Use brake controller to power backup camera?

[hedge]

I just installed a wireless backup camera on my camper (Garmin BC30). To avoid running extra wires between the truck and camper I just tied into the backup light wire of the 7-pin umbilical. Of course this makes the camera only come on in reverse.

I would like the ability to turn the camera on anytime I want. The obvious solution is to run a wire from the truck to camper and use one of the upfitter switches to control it.

Then I thought of using the unused brake controller wire to turn on the camera. Of course I couldn't use it when towing a trailer with brakes but that's rare and I'd need to isolate the feeds so that I don't backfeed the tail lights.

Any reason this won't work? I like it as I wouldn't need any other wiring between truck and camper.

PS: what does the power look like coming out of the brake controller wire? Does the voltage vary? Probably could still use it to trigger the camera but may need to use a relay?

[jimh406]

I'd use the upfitter switch since that is what they are for. You could probably wire it into anything including your radio, but I can't think of any real upside unless you are just wanting to have a "different" solution.

[clancy47]

You could install a wireless switch that would be powered from your camper and then control your camera when it is needed

[trailgranny50]

I installed one also. Tried the always hot at bumper plug wiring and the power fluctuates just enough to keep shutting camera off then it had to reconnect to display and that was a pain not too mention hard on transmitter. Just went ahead and got longer cable from Garmin ran from camera to transmitter glued to pass thru window we never use and ran wires to onboard battery directly. Installed a rocker switch between to turn transmitter off preventing constant searching and battery drain when parked. Works like a champ now. Can monitor trailer towing, traffic in city or heavy traffic, or just use map, only takes two taps on the screen to change between map and camera. Display can be moved into the camper to use for security purposes at night or anytime. The transmitter WILL run down batteries if not switched or left in on position. I got a lighted one so I can't miss it.

[Kayteg1]

You could disconnect the wire at controller and wire it to a switch with permanent power to it, but would not that be simpler on long run to pull new wire to the back?

[DougE]

OK> Yes the brake wire at the trailer connector is variable voltage controlled by the brake controller. If you take power off that circuit to power your camera, you could bridge the power to the brake controller with a toggle switch to the brake actuator wire.

[hedge]

I considered that but I have my running lights on all the time so the camera would always be live. I'd then have to go through the menu of the GPS to select the camera every time I backed up. If I do it the way I'm considering it switches to the camera when the camera comes on.

[DougE]

You could hook it up to the running light wire in the trailer connector. Then just turn on your parking lights when you want to use the camera. I don't know if the backup camera is a problem being on at night for you. Also, I guess you could hook up to both the backup and running light circuits and use diodes to isolate each from back-feeding. Then either will run the camera for you.