Get camera/wires out SuperDuty tailgate?(Camera Source=$496)

[LosAngeles]

Get camera + wires out of SuperDuty tailgate? (Camera Source fix is $496)

Hi all

So my main question is - how difficult is it to fish the stock Ford SuperDuty tailgate reverse camera + camera wires out of the actual tailgate?
(that has the tailgate ladder in it)
I am assuming the 2020 would be similar to the 2019.
Google did not provide any info so far.

The story:

About to get our brand new, custom ordered 2020 SuperDuty F350, and then get our Hallmark pop up truck camper. The pop up truck camper will *always* be in the truck, and we have no need to ever use the truck as an actual pickup truck.

The tailgate will always be stored by us. It will never get used. I know I simply unplug the harnesses under the truck when removing the tailgate.

The truck has 360 view, so not just any camera will do, according to Camera Source (only a very few of their cameras are compatible with 360 view camera system, as per their website)

In terms of a rear view camera to be mounted on the rear bumper of the Hallmark pop up truck camper - - - we have two choices.

#1 - I could fish the camera out of the tailgate. I am told it is quite difficult, especially as our tailgate will have the built in ladder…..

#2 I pay almost $500 USD including shipping to me (ouch!) to get the specific Camera Source. I’ll paste the info they emailed me:

“We have a kit that plugs to the single coax and the back under the bumper and comes up automatically in reverse. Here is the link to CS-FTRSK-17SDRC”

https://camera-source.com/automotive-cams/ford-oe-fit/2017-super-duty-w-360-view-relocation-kit-camera-included.html

The third option is that I get the $200 Camera Source option, but that is not automatic… every time I use it I’d have to hit the AUX button, and that is a pain. 😞
I dont want to have to do that. I’ll quote the email they send me:

“…. However, it will not come on automatically in reverse. We have a mini universal camera that would connect to the AUX connector up under the spare tire. ….. When in reverse, push the AUX button to view this camera feed. Here is the link to CS-FTRSKLP-17SD-TRL”
https://camera-source.com/automotive-cams/ford-oe-fit/2017-super-duty-w-360-view-mini-universal-trailer-cam.html

So to repeat my main question - how difficult is it to fish the stock Ford SuperDuty tailgate reverse camera + camera wires out of the actual tailgate?
(that has the tailgate ladder in it)
I am assuming the 2020 would be similar to the 2019.

I think the camera will end up on the rear side of the Hallmark's rear bumper.... attached just to the right of the ladder - and the ladder is removed when underway.

Thanks!

J.

[LosAngeles]

Thanks everyone for the posts above. 🙂

Update: I *think* I will likely go with this new solution…. to be determined.
New info that I just learned today is below.

So i think I will buy a new, OEM Ford tailgate camera from Ford - identical to what is in my forthcoming F350 SuperDuty. (just the camera alone)

¿ Anyone have any rough idea what the camera alone may cost?
Ford can’t price it without the VIN of my forthcoming vehicle, as they need the VIN to ensure I get the exact correct part.

and

Camera Source can sell me a 14 foot harness for $99 - This plugs directly into the Ford OEM camera and also plugs into the connector under the bumper.

My RV manufacturer will make a small metal box, put this camera in it, and mount that on the rear bumper of the camper, for no extra charge (as Hallmark is awesome)

This solution has the advantages of: being the exact same camera as Ford uses…. so zero compatibility issues, and it should look good…. and also hopefully cheaper than the $459 plug and play option Camera Source offers.

Also I get to leave the stock camera in the tailgate… and at some point down the road I will be very happy to have not ripped the original camera out of the tailgate. 🙂

and… Anyone have a lead on buying legit OEM parts from Ford, at a good price?
(so i can get the camera from them)
or should i just take my chances and walk into my local Ford dealership?

Thanks!

J.

[tlowe43q]

I have a 2016 GMC Denali and the replacement tailgate camera was less than $140 delivered. Shop around. I never have the tailgate on so I mounted an OEM replacement camera over my license plate. The guide line angle is a little wonky but I can back up nicely.

[Kayteg1]

LosAngeles wrote:


So my main question is - how difficult is it to fish the stock Ford SuperDuty tailgate reverse camera + camera wires out of the actual tailgate?

On scale 1-10 I would judge it 2-3.
I know forum search sucks, but you can
check my topic on the subject
Than, LosAngeles posted in my original topic a year ago.
Senior moment?

[LosAngeles]

Cougarnewbie wrote:
Just installed camera on a 5th wheel V tailgate. I don't have the ladder but fished the camera and entire harness out of the tailgate. I removed the panel on the inside of the tailgate and getting at the clips was relatively easy. I ordered a camera relocation kit through Custom Flow, the people who made the tailgate. It included a plastic box to install the factory camera. The power lock part of the harness is no longer used.

Thanks for the info - cool.

How hard was it to remove the panel on the (Ford?) tailgate? and fish the wires out?

[Cougarnewbie]

Just installed camera on a 5th wheel V tailgate. I don't have the ladder but fished the camera and entire harness out of the tailgate. I removed the panel on the inside of the tailgate and getting at the clips was relatively easy. I ordered a camera relocation kit through Custom Flow, the people who made the tailgate. It included a plastic box to install the factory camera. The power lock part of the harness is no longer used.

[jimh406]

I have a 2010, but my camera from CameraSource comes on automatically and was just over 200. Kayteq1, reused his camera/removed it from the tailgate. Reasonable solution if you never use the tailgate.

I don’t think it’s that hard to get out. You probably can find his post in the archives if he doesn’t chime in.