Forum Discussion

eddd's avatar
eddd
Explorer
Sep 15, 2015

Backup Camera Suggestions

My 2002 Chevy 2500HD long bed does not have a camera, but I'm looking into adding one. I don't really need it for general backing up, but rather I anticipate I'll be hitching and unhitching a trailer as many as several times a day. I'm pretty good at getting close without, but if I need to do this often it will be nice to just use the camera to line things up.

I'm thinking that a mounting position up higher on my tailgate would be better to have a good view of the ball and hitch. This is where I need some suggestions for model and placement. I will also be doing some hitching up in the dark so I need suggestions that include that situation. I know some have infrared, but would it just be easier to have the area lighted with some LEDs?

Thanks for taking time to respond.

7 Replies

  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Sep 17, 2015
    eddd wrote:
    Thanks for the suggestions. I think either would work well for me. I like the wireless for simplicity of hook up, but then it requires setting up each time. The other would be good because it is always ready, but running the cable is obviously going to take some time and effort.


    not really. 20 minutes maybe. The hardest part was Teeing into the 7 pin. once you get it apart, and back together. The rest is super easy. I just ran the cable along side the wiring harness under the truck next to the frame rail. Tied it up with tie wraps.
    Once you get under the cab you have choices to make. You can get the extra length, and come in thru the firewall, Or do like I did, and take the door edgeing loose, and come up thru it, go under the carpet to the wire cut out under the seat, and from there any where you want. The 7 pin provide ALL the power.
  • eddd's avatar
    eddd
    Explorer
    Sep 16, 2015
    Thanks for the suggestions. I think either would work well for me. I like the wireless for simplicity of hook up, but then it requires setting up each time. The other would be good because it is always ready, but running the cable is obviously going to take some time and effort.
  • Hondavalk's avatar
    Hondavalk
    Explorer II
    Sep 16, 2015
    Terryallan wrote:
    Bought the wired Hopkins Smart Hitch. Mounts to the tag mount, Has a great view of the hitch, and ball. Also has the warning system. I really like it. Easy to install. Tees into the 7 pin. Only comes on in reverse.

    X2 on the Hopkins
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Sep 16, 2015
    I use a Swift Hitch (5 pics) as well and find I can spot the hitch ball under the coupler exactly where I want it with no difficulty at all. Having previously owned a system that was powered by the truck I really appreciate the fact that the SH monitor and camera are both self powered so there's no fussing around with cables. Yes, the monitor isn't particularly large but it does the job and I find the picture doesn't break up at all. :B
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Sep 15, 2015
    Bought the wired Hopkins Smart Hitch. Mounts to the tag mount, Has a great view of the hitch, and ball. Also has the warning system. I really like it. Easy to install. Tees into the 7 pin. Only comes on in reverse.

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