I had the cam, especially solo driving. On the road it turns off around 20mph or so and you can only turn it on below 8-10mph. (In off road mode I never had to turn it back on.)

Like @GladLad said it is a lot more complicated than not, making the factory installed option far more economical than after the fact. IIRC it's somewhere around $1200-1300 in parts. You will get the benefit of the trailer ball zoom and a sharper general usage rear cam, though. A couple folks here and on the JL Forums have retrofitted it but be ready for a very involved install.

A cheaper option is a Tazer with their camera. You won't get all the Jeep-OEM functions but if you're just looking to see what is coming up on the trail or how tight of a space you are in while parking, it will suffice. Plus there's all the other added benefits of the Tazer. Only caveat is it doesn't fit the 24+ grille and will only work on the 8.4" UConnect, and unlike the OEM doesn't have the wash function.

 

[GladLad]

(In off road mode I never had to turn it back on.)

You're lucky, mine would constantly turn off before using the Tazer. I had my Tazer out the other day, so was using the camera only through offroad pages, and it'd turn off around 12-14mph. An easy speed to hit between points where the camera may be helpful.

Even with the Tazer I sometimes find it doesn't want to let me in consistently. Pressing the Mute button twice in quick concession will bring up the rear/front camera screen. But if I get out of the camera for whatever reason, later when I use the Mute button to get back in, it won't always work. It will just mute instead. At that point, I have to use the offroad app to get back to it.

 

[Setec641A]

Thanks for all the replies! Good info GladLad! I didn't know anything about it, other than it sounds nice to have, especially since I will be doing most of my wheeling alone. I guess I'll just hold off and wait for that perfect one to come along. At some point, the law of averages says that there is a dealer out there somewhere that will order the exact Jeep I want.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

I went with a Wolfbox to get the front cam. If I had to do it over I’d probably get the OeM trail cam installed. I like the fact that it has the lines on the display. Without them there’s a bit of a learning curve as far as where your tire placement on the trail is going to be. Not impossible just 1 more thing you have to think about. When you’re tiptoeing on top of boulders the less you have to think about the better.

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