installing a backup camera in my 2012 f350 dump. i'm installing a camera, i'm gonna get power from an upfitter switch, but i need to find a trigger wire for when i put the truck in reverse. any idea if there is one under the dash?

 

It's not under the dash, but I tapped into the reverse light in the tail lens.

 

I tapped in to the reverse wire of the trailer wire harness at one time.

If you are going to use the up fitter switch just wire both the camera and monitor into the upfitter switch. Then flip the switch when you are backing up. This is what I did for the camera that is mounted on my tool box used for hooking up to the 5th wheel hitch.

 

I agree with wiring it to the uplifter switch. That is the easiest and it is functional.

 

i thought of doing that, but i still think i'd rather have it come on in reverse. could i use a fuse tap maybe?

 

I can fully appreciate that position. However, as I mentioned that I did the upfitter switch on for my tool box mounted camera intended for use while hooking up to the 5th wheel. I have also made use of while traveling down the road and wanting to check bed cargo for shifting as well as a rearward view even though I was traveling forward.

But, back to your original question. Maybe you could check your fuse location for the reverse wiring. It maybe under the hood, I'm not sure on that however. But, maybe you could tap into that wire. If it is under the fuse you could use the engine compartment end of the upfitter switch for running power into the cabin of the truck.

Just thinking out loud.

 

i think since i already have to drill a rather large hole to get the camera wire into the cab, i might as well run a single wire next to it and just hook it to the stud on my backup alarm. then just hook 12v+ to upfitter. is there a hole under the driverside or something to get a wire in? or do i have to drill into the back of the cab?

 

ON the back of the cab there is a rubber plug that you can pop out make an "X" cut in to run the cable though into the cab. It will be behind the rear seat on the back side under the carpeted wall panel. Or it is also possible to run the cable though the cabin vent on the back wall of the truck.

Once you get the wire into the rear of the cab just run it up under the door seal plates to the dash area.

 

I ran my wire thru a plug that sits below the drivers feet area.

 

you guys are the best. will report back tomorrow with results

 

all done. i ended up coming through the hole in the floor that the body company used to send the dump body controller in. plenty of room, it's a pretty big hole. i'd like to get a grommet on it at some point. wired the trigger to backup alarm and 12v to upfitter 3.

only scare i had was removing the rear view mirror. it ended up being fine i just didn't want to crack the windshield.

for those interested in doing this to their truck, what a deal. this is the one i bought here:

http://www.costco.com/OEM-Style-Rear...100135078.html

what a deal for such a nice product. camera is small and mirror/screen is oem quality and has 2 inputs if you want to ad another camera. i had a ****ty wireless one in my truck before and it wouldn't work in the cold. not to mention i hated having a screen stuck to the dash.

 

A project successfully completed. Congrats.