2017 / 2018 F350 T/Cs and Cameras

[BradW]

We are about to order 2018 F350 XLT 4x4 PSD 4-door DRW.

One of the things I am confused about are the camera options.

I would like to have the rear cab and tail gate cameras when I'm just towing a trailer. But I would also like to have a rear facing camera on the T/C when we are also towing a trailer.

What have y'all done concerning trailers/TC's and cameras?

Thanks for any help,
BradW

[Kayteg1]

Can you post a picture how the trailer camera shows on 360 vision?
I use cargo trailer rarely, so did want to spend $500 for its camera, but $200 is another dimension.

[Qwkdraw21]

No it doesn't since it's part of the 360 vision but it does help when the tailgate is off and TC is on.

[Kayteg1]

Qwkdraw21 wrote:
this is what i bought, hooks right in the factory aux. port under the spare tire. great when your tailgate is removed, still allows you to use you in-dash monitor.

https://camera-source.com/automotive-cams/ford-oe-fit/2017-super-duty-w-360-view-mini-universal-trailer-cam.html

That's way cheaper than $500 for Ford trailer camera, but will it stay on when you drive?

[Qwkdraw21]

this is what i bought, hooks right in the factory aux. port under the spare tire. great when your tailgate is removed, still allows you to use you in-dash monitor.

https://camera-source.com/automotive-cams/ford-oe-fit/2017-super-duty-w-360-view-mini-universal-trailer-cam.html

[guidry]

I posted in someone else’s post on the items I bought from Amazon. It’s a camera, monitor, long cord and a cigarette adapter for power. Cord runs under the TC and into my back door to my cab. Everything is tucked away and works great. Total cost was about $80 and I can keep an eye on my boat and when backing.

[BradW]

I am very glad I posted my question and thanks to all you folks who provided great info.

I want a camera on the back of my TC for two reasons: 1) to see when backing and 2) to see my boat trailer or car hauler trailer while driving down the road.

I did not know the Ford factory cams all shut off at 5mph. That was news to me.

So it sounds like my best bet is to go with a stand a lone aftermarket camera/monitor system if I want to use it driving down the highway.

Thanks all for the great help!

BradW

[Buzzcut1]

I went with a https://www.tadibrothers.com/ system for the back of my TC, works while Driving. I got the multi camera option so I can watch the horses inside the trailer. should have gotten a 3 camera system and put the third on the rear of the trailer for lane changes and backing

link fixed

[Kayteg1]

hedge wrote:

I'm also hoping someone will come out with a camera that will plug into the tailgate connector when it's removed.

That's what I did in the link above.

[jimh406]

I've done the Camera Source solution as well. Make sure you get a camera with a long enough cord if you want to mount above the door. It's just over 200 or so and looks professional and still gives me the capability of a camera when the tailgate is on. I have the license plate mount. The biggest issue is remembering to unplug when you take the TC off.

The "workarounds using Ford cameras" I've seen look like **** and are just as expensive, but the wireless solutions are ok as long as you want an extra display.

[hedge]

I have the 360 camera system. It works great other than as said above the 5mph lockout. I don't think that will be hacked anytime soon as from what I understand it it's integrated into the vehicle's OS.

I find the camera in the back of the cab (CHMSL) to be quite useful for loading the camper.

I'm also hoping someone will come out with a camera that will plug into the tailgate connector when it's removed.

[Devocamper]

Check out Camara-source.com they have license plate mounted cameras that use the oem tailgate connectors. The cord on mine is long enough to either be mounted at the truck plate or run to the back of then TC and mounted at the plate location on the TC, you can switch back to the tailgate location when not caring the camper or just use the plate location permanently
Mike

[GordonThree]

Look into something called the lockpick

Mainly aimed at Dodge and Ram since they were first with a computerized display system, but GM and Ford options exist too.

Lockpick will get rid of speed and gear lockouts, as well as let you add cameras you didn't pay for from the factory. Also unlocks gps if equipped, so you can type while driving.

[Kayteg1]

I have extreme tow package on my 2017 that come with 5 cameras on the truck.
Trailer camera is additional purchase and you can have it alone, or with TPMS for trailer.
As above, not only Ford is not allowing you to use cameras above 5 mph, but the only way to activate rear cameras is by switching to reverse and then you still have to scroll the screen for bed camera.
I am waiting for smart guys to hack the system. The cameras are pretty good and I would love to have front working with recorder as traffic camera.
You can find my thread how I converted the tailgate camera for camper use HERE

[Qwkdraw21]

Brad, we ordered our 2017 F350 DRW Lariat with all of the cameras. the only problem is they all shut off after you hit 5MPH. We installed a Voyager camera system on our TC for when we tow since the tail gate has to be removed, we also added an auxiliary camera that hooks to the factory harness that can be mounted around the rear of the truck. We mounted it just above the license plate holder
PM is you need pics.