2007 Expy Limited VR3 Backup Camera Install
 

Just joined the forum. We purchased an 07 Expy Limited 2 weeks ago with 33K miles. It's loaded but no Backup Camera. I purchase a wireless VR3 at Wally World on clearance for $74.

I want to hard wire the monitor to a switched 12 volt source. I was thinking about the Brake Controller Harness(not sure if that is switched). I also see a harness connector behind the radio plate that's not hooked to anything. I have not taken it apart yet and tested for voltage but it looks like a flat 4 slot connector.

I also have read that the center terminal in the 7 pin trailer harness is reverse lights on the Fords(need to confirm this also). If so I think I will mount the camera directly on top of the hitch receiver, not on the license plate. This will save running the wires up throught the hitch gate and back down the rear pillar to the reverse lights.

I'm going to install my Prodigy Brake controller and the 12volt charge relay/ fuse today and then look at the Camera install. It's raining here today so it's a good day for this work in the garage.

Anyone have experience or suggestions to share.

Thanks

I have been thinking of adding one but have not looked to far into it yet let us know how it works out and some pics would be great. I like the idea of not wiring through the lift gate that will be interesting to see how it works. good luck

I'm keeping my eye on this one too. We have an '07 Navi EL with Nav. I think I'm going to do a separate screen and mount it just above the rear view mirror.

Not sure if yours is wireless (from the front to back) but I'm inclined to run wires for better resolution and less interference. Seems like some of the screens have to be turned on every time you start the vehicle, but I want mine to come on automatically whenever reverse is engaged.

I'm intrigued by your trailer hitch mount idea but I wonder if it will give you the proper perspective on what's immediatly behind the vehicle?

Interesting idea to tap into the trailer harness.

Good luck!

The Backup camera and the Brake Controller are installed. I did wire the camera to the center lug of the 7 pin trailer harness as this only powered when in reverse. I connected to the center wire behind the 7 pin connector. I'm not totally happy so far with the camera location and still may move it. I double side taped it to the bumper just above the hitch receiver. I want to be able to get a good view of the hitch ball so I can connect the camper as well as use it for backing up without the camper. The view is good but the camera sticks out like a sore thumb. It looked good right on top of the hitch but the angle was wrong to see the ball. I trimmed the long wings off that would be used to attach to the license plate.

As far as the monitor, I piggy backed the 12 volt switched input to the existing Bluetooth(installed by previsous owner). The brake controller harness 12 volt is always on so that was a no go. I used double sided tape and mounted the monitor to the upper dash to the left of the streering wheel along the pillar. It actually is hidden here and looks good. The wire is hidden nicely as it runs off the left of the unit directly into the rubber strip going down the pillar and then under the dash to the radio area.

The camera activates only when in reverse and the monitor comes on automatically when it senses the camera's signal. The picture does get some interferance at times but for the most part works good so far.

I need to get some pictures and post them.

I am installing an OEM camera with a lockpick so that I can view the camera view through the Nav unit. You have to run the wires through the car but you wont have to mount an additional screen.

Where does one find a lockpick?

Here you go. FORD 360 LOCKPICK

Awesome! Thanks Ticket Bait! They owe you a commission!

Pics please. I am very interested in your install.

Finally got some time to take some pics. Click on any picture to see more. Not 100% happy with the camera location but it avoids drilling into the liftgate and running the wires up through the top and into and down the pillar to the reversre lights. Connected the 12 volt feed directly off the center wire on the trailer harness so it comes on only when in reverse. The reliability of the wireless signal is not 100% but for $74 what can you expect. I tried putting the camera right on top of the hitch receiver and it looked good in that location but the camera was to low to use for backing up to the camper with ball in the way. Used double sided tape and it held strong through the car wash so far.

http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/46...600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/44...600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb17.webshots.com/20...600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/19...600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/46...600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/44...600x600Q85.jpg

nice job man

you considered mounting that camera inside the bumper cover and just drilling a small hole?

Looks good. Not a fan of the camera location. Is there somewhere else to mount it?

I'm still looking for alternatives but I definetly do not want to drill any holes. I want the entire install to be removable without a trace if possible. The monitor and camera are doubleside taped and holding well. Any suggestions are welcomed.

Here's a few more shots of the monitor (it's hard to get it to come out clear in a pic.

http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/45...600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/32...600x600Q85.jpg

Use the Macro setting for close up pics.

How about mount the camera to the left of the hitch? Opposite of the plug. Is there a license plate adapter?

Ummmmm. I've seen these photos somewhere else... ;)

-- Chuck