Using backup camera on camper trailer

[danimal2000]

I want to add a backup camera to my camper, but would really prefer to use the head unit and not a second monitor. I don't like the extra dash clutter.

My thinking is, I get a replacement backup camera and mount it to the camper, run long enough wiring to the camper tongue, and swap the cable between the normal camera on the truck to the camper when hitched up. It's this feasible? I see replacement OEM camera is about 200 bucks, plus some wiring it'd be much cheaper and overall cleaner than a dedicated trailer camera. And even better it would activate when in reverse just like the truck camera.

Thoughts? Anyone try something like this, and anyone know what kind of cable I would need? I'm assuming there's some kind of harness and I've seen extension cables available, but I would need 25ft+ extension.

Camper is prepped with a furrion camera mount with wiring so I definitely have power back there already if it's needed, not sure if power would come from the truck and harness, or if maybe I can run a video-only wire. I think I read the video cable is coax?

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[Free2roam]

I have a Wolfbox G900 but it's not hooked up to the reverse lights. It clips on the rearview mirror. I just use for blind spots with my camper. So far so good. 33' extension cable

 

[Free2roam]

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/ovrlnd-camper-roll-call.66940/post-1142997

 

[danimal2000]

I have a Wolfbox G900 but it's not hooked up to the reverse lights. It clips on the rearview mirror. I just use for blind spots with my camper. So far so good. 33' extension cable

thanks....i dont love it, but dont hate it either. just seems it would be so clean and easy to get an OEM camera mounted to back of the trailer and then swap a harness when i hitch up and the rest is seamless. head unit, comes on with reverse, etc.

anybody know if the camera is always on, and the display on the screen is just basically like switching an input on a tv (does that make sense)? or does switching the head unit to backup cam also send a power signal to the camera? maybe this is as easy as mounting the camera, using the existing trailer power wire, and just running a video feed. then im swapping just the video cable (and it's easy and cheap wire/connector to do any length i want)

 

[Free2roam]

thanks....i dont love it, but dont hate it either. just seems it would be so clean and easy to get an OEM camera mounted to back of the trailer and then swap a harness when i hitch up and the rest is seamless. head unit, comes on with reverse, etc.

anybody know if the camera is always on, and the display on the screen is just basically like switching an input on a tv (does that make sense)? or does switching the head unit to backup cam also send a power signal to the camera? maybe this is as easy as mounting the camera, using the existing trailer power wire, and just running a video feed. then im swapping just the video cable (and it's easy and cheap wire/connector to do any length i want)

No idea but I do have a spare coaxial cable for the camera. Free if you wantit butchered a factory cable to get the power setup from a factory cable. Just a leftover piece.

 

[danimal2000]

that'd be awesome thanks! can get me started on at least testing the feasibility of my plan. will DM you

 

[Toro34]

I know you can use the Tazer Mini and to add the front camera input (as a cargo camera) if you don't have that option already. You would just need to figure out a way to add an extension and quick disconnect from the trailer cam to the input

 

[mstrpoz]

this is a nice idea.

 

[Jimmy07]

I want to add a backup camera to my camper, but would really prefer to use the head unit and not a second monitor. I don't like the extra dash clutter.

My thinking is, I get a replacement backup camera and mount it to the camper, run long enough wiring to the camper tongue, and swap the cable between the normal camera on the truck to the camper when hitched up. It's this feasible? I see replacement OEM camera is about 200 bucks, plus some wiring it'd be much cheaper and overall cleaner than a dedicated trailer camera. And even better it would activate when in reverse just like the truck camera.

Thoughts? Anyone try something like this, and anyone know what kind of cable I would need? I'm assuming there's some kind of harness and I've seen extension cables available, but I would need 25ft+ extension.

Camper is prepped with a furrion camera mount with wiring so I definitely have power back there already if it's needed, not sure if power would come from the truck and harness, or if maybe I can run a video-only wire. I think I read the video cable is coax?

Yes, you can easily do this. Just get the camera and a length of cable. You’ll want to use RG58 coax instead of the RG174 coax that the factory uses because the image becomes unstable with long lengths of RG174. Fakra Z male to female RG58 is what you’d want:
25 feet RG58 Fakra Z Male to Fakra Z Female RF Pigtail Coaxial Cable https://a.co/d/ircRX2V

 

[danimal2000]

Yes, you can easily do this. Just get the camera and a length of cable. You’ll want to use RG58 coax instead of the RG174 coax that the factory uses because the image becomes unstable with long lengths of RG174. Fakra Z male to female RG58 is what you’d want:
25 feet RG58 Fakra Z Male to Fakra Z Female RF Pigtail Coaxial Cable https://a.co/d/ircRX2V

dude, you are awesome! haha i've been researching coax and impedence Ohm's and connectors for days now. i think i might need longer than 25feet but man did you make this way easier.

 

[Jimmy07]

dude, you are awesome! haha i've been researching coax and impedence Ohm's and connectors for days now. i think i might need longer than 25feet but man did you make this way easier.

eBay usually has sellers that offer “choose your length” on rg58 fakra z coax.

 

[Technomancer]

I want to add a backup camera to my camper, but would really prefer to use the head unit and not a second monitor. I don't like the extra dash clutter.

My thinking is, I get a replacement backup camera and mount it to the camper, run long enough wiring to the camper tongue, and swap the cable between the normal camera on the truck to the camper when hitched up. It's this feasible? I see replacement OEM camera is about 200 bucks, plus some wiring it'd be much cheaper and overall cleaner than a dedicated trailer camera. And even better it would activate when in reverse just like the truck camera.

Thoughts? Anyone try something like this, and anyone know what kind of cable I would need? I'm assuming there's some kind of harness and I've seen extension cables available, but I would need 25ft+ extension.

Camper is prepped with a furrion camera mount with wiring so I definitely have power back there already if it's needed, not sure if power would come from the truck and harness, or if maybe I can run a video-only wire. I think I read the video cable is coax?

I bought a cheap camera from my local audio/video store, mounted it on the back and tied it into my factory screen. You’ll need to tie it into a specific set of pins on the back of the radio. I can’t remember where I got the adapter now but a quick search should find it. Worked like a champ!

 

[danimal2000]

I bought a cheap camera from my local audio/video store, mounted it on the back and tied it into my factory screen. You’ll need to tie it into a specific set of pins on the back of the radio. I can’t remember where I got the adapter now but a quick search should find it. Worked like a champ!

Looks like the cargo cam approach. Does this need tazer gizmo to activate?

I think I have my shopping list for my plan, looking like 300 dollars or so. Oem camera is 200 bucks! Can't figure out the color codes for the included bezel.

 

[Technomancer]

Looks like the cargo cam approach. Does this need tazer gizmo to activate?

I think I have my shopping list for my plan, looking like 300 dollars or so. Oem camera is 200 bucks! Can't figure out the color codes for the included bezel.

The camera I bought was a $90 HD backup camera. It did require the tazer but I already had it for correcting speedo. I used the running lights for camera power and ran a length of cable from the back to the hitch. Used a weather proof connector and ran the rest of the cable through the frame of the jeep and into the drivers side and into the radio. It was the cheapest and easiest solution for me.

 

[mstrpoz]

I bought a cheap camera from my local audio/video store, mounted it on the back and tied it into my factory screen. You’ll need to tie it into a specific set of pins on the back of the radio. I can’t remember where I got the adapter now but a quick search should find it. Worked like a champ!

Is this possible with the 7inch?

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