Backup Camera Idea

[themidship22@mac.com]

Would it be possible to hook up my backup camera to one of my upfitter switches?
Also i would want it to still turn on when put into reverse.
There are sometimes that i would like to see what is behind me when I am not backing up... Like who is riding my ass in their little car.

So what do yall guys think?
Good Idea?
Possible?

[ford_doctor]

Thought this was in interesting question - kind of pointless and unnecessary - but I like stuff like this so I looked at a few wiring diagrams. It is actually looks possible to do this or at least on paper it does. The green/brown wire at the mirror connector is the 12-volt signal voltage from the reverse lamp circuit which triggers the camera to turn on.

You could easily wire one of your upfitter switches to apply 12-volts to that circuit but this will also cause the reverse lamps to illuminate and trigger the parking aid module if your truck is equipped with PAM. Additionally this would also power up the trailer tow reverse lamps circuit. The good news is that this circuit is isolated from the powertrain controls via the reverse lamp relay.

If I were to try this I would splice the output circuit from the upfitter switch to the green/brown control circuit for the camera close to the mirror. To prevent voltage feedback to the other modules and lights on the circuit I would install a diode in the circuit just before the splice. This will prevent the switch voltage from back feeding the circuit but still allow voltage to reach the mirror when the transmission is shifted into reverse. In theory, this should work... don't blame me if you break your truck, burn something up or otherwise render anything useless.




That includes driving your truck into something or someone while you are playing with your reverse camera while driving. I know, to most people it's no different then using a cell phone, a navigation system, adjusting the radio or putting on make-up, all while driving and these things are done countless times every day. That doesn't necessarily mean we should be doing them.

[Scottb NY]

Ford Doctor,
Do you remember what cell you were looking at on the wiring diagram? I am interested in trying this also, especially for plowing...

[themidship22@mac.com]

Thank you very much for your reply.
Very informative. Slightly condescending, but Thanks
I really want it for novelty more than anything. Haha i like to show neat little tricks.

Thank you.

[ford_doctor]

Originally Posted by themidship22@mac.com

Thank you very much for your reply.
Very informative. Slightly condescending, but Thanks
I really want it for novelty more than anything. Haha i like to show neat little tricks.

Thank you.

Well, perhaps I didn't need to get out the `ol soap box but I had a point to make. Anyway, now that I think about the back feeding issue, it might be interesting to see how a tailgater would react to your reverse lights coming on at 60 MPH while he is riding your bumper!

Originally Posted by scottb NY

Ford Doctor,
Do you remember what cell you were looking at on the wiring diagram? I am interested in trying this also, especially for plowing...

I don't recall the actual cell number but it was the "reverse lamps" cell if you have the book.

[Scottb NY]

I do have the book on DVD and will look it up. I agree about the 60mph and backup lights comming on.....

I think you are right on about the warning you gave, it is amazing how much delay there is when you are plowing and have to wait for the camera to come on to make sure no one is standing behind the big truck with all of the lights on...........

[jareda80]

It's also nice to be able to look at your load if you are towing. My truck is high enough that I can't see the front of the trailer.

[rambunctious]

or when you back just a little too far to hook up teh trailer,
you put it in drive, and the camera goes out

great idea themidship.....

I'm gonna do it.

A guy could make up a small harness with connectors, diode, wire harness of the proper length, and instructions to plug into the correct output for an upfitter switch and you might have something to sell for $19.99
turn key !!, many people like that.........

now. I need a bigger screen in my mirror, it's just too small!!

Ramb

[stunya]

how about part 2 of this mod...how can i tap into the signal for the mirror to output to my reverse camera capable head unit?

has anyone done this? Is it as simple as splitting the signal going to the mirror? Not trying to jack the thread...you all just seem way more electronically knowledgeable than me!!

[mjcloud]

Let us know if this works.

[Hunter40]

I installed the rearview camera as an aftermarket item, but I hooked up the wire to the upfitter switches. I like being able to check on the trailer connection, chains, and wiring without having to pull over or put it in reverse.

[unionhill]

Originally Posted by Hunter40

I installed the rearview camera as an aftermarket item, but I hooked up the wire to the upfitter switches. I like being able to check on the trailer connection, chains, and wiring without having to pull over or put it in reverse.

What was involved in the retrofit? I would like to do this but want to mount the camera on the back of a slide-in camper...

[F350CGY]

Guys, I haven't got the backup cam from the factory on my truck, but would any of you know if the wiring is there already?

let's face it we can all get good at getting close to the hitch when hooking up a trailer, but its just those little moments when your not perfect that you end up with the small dimples in the bumper...

Thanks in advance.

[mmayo]

did anyone figure this out?

it gets its power from F73 in the battery junction box(bjb) & uses a 2 amp fuse.

Its a white & brown wire & looks like it runs down the left frame rail to the camera

[lowerd96]

So if we have the white and brown wires on the frame rail, and a mirror with a harness plugged into it, we should be able to add the factory camera?