Always on/Switch backup camera

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Sep 22, 2016 | 04:43 PM

thatdieselguy

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Always on/Switch backup camera

I am looking at getting an XL model 2016 and then adding an aftermarket headunit with screen and a backup camera. My thoughts are the camera is tapped or wired into the reverse light circuit to turn the camera on when the reverse light comes on.

My thinking is wiring the camera to a switch or upfitter so I could turn it on without the truck in reverse. Any thoughts?

Sep 23, 2016 | 06:45 AM

Poncho450

Lead Driver

Joined: Oct 2014

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From: NY/Canada border

Quote:

Originally Posted by thatdieselguy

I like this idea and would be interested in doing the same to my new 2016 XLT. I'll keep an eye on this one.

Sep 23, 2016 | 07:16 AM

BirchyBoy

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Joined: Feb 2016

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I added a camera to another vehicke this way. I even added a camera to the back of my trailer. When towing, i switched the leads so I could watch what was happening whike driving.

Sep 23, 2016 | 07:48 AM

JeepPuller

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2006

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From: Maryland

This is exactly what I did. It is pretty easy and works great. I keep the switch on all the time, so when I go into reverse the camera pops up as expected too.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...w-6-2-a-4.html

Sep 23, 2016 | 08:01 AM

don123

Laughing Gas

Joined: May 2006

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From: Massachusetts

I wired my back up camera to one of my upfitter switches because I have a truck cap and this way I can see what's behind me all the time. I like not having to be in reverse to see what's behind me.

Sep 23, 2016 | 10:44 AM

Krookz

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Joined: Sep 2016

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The headunit I stuck in my 2016 xl supports both front/rear cam's. I wired both cams(inexpensive so I dont care) to ACC so they're always on. The headunit can access them both at any time, or when I flip into Reverse.

For the rear I grabbed a simple tailgate handle with a camera hole and mounted it there. Ill have to get pics of the cam's on... all I have of the HU

0908161757 by ruggedT Decals, on Flickr

0908161904 by ruggedT Decals, on Flickr

0908161453 by ruggedT Decals, on Flickr

Sep 23, 2016 | 10:51 AM

JeepPuller

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,781

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From: Maryland

Hey Krookz, I think we have very similar HUs. Will you upload a shot of your front camera? I mounted my front camera lower on the grill, and I am curious on the difference in view between our two approaches...

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Sep 23, 2016 | 01:12 PM

JeepPuller

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Joined: Dec 2006

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From: Maryland

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sebs

I believe the switch we are all referring to is for power. At least my cameras get power from a source other than the HU. I suspect the always on option on the HU is for display not power.

The Kenwood unit I have has a reverse wire that is powered when the vehicle goes in reverse and this switches the display to camera. Since my cameras are always powered on I can also manually switch the HU display to camera and they work.

Sep 23, 2016 | 01:27 PM

#10

Redrkt

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Joined: Jul 2014

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From: Riverton, Wyo

I added backup cam that is hooked into my head unit just for the bumper hitch and then I added a second one to my headache rack (for use with my 5'er) that is on a separate switch (wired into the fusebox, then to the switch, then to the cam) the ground is thru the headache rack to the bed.
I can get pix if you would like to see my setup.

Sep 23, 2016 | 01:31 PM

#11

Redrkt

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Joined: Jul 2014

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From: Riverton, Wyo

Krookz and Jeep Puller. why not just get the new emblem mounted rear cam and replace your front emblem with that ( have seen it done on a couple of trucks and it looks really nice), unless it was a cost issue?

Sep 23, 2016 | 01:42 PM

#12

JeepPuller

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,781

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From: Maryland

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redrkt

I did some searching and it does look nice, but the cost is way more than I paid. If mine ever stops working I may look into this option.

Sep 23, 2016 | 02:36 PM

#13

PJJTLC

Cross-Country

Joined: Aug 2016

Posts: 91

Likes: 1

From: North Texas

I used the same head unit as Krookz. (Did the Maestro for steering wheel controls) Added two cheap plate mount front and rear cameras (both were $20 each). The rear i did wire into the reverse lights, but have the option to switch it to a switch as I ran the extra wire for it).

I don't have the upfitters, maybe next year, but did use this switch set: Pilot PL-SW16 4 way Gel Panel Switch

To switch the front camera and have two open switches for what ever in the future.

Good Luck,
Pete
2016 F250 XL SRW Crew, Gas, FX4, Trailer package

Sep 23, 2016 | 04:58 PM

#14

Sebs

Mountain Pass

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 185

Likes: 1

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeepPuller

This is what I do too and this is what I thought others were trying to do with the switch. If not, I don't know what the purpose of the switch is other then adding another step whenever you wish to use the camera.