The purpose of this post is to give people some ideas on how to route the wiring for the TPMS/Camera system. For the most part I took the path of least resistance. Time was a factor also.

I completed the install of the TPMS receiver and the backup camera this weekend. I spent a good amount of time thinking it through, trying to decide the best way to route the wires and where to mount the receiver and the camera. The instructions included in the kit were quite good. Removing the plug covers was, in some cases, a pain in the butt.

TPMS Receiver
My goal here was to get the receiver as close to the axles to ensure a good quality signal, without pushing the cable to its absolute limit. I attached the receiver to a piece of aluminum angle to make a bracket. Then the bracket was attached to the back side of a frame crossmember. I used the backside to limit the amount of crud that could splash up on the receiver. I also mounted the receiver with the plug facing up, mainly to keep it from catching on something (rather remote possibility there) and to keep it further away from water splashing up.

Camera
I have a toy hauler so that reduced my options. I looked at running the wire under the trailer and then along the side of the back door up to the top, using the screws holding the paneling of the wall as a way to secure the wire. But that looked like a good way to allow water inside.

Running the cable inside seemed like a very permanent solution that would take a large number of hours to do. Not going to happen.

I ended up running the cable up from the tongue, along the front ladder to the roof and then zig zagging it between roof objects (vent, A/C, vent). The only spots on the roof that I secured the cable to are the two solar panel brackets (somewhat near the front) and the roof rack at the very back. I pulled it fairly tight between those two objects.

The camera is permanently mounted using the OEM bracket, just above the cargo door. I considered making a bracket that would allow the camera to sit on the top edge of the door, but figured that being the space cadet that I am I would forget to remove the camera when lowering the door.

I used two zip ties at each point of securing the wire. The bulk set of cable ties I have don't seem to be very resilient so doubling them up is my method of CYA. I did't end up using the cable ties provided by Ford except for on the camera bracket and to secure the dummy receptacle plug used to store the cable when not in use. That receptacle is a nice feature.

The first time I turned on the ignition the camera didn't show up. The next time it did. Might be a problem with the operator. The camera works well. The first aim point I used was good enough. I didn't need to adjust it or to have a second person help me. Normally I don't get this lucky. I think the camera is good enough that I could back within 2" of an object.

The TPMS did NOT show up until I drove with the trailer connected. To complete the TPMS configuration you have to be parked (not moving). I didn't get to this part of it yet, but at least I know that the truck is aware that the TPMS receiver is active.

 

You have to go through the sensor setup, the same as if you had new tires on the truck. I had tot take my TT to a local tire dealer to activate the sensors. If you have the tool you can do it yourself.

 

I have a tool. The right tool? We'll see. The instructions seem to indicate it can be done with just pressure changes.

 

 

I have the trailer mounted camera but no trailer to mount it to (yet). I tried to connect the camera by itself to verify that it works but I got a blank/blue screen when I switched to the AUX input. Anyone know if you need to have a trailer connected to get that view?

 

Souperchicken - I don't think you need the trailer connected, that same Youtube user that I posted the vid of above installed it in one of his vids with the sitting on the tailgate.

I was researching all this last night as I am hoping to get my truck in a month and want to get all this figured out before I installed mine on my camper.

 

Interest the youtube video said he had the sensor put in at Costco, My Costco wouldn't touch them as they don't do trailer tires.

 

The order in which the truck wants you to air down the tires is pretty normal. That's the way I reprogram the sensors on my Titan and the same order that Discount Tire has done it on the same vehicle. My wife's Dodge Grand Caravan also specifies that order.

I see I'm going to have an issue with the tires. I have a mix of D and E load range tires, and they don't use the same max PSI.

 

Ford camera on the right
Corner trim cap over the screws before I sealed it up.
Punched holes in the plastic underlayment all down the frame. I came up at the LP tank bay and punched a one inch hole into the front generator bay. From there I used a fish tape to pull the wires under the front cap to the pin box. Camera works great and has a good picture.