For Christmas i received the Hopkins Smarthitch back up camera for my 2017 F150 SuperCrew. I want to position the monitor on the windshield next to the rearview mirror.
Any suggestions or instructions how to remove panels and run the wiring so not to be seen?

Thanks!

 

I cant say how to take all the panels off, but the Hopkins camera system works really well. I had one on my 2010 F150 super cab, loved it!

 

where did you mount your monitor?

 

It’s pretty easy to run wires to the mirror. I’ll try to quickly explain how I did my dashcam.

It doesn’t matter if you run the wires down the passenger or driver’s side, the process is the same.

Starting at the door. Pull the rubber door seal directly away from the cab, from the roof to the bottom of the door. Next, you’ll remove the A-pillar plastic. Remove the 2 little covers that are at the top and bottom of the grab handle. Now you can remove the bolts that were hidden under them. Pull the grab handle towards you with a decent tug....it should come loose. Next, finagle it directly towards you and it’ll come out. There is an airbag under it, so don’t get crazy. Here is a video of a guy doing it to a Ford Transit. The process is the same, except the handle is molded into the F150 A-pillar (that is a separate piece on the transit van). Definitely look at the video, you’ll see how easy the process is...

Once the A-pillar plastic is off, you’ll remove the triangular shaped plastic piece at the end of the dash. It has F150 on it, and is where the dash meets the door. It is easiest to remove by grabbing the front and pulling it off. Don’t pull it towards you, it comes off in the direction of the door (so, sideways, if you know what I mean).

You now have access to run your wires from under the dash, up the A-pillar, and can tuck them above the headliner, all the way to the rear view mirror.

Lastly, the mirrror plastic. Okay, there is a big piece of plastic there, it’s 2 pieces. The larger forward-most piece: locate the seam where it meets the second piece. That is where you’ll pull directly downwards and outwards. It has plastic tabs holding the 2 pieces of plastic together. You may need to use something to help pry it a bit. Do it slowly so you’ll see how it was attached. Pay attention to how the seam looks, so you’ll be able to put it back the same way. Once it is loose, angle it downwards from the back and the front of it just slides down to come off. The smaller second piece of plastic is really easy. It has 2 metal clips holding it. You’ll get it off by pulling directly downward on the rearmost edge (closest to you).....it should just pop loose.

So, that’s pretty much it. I’ve done it a couple of times. It’s easier to do if you’ll move your mirror around so you can see easily and keep it out of your way.

While these may not be perfect instructions, I do think they will help you if you read them while doing it, because you’ll be able see what I’m talking about. It’s pretty straight forward.

I hope this helps. The hardest thing is knowing where to pull on things and which way to pull on them.

 

Someone just asked on my wall about how to go from the rear view mirrror to the USB ports in the center console cubby.

In the post above, we covered how to get to the dash. To get the rest of the way is very easy.

If you have already done the above procedure, you have access to run your wires all the way to and into the dash. From below the dash, you’ll snake the wires over toward the center console.

Now you need to remove the center console. First, set the emergency brake. Next, put the truck in ACC mode (if you have a key, that’s the first click. If you have push button start you’ll hit the button WITHOUT having your foot on the brake). Now shift the truck into neutral after confirming you have the emergency brake set.

Open the armrest compartment of your center console. It’s time to remove the center console cover. It is one big piece. No tools are needed. At the most rearward part of it, you’ll grip it and pull it directly upwards. It will unsnap. Once it’s unsnapped, youlll pull it directly rearwards and slightly upwards (this is why you are in neutral, the shifter would have been in the way).

Once the cover is off, you’ll need to drill a small hole to allow the wires to pass into the cubby area. Also, with the cover off, you’ll be able to route your wires to it.

This is how I originally did mine, it was down the drivers side. Then, recently I undid it and ran the wires down the passenger side to the fuse box in the passenger footwell. It’s up to you how you want to do it.


Here is the hole I drilled in my cubby. You can’t see it when sitting in the truck. If you get your power from the passenger side footwell, you won’t need to remove the center console cover or drill the hole.

 

thanks for taking the time w the step by step instructions .i plan on running it on the drivers side following the main wiring harness then apply your instructions accordingly.

thanks again