Just picked up a new 2015 F350. I have had a Superduty since they were born, ordered a new 1999 7.3L in early 1998. The 7.3L was (is!) overall great. After 90K miles on the 7.3 and 150 miles on the 6.7, I like the 6.7L that much better. By way of introduction, it is a Lariat Supercab 2WD DRW, "like trying to find a Unicorn" as one dealer said. Thought about waiting and ordering a 2017, but I am leery of the big model change so would wait for a couple of more years, and I got one hell of a deal on this one, below invoice and - $4K incentives.

Anyway, some of the time I carry a camper and tow a sailplane trailer. The reverse camera is on the tailgate so it is gone to put the camper in. I intend to install a new one above the camper door for use with the camper, plugging into the OEM wiring harness. The glider trailer is very long (35') and narrow and cannot be seen in the rear view mirrors. I would like to be able to turn on the backup camera with an aux switch to see if the trailer is still there. Has anyone found a way to fool the Navi system into turning on the backup camera while you are in forward gear? Not just the delay thing, I mean at 60 mph on the freeway. Seems like either it is nearly impossible (Navi system reads PID from CAnbus) or easy (reverse switch wire to Navi system). I'm guessing the latter, so I can just parallel an upfitter switch. Anybody know or have done this?

 

The easy solution is to add secondary camera system or purchase the LockPick unit from Coastal Electronics.

As far as turning on the camera, I understand the camera is powered on at all times while vehicle key is in ACC or RUN position. The radio system blocks the signal when moving forward. I assume there is a feed from the ECU or powertrain control module that lets the radio know when the gear select lever is in forward drive or reverse drive positions.

I would think you would have to fool the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) or the Audio Control Module (ACM) with some type of signal.

Which lead back to the LockPick unit being the easiest method which leaves more hair to pull for other projects.

 

Ditto what Larry said above if you want to use in the in dash monitor.

A cheaper option maybe to install a Dash Cam that has two cameras, Front and rear facing. They can record and display live feeds, so you could just leave it in the reverse camera display. But most dash cams have pretty small displays.

There are a number of after market back up cameras for horse trailers etc. That are designed so you can see your horses as you drive. One of those could be set up to watch your trailer, But again it's a second monitor

 

Ok, thanks, that LockPick system seems to do what I want (and a lot more). Reading the instructions for it, it looks like the interfaces for the Sync stuff is more sophisticated than I imagined. I guess Detroit is finally getting into the 21st century.

 

Swarf_rat,
I am running the lockpick for a variety of options. I am compiling by install and experience.
It has a few quirks but do well once you get it all up and working.
Eventually I will be running the following through mine.
Front Camera
Rear Camera stock (tailgate)
Rear Camera (trailer)
Right side mirror camera
Left side mirror camera (undecided, see if needed)
Android screen cast to Torque Pro (LockPick Air required)
Media Play

I will post a link here when it's up.

Keith

 

One thing I notice from the install video, that box is kind of big. Did you find room for it behind the screen?

 

Yes it fits on top of the CD/HVAC controller, but I'm going to look for a more accessible location. Depends on wiring harness length.

 

When I had a lockpick and lock pick air installed in my 2015, I was able to snake the harness down the right side of the dash by the air ducts so i could mount the lockpick box behind the glove box with double sided tape. I was also able to have better access to the various other input wires for the additional cameras.

If you take your time, you can get the harness down as I did. This saves pulling the center dash to get access to the wires when you add a camera or take one away.

 

That is exactly where I am going yo be looking

 

If I understand the instructions (which could be written more clearly.....) by a long click on one of the steering wheel buttons it will turn on the reverse camera anytime - right?

 

Yes and no.
It's easier to use the remote.
If you activate a camera it stays live and can get caught is a loop, from menu to sync and back, until you go into menu and deactivate the camera again.

 

Our wants and needs were somewhat different, however not that far apart in the long haul.

I wanted to replace my tailgate with a fifth wheel tailgate, but didn't want to give up my back up camera. Solution was to purchase a small inexpensive camera that I mounted on the underside of the 5th wheel tailgate. I picked up a rear wire harness from Ford that I wired this new camera to, the other end is a simple plug in that attaches to the OEM wire harness mounted on the rear frame near the spare tire. Total cost less than $40.

Next I wanted a camera that I could mount in a location where I could see the trailer hitch mate up as I hooked up to the 5th wheel. I looked into doing a lock pick, but decided that if there were ever any issues with my stereo system, HAVC controls, and that mass of electronic wonder mounted in the center of my dash I didn't want to give Ford any excuse that the issue was a result of my alteration as to the functionality of the system. So I looked around on the internet and found a rear camera system that came fully equipped for what I needed. The monitor is maybe a 5" unit that folds flat when closed. I mounted this on top of the steering column on the large flat spot behind the steering wheel and the dash. The camera is mounted to the across the bed tool box in the bed of my truck in the middle where I have aimed it at the top of the 5th wheel hitch so I can monitor the hitching process. The camera power is run off of on of the Upfitter switches. The cost of this set up on Amazon was maybe $40 delivered.

I offer this as a solution to what you are looking for. You could purchased a rear wire harness from Ford and a back up camera that mounts over your license plate. Total cost would be under $40.

Then purchase a system like that which I used for the hitch monitor but mount the camera at a height on the camper that allows for the view you are looking for. It is extremely easy to run the wiring from the cab of the truck to the rear bed area. Or of course for a little more money out of pocket you could go wireless on the camera.

Just an option that is available that I thought I would share,

 

There is a way to fool the Nav system and use your backup camera, its not cheap so I passed on it and instead I did a wireless camera I mounted on my 3rd brake light and one on my camper, then I use a after market monitor...

 

I have done the wireless camera and monitor thing in the past, but I don't like the extra stuff kicking around in the cockpit. Since the monitor is already there in the Nav system, using that and the wiring harness already there in the truck is preferable, if possible. Having to use the remote of the LockPick negates some of that convenience. Does anyone else do something like the LockPick?

 

Great tip! thanks!

Planning to order one soon so I can add multiple cameras for my bed and the rear of my trailer.