Backup Camera Mod for 5th wheel truck

[Iggy]

I just recently purchased a new Ford F-250 which came with a backup camera. Well I had to remove the tailgate and install my 5th wheel V tailgate.

I thought it would be neat to have a camera that when backing up see the hitch alignment and would show in the backup mirror.

I puchased a miniture camera and tapped into the power and video circuit at the rear of the truck and installed the camera in my cargo box lid.
Simple wiring and in a few hours I had it done.

Here are the pictures.
This is the camera I purchased. LINK

If you want more info just ask.

[scubieman]

That is well done. I may need one of those once I get a 5th wheel since I got a Mega Cab!!! Thanks for idea.

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by scubieman

That is well done. I may need one of those once I get a 5th wheel since I got a Mega Cab!!! Thanks for idea.

The only thing I may redo is the wiring. I need to purchase 2 pair stranded wire. I just used some solid bell wire for both the video and power. Works great but I know I can do a better install with the single 2 pair cable.

[scubieman]

I used coax cable.. It worked well. Another open is to purchase the factory cable going to the camera. Cut that up and attach your camera to that. So you didn't have to tap into the good factory cable(monitor side).

[Rugged Brown]

i thought you were going to install it in your 3rd brake light.

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by Rugged Brown

i thought you were going to install it in your 3rd brake light.

You were right. That is what I was going to do but after I hooked (temp)it up I saw how it saw everything and decided to stay much lower by using my storage box. It was a much easier install and I didn't damage my 1 day old truck. I may reconsider later but now it is working great in seeing the 5th wheel hitch in the mirror.

[Warrior]

Great idea. Why weren't you able to use the OEM camera?

[jimh]

i did something similar today. i purchased a camera and put it in the center of my bed cover storage box. ran the wires along with wires from a camera mounted to the back of the trailer inside the channel in the bottom of the door frame area to the front of the truck.
i was installing it as a side view camera but it swivels so i thought of the same thing ur doing. i still haven't run power to it so don't know how well it is going to work. i'm afraid vibration is going to make it unusable.
the rear view (on the trailer) is operational so i will see how well it works tomorrow (we are going to Natchez trace parkway campground in southern Tenn tomorrow. if the other camera stays up there, i will look at getting power to it when i get back...cable is run need to reduce bat voltage and tie it in. figure 2 diodes will drop voltage to abt 9v).
bought the camera on the truck from harbor freight for $30.

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by Warrior

Great idea. Why weren't you able to use the OEM camera?

No I left the OEM camera in the tailgate and bought the camera online

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by jimh

i did something similar today. i purchased a camera and put it in the center of my bed cover storage box. ran the wires along with wires from a camera mounted to the back of the trailer inside the channel in the bottom of the door frame area to the front of the truck.
i was installing it as a side view camera but it swivels so i thought of the same thing ur doing. i still haven't run power to it so don't know how well it is going to work. i'm afraid vibration is going to make it unusable.
the rear view (on the trailer) is operational so i will see how well it works tomorrow (we are going to Natchez trace parkway campground in southern Tenn tomorrow. if the other camera stays up there, i will look at getting power to it when i get back...cable is run need to reduce bat voltage and tie it in. figure 2 diodes will drop voltage to abt 9v).
bought the camera on the truck from harbor freight for $30.

Nice ideas. This forum has plenty of great ideas and suggestions.
Iggy