Looking to see if anyone has any advice/pointers for me. I've been doing some designing/planning for when my 2015 F-450 arrives. I want to put a rear-camera system in to use with my RV. I'm working on a long-term design. I will probably start with only pieces of it and build over time (maybe )

End Goal:
Wired 4 Camera System plugged into the factory Head Unit.

- When Not Towing: Dual Rear Cameras: (1) installed on 5th wheel tailgate or near license plate for reverse camera (2) installed in/near reverse light on cab for hitching

- When Towing: 4 Rear Cameras on the RV (left, right, back and back/down towards bumper)

I'm planning to use the CANopener setup (looks to be the easiest to use/integrate) along with a 4-way Video Multiplexer and a 2-way Video Multiplexer (probably get it all from 4DTech). I should be able to get 5 inputs then with this setup.

I found MU-813 4-Way Video Multiplexers (I think what 4DTech sells) that allow for PIP/etc. They also have 2-Way (MU-317)..but I might end up with 2 4ways and use them together...

Video Wiring Plan:

Head Unit -> CANopener

CANopener Video 1 -> 2 Way Video Multiplexer
CANopener Video 2 -> 4 way Video Multiplexer

2 Way Video 1 -> Backup Camera
2 Way Video 2 -> Hitch Camera

4 Way Video 1 -> RV Backup Camera
4 Way Video 2 -> RV Rear Bumper Camera
4 Way Video 3 -> RV Left Camera
4 Way Video 4 -> RV Right Camera

I found some cameras that look decent:
Rear RV (2 in 1 camera for backup and separate rear bumper
RVS-813 Double Lens Backup Camera

Side Cameras:
TadiBrothers SKU15153 - Premium Side RV Camera

One thing I am still trying to figure out is the plug from the RV to the Truck. It looks like I'm going to need 10 wires between them. I'll need 8 for the video feeds, but then two for power (can I run power off of the other plug that runs the lights/brakes?)

Any feedback/comments/suggestions/criticisms/etc welcome.

thanks!!

Alex

 

Welcome to FTE... And I am sure that between all of us here we can help you out...

First what trim line F450? Are you getting the NAV radio with the Factory backup camera? I tried searching for CANopener and all I get in google, is well, tin can openers... For the factory system, check out coastaletech and their lockpick. They even have a wireless lockpick setup and you can control it with an iPhone (and possibly android phone)... I have only used their hardwired systems and LOVE them.

I can't help you with different cameras - the aftermarket ones I used a few years ago are now outdated and there are better ones. Even the ones you picked out are better than the ones I had.

Power is tricky in the new beasts, you can just tap a brake light anymore. But you can tap into the trailer harness wires for the brake light or power. I did that for my LEER camper after I tried tapping the brake light harness... I don't understand why it doesn't work, but it doesn't. Something to do with the CAN BUS. So you can run power off the "other plug" - I assume you are getting a 5th wheel with the 5th wheel prep?

Doesn't the RV have power anyways though? I like shorter power runs when possible... One of the reasons, when they work right and have good range, I like WIRELESS stuff... and if it was me, I would be looking at wireless cameras - but I am going off of your requirements.

 

I know you are going for a four camera system, but here's my thoughts on my three camera installation currently in progress.

I recently installed a mobility scooter rack on the rear of my 2011 F-450 King Ranch, so the factory tailgate handle camera is now obstructed.
I'm in the process of installing a Lockpick system which gives me three camera inputs in addition to the original camera, all displayed one at a time on the factory nav screen.
I'll be installing a camera/brake light combo on the rear of the scooter rack to replace the tailgate camera. Dakster, appreciate the info about tapping the lights - that'll save me some grief.
Since I also tow a 40 foot fiver, I will be moving the rack to the rear of the trailer when towing. RV Backup Safety makes a truck to trailer 3 camera cable and has some decent cameras and various cables. When finished, I'll be able to disconnect the camera cable at the rear of the truck and connect it to the truck side of the truck/trailer cable and transfer the camera to the rear of the trailer. Separate RV plug will handle lighting requirements.
I haven't decided on where I'll mount the other cameras yet.

 

Highly interested in this myself.. From what I've read, the wireless cams have come a long way, but not long enough for my CC and 40' 5er..
Would love to hear differently though..
--
Not to hijack the thread, but a bluetooth camera system that really worked could integrate with either iPhone / Android or Tablet.. Saving all the re-programming of the head unit and possibly causing warranty problems there..

 

Check out the RVS-020770 | Commercial Grade WiFi Backup Camera System
It's a wifi system that connects to a smartphone or tablet.

From the pictures, you could wire the trailer with the camera at the rear and transmitter up near the front. Run a cable through the underbelly to connect camera to transmitter.
That puts the wifi transmitter close enough to the cab of the truck that signal strength wouldn't be an issue and you wouldn't need a physical connection between the two.

 

Check out this thread...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l-frontal.html
Gavin doesn't do anything that isn't top notch in quality and performance

 

Thanks for the reply!!

The truck is a Lariat Ultimate with the NAV Radio and backup camera. I won't be using the factory backup camera as I'll be replacing the tailgate with a 5th wheel tailgate I took off my '08 350.

Here is the Canopener system:
4D Tech, Inc. | Ford Navigation Upgrade Kits and Accessories

I looked at the Lock Pick, but I like some of the features of this one, as well as the fact that it can key off the phone button to switch views (not sure if that works with the multiplexer yet...I'm going to ask them about that).

Yes I'm getting the 5th wheel prep on the truck. I've got a 2014 42' XLR that I'm pulling. I've got an air-ride hitch I'm putting in the new truck (LOVE the air-ride).

I know there is power on the RV...but I worry about tapping that...I'm not sure how that stays charged with the truck hooked up to it, etc...and how much I can draw off it. I think ideally I would hook power up to the 5th wheel wiring harness on the camper side and borrow from there. that way I only would need an 8-way plug from the camper to the truck to carry the video.

I looked at the wireless systems...but with the size of the rig, I think I'd rather go wired and not have any potential issues with interference/log runs/etc... it is a big camper...

 

my fiver is 42 foot...thats why I'm going with wired too...

One of my goals is to not have to disconnect/reconnect cables when going from using the rear cameras at the back of the truck vs. rear cameras at the back of the rig...I'd rather have a button/swtich/remote/etc.

Thats how I ended up with a 6 camera system in total... but really a switched 2 camera system and 4 camera system.

 

Only one problem with this system that I can see... Notice the headlights on the ATV are pointed toward the curb? In the screen, they are pointed in the opposite direction...

Need a camera or screen that reverses the image in order to use effectively as a rear view mirror like this one..

 

That looks nice! $300 is not a bad price either...

 

To me, the CANOpener and Lockpick are functionally the same for what I want (don't care about remote programming a radio, etc.). It looks like the CANOpener may have better addressed the phone issues that I'm running into with the Lockpick like trying to turn on a camera and dialing the last number called instead.

Look forward to seeing your finished system with the multiplexers. It's something I can add later if it works out for you. Right now, I need something as it's almost travel season and Florida will start warming up.

 

I just emailed the CANopener guys to see what they have to say about the setup. I'll post anything I hear back from them.

Has anyone come across a finished solution for a small camera in the 3rd brake light? If not, I'll probably buy a replacement light system (or find one in a junkyard) and build one out. that seems to be the perfect spot to put the camera for the hitch.

 

I have plans to do nearly the same but only two cameras. Over this winter I purchased a dvd/navi/camera head unit and do have one camera already.

I plan to install a single camera on the back of the X to see both when just backing up and the trailer ball for backing up to trailers.

The second camera I plan to install on the back of the TT itself just simply for seeing behind it when backing up or checking on the boat while traveling. I plan to just run a wire threw the TT and to the trailer light plug location. So when I hook up the camper I plan to just plug in the TT camera to the truck via a plug next to the trailer light plugs.

I plan to have the X camera wired to come on with the reverse lights. I then plan to have a switch for the TT camera so like I mentioned I can turn it on while traveling or whenever needed.

 

I see everyone, including myself, learned a lot by reading this thread...

Thanks for the CANopener link too.. Not married to coastaletech, at one point they were pretty much the only game in town.

Bluetooth and iPad/iphone could work for me as well. Seeing as my phone bluetooths to my wife's car in the garage when I am at the opposite end of the house.... Distance for a fiver may be an issue. But until you try it you just don't know.

 

Since I cant find a purchasable 3rd brake light with a camera that is already put together...I'm looking to do it myself.

The 3rd brake light looks like it costs under $30 on ebay, and I found this while searching where someone had already done this same thing..thought I would share:

Ford F250 Back Up Camera Relocation