Rear trailer camera....Hard Wired???
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 306
Likes: 2
From: Maine
To power any device constantly on a trailer you could always add an always on circuit through the 7 pin trailer connector. The no 4 pin is a hot lead used to charge batteries on trailers and can also be used to run accessories. It would be a simple task to add an additional circuit to the trailer to run your "wireless" cameras. If the trailer is equipped with electric trailer brakes with an onboard battery for emergency breakaway it would be a simple tap to the battery. It is kept charged through that no.4 pin.
I notice odd things.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 4
From: Western New York
Also note that this standard is for the flat blade connectors. The round pin type connector is very different. It is recommended that one diagram the vehicle plug with the aid of a test light to be sure everything is where it should be. Because of working backwards on one side of the connector it is easy to have the turn signals reversed or the markers blinking, or, well you get the idea. It is also good to keep the connector wiring diagrams in the owners manual or other accessible place for that jack knife turn that hooks the trailer wire on the frame and pulls the wires out of the connector. Never happens to any of us, right?
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 61
Likes: 4
Wow, my first FTE post and it seems I'm not the only one concerned. That and I don't even own a SD yet.
Well my plan was to use the rear facing trailer camera not only for reverse but also on all the time driving...so I know what's back there.
I'm planning on a 25' Airstream so I think the power and transmitting concerns would be moot.
Since some of you know what the manual states concerning this I know the camera offered would not be what I wanted.
As for the wired versus transmitting camera, well I just thought FORD would have offered the latest technology. The cable strung across the length of any trailer seems old tech.
Some have legit comments about how to power and lay the cable but doing such to a Airstream ain't gonna happen.
RV wireless cameras are on the market and I'll be going with that. Its just that I thought I could do without another screen w/power wires in the cab.
Thanks all for the lesson in rear cameras. I'll be reading/lurking to learn more about the F-250.
Well my plan was to use the rear facing trailer camera not only for reverse but also on all the time driving...so I know what's back there.
I'm planning on a 25' Airstream so I think the power and transmitting concerns would be moot.
Since some of you know what the manual states concerning this I know the camera offered would not be what I wanted.
As for the wired versus transmitting camera, well I just thought FORD would have offered the latest technology. The cable strung across the length of any trailer seems old tech.
Some have legit comments about how to power and lay the cable but doing such to a Airstream ain't gonna happen.
RV wireless cameras are on the market and I'll be going with that. Its just that I thought I could do without another screen w/power wires in the cab.
Thanks all for the lesson in rear cameras. I'll be reading/lurking to learn more about the F-250.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 306
Likes: 2
From: Maine
Edit: Re-read. I've never pulled the wires free by snagging them on the trailer, either, though.
Last edited by archerseven; Aug 10, 2016 at 02:32 PM. Reason: Clarification
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: McDonough ha
This is information I got from ford chat . The Customer-placed Trailer Camera wiring harness is 32ft. long.I sure hope they sell a extended harness because my trailer is 35' long. If anyone has any information on this let us know
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
I am pretty surprised at the length. I know the BLIS spot is around the same length and I can understand that due to technical limits. But I really hope they have a longer wiring harness that doesn't cost a few hundred dollars. My 5th wheel is 43 feet long and if I want it at the top of the trailer I will need another 10 feet on top of that.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: McDonough ha
I am pretty surprised at the length. I know the BLIS spot is around the same length and I can understand that due to technical limits. But I really hope they have a longer wiring harness that doesn't cost a few hundred dollars. My 5th wheel is 43 feet long and if I want it at the top of the trailer I will need another 10 feet on top of that.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 466
Likes: 2
I am pretty surprised at the length. I know the BLIS spot is around the same length and I can understand that due to technical limits. But I really hope they have a longer wiring harness that doesn't cost a few hundred dollars. My 5th wheel is 43 feet long and if I want it at the top of the trailer I will need another 10 feet on top of that.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 185
Wow, my first FTE post and it seems I'm not the only one concerned. That and I don't even own a SD yet.
Well my plan was to use the rear facing trailer camera not only for reverse but also on all the time driving...so I know what's back there.
I'm planning on a 25' Airstream so I think the power and transmitting concerns would be moot.
Since some of you know what the manual states concerning this I know the camera offered would not be what I wanted.
As for the wired versus transmitting camera, well I just thought FORD would have offered the latest technology. The cable strung across the length of any trailer seems old tech.
Some have legit comments about how to power and lay the cable but doing such to a Airstream ain't gonna happen.
RV wireless cameras are on the market and I'll be going with that. Its just that I thought I could do without another screen w/power wires in the cab.
Thanks all for the lesson in rear cameras. I'll be reading/lurking to learn more about the F-250.
Well my plan was to use the rear facing trailer camera not only for reverse but also on all the time driving...so I know what's back there.
I'm planning on a 25' Airstream so I think the power and transmitting concerns would be moot.
Since some of you know what the manual states concerning this I know the camera offered would not be what I wanted.
As for the wired versus transmitting camera, well I just thought FORD would have offered the latest technology. The cable strung across the length of any trailer seems old tech.
Some have legit comments about how to power and lay the cable but doing such to a Airstream ain't gonna happen.
RV wireless cameras are on the market and I'll be going with that. Its just that I thought I could do without another screen w/power wires in the cab.
Thanks all for the lesson in rear cameras. I'll be reading/lurking to learn more about the F-250.
I plan on figuring out a way if possible to make the wired camera on my new truck be turned on all of the time not just when backing.
New User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
New Info?
Wondering if anyone has any fresh info on the auxiliary camera "feature" of only working in reverse gear. It seems that many of us spent the money for this system only to learn that it would not function while driving down the road. I'm very unhappy!! Am on the verge of buying an aftermarket wireless. But first I want to know if anyone has learned how to (without voiding the warranty) get power to the camera full time (including in forward gear!). Or, if anyone knows whether Ford engineers might actually be working on fixing this short-sighted design. TIA!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,541
Likes: 5
From: Weatherford Texas.
The 2 wireless systems I tried on my trailer would fail when I was in any campground that had wifi boosters in the park, wifi can interfere with them. Also remember part of the trailer mounted camera harness is also the repeater for the trailer tpms. The Aux camera only works in reverse. My understanding on its operation is that it is powered full time, but the chanel on the display wont turn on till you are in reverse.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: BC, Canada
It will show up as an option with the tailgate and upper brake light camera. This screen only becomes available while stationary or in reverse I believe.
I would bet the aftermarket will come up with an option to allow you to turn them on whenever you want. I did this on my Ram with the 'MyGig Lockpick' it worked very well.
I would bet the aftermarket will come up with an option to allow you to turn them on whenever you want. I did this on my Ram with the 'MyGig Lockpick' it worked very well.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 996
Likes: 193
From: AZ
Is there a newer version of this thread for more recent/current models?
I have an F350 with the cameras including an optional auxiliary (trailer) camera. And my 5th wheel has a wireless camera installed on it. Is there now a way to use this wireless camera with my F350's camera system and display? If not, is the wired option still good and if so, how does the camera get wired (does the wire/cable actually run over top of the 5th wheel trailer?!).
<EDIT: Looks like this is the thread: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...5th-wheel.html >
I have an F350 with the cameras including an optional auxiliary (trailer) camera. And my 5th wheel has a wireless camera installed on it. Is there now a way to use this wireless camera with my F350's camera system and display? If not, is the wired option still good and if so, how does the camera get wired (does the wire/cable actually run over top of the 5th wheel trailer?!).
<EDIT: Looks like this is the thread: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...5th-wheel.html >
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 200
Likes: 87
My 2021 allows for using the "Cargo Cam" which is the high center mount stop light camera, and the Customer Placed Trailer Camera while moving. The kicker is they switch off if you come to a stop and start moving forward again. But going down the road, it's really nice to hit the camera button once for the Cargo Cam view, and a second time for the trailer cam.
Oh, and having owned a 34' travel trailer, and using a wireless camera and a secondary display to see the camera, I'm glad Ford offers a wired camera. I have to hook up the 7 pin connector on any trailer I tow, what's the hardship with plugging in another 12 in connector - right below the 7 pin connector? I guess I'm not a soccer mom.
Oh, and having owned a 34' travel trailer, and using a wireless camera and a secondary display to see the camera, I'm glad Ford offers a wired camera. I have to hook up the 7 pin connector on any trailer I tow, what's the hardship with plugging in another 12 in connector - right below the 7 pin connector? I guess I'm not a soccer mom.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,778
Likes: 153
OK, I am planning on buying a F250 this winter.
I watched the SD F250 videos online. I note that they are offering a camera option in which one of the cameras is a rear trailer camera that can be placed on the rear of your trailer.....
BUT...it looks to be hard wired! REALLY???
Hard wired so a cable will be flapping away on top of my trailer? for months? For thousands of miles?
There are aftermarket rear cameras that provide wireless and FORD makes a hard wired camera circa the turn of the century. WHY?
I have asked over and over to every FORD contact I can (e-mail Ford, in person at Ford presentations, dealer, Ford website) why FORD is doing this and I get that "its better", "put the wire inside my trailer"," because its FORD tough:, "talk to your dealer", "contact FORD".....
no one will address why FORD is using such OLD technology.
I'm just venting and hoping there are more FTE out there who feel this is a step backwards for FORD technology.
I watched the SD F250 videos online. I note that they are offering a camera option in which one of the cameras is a rear trailer camera that can be placed on the rear of your trailer.....
BUT...it looks to be hard wired! REALLY???
Hard wired so a cable will be flapping away on top of my trailer? for months? For thousands of miles?
There are aftermarket rear cameras that provide wireless and FORD makes a hard wired camera circa the turn of the century. WHY?
I have asked over and over to every FORD contact I can (e-mail Ford, in person at Ford presentations, dealer, Ford website) why FORD is doing this and I get that "its better", "put the wire inside my trailer"," because its FORD tough:, "talk to your dealer", "contact FORD".....
no one will address why FORD is using such OLD technology.
I'm just venting and hoping there are more FTE out there who feel this is a step backwards for FORD technology.
What is it HARD WIRED? Do you really need to ask?
Folks its HARD WIRED to integrate with your 360 camera system so you can use the in-dash screen and camera settings.
You want WiFi/Bluetooth or smoke signal, fine you are not going to see I on our screen, but you can buy a monitor to display it for you.
Here is how I did it: Take Ford user install camera system, attach to outfall, fish down thru wall and underneath and plug into the provided fixture I mounted on my rear bumper, beats the hell out of ****-poor wifi/bluetooth...
