RV Camera - Poor mans version

[Brado]

Anyone done the trailering camera "Poor mans version"? After buying my truck a couple months ago I was looking into getting the RV camera that GM has for it, until I saw that they wanted $700. For a wire and a camera? Sheesh...

So I figured someone out there may have figured out how to do it. Looks like this guy is doing it.

Figured I'd give it a try. So I called the local dealership to see if they would tell me the part number for the camera on my truck. They were no help.
Them - "We don't sell just the camera. It's a whole kit."
Me - "So if the camera breaks or gets knocked of my trailer somehow, I can't get a replacement? I have to buy the whole kit?"
Them - "Yep".

By now I've found the part number and am getting ready to get all the stuff to try it. Just curious if anyone out there has done this?

 

[testerdahl]

Anyone done the trailering camera "Poor mans version"? After buying my truck a couple months ago I was looking into getting the RV camera that GM has for it, until I saw that they wanted $700. For a wire and a camera? Sheesh...

So I figured someone out there may have figured out how to do it. Looks like this guy is doing it.

Figured I'd give it a try. So I called the local dealership to see if they would tell me the part number for the camera on my truck. They were no help.
Them - "We don't sell just the camera. It's a whole kit."
Me - "So if the camera breaks or gets knocked of my trailer somehow, I can't get a replacement? I have to buy the whole kit?"
Them - "Yep".

By now I've found the part number and am getting ready to get all the stuff to try it. Just curious if anyone out there has done this?

We bought a wireless camera for our camper on Amazon for a few hundred bucks. The camper came pre-wired for the camera, so install was simply plug in and then adjust the angle.

I’ve had a few people ask to do camera reviews for campers. Maybe if I get some spare time in January when things slow down. The challenge is spending say $2-3k on various campers and doing a video that would make $40.

 

[Fightnfire]

I don't have a camera on the rear of my trailer. I just don't see the need for it. If it came wired and ready to go ... I would probably use it becasue why not, but I don't and haven't had an issue.

Post the part # though, I'm curious.

 

[Dusdaddy]

Nice! Great way to do it and much cheaper.

I did something along those lines when I bought one of those CarPlay screens for $100. They come with a front dash-cam and an additional back-up camera. My truck already had that, so I mounted the camera on the back of my trailer. Ran a $10 extension cable from the back of trailer to the hitch area then the included cable to the dash. Now when I hook up my trailer, I plug the cables together and I have a trailer camera. Works great to keep on eye on any small cars in my blind spot behind the trailer. It also helps when backing up to a fence or wall, so I know close I am and to make sure I have enough room to drop my rear ramp.

 

[Brado]

Part number for the camera I believe is the same camera for the rear tailgate backup. Part #84676845

We bought a wireless camera for our camper on Amazon for a few hundred bucks. The camper came pre-wired for the camera, so install was simply plug in and then adjust the angle.

I’ve had a few people ask to do camera reviews for campers. Maybe if I get some spare time in January when things slow down. The challenge is spending say $2-3k on various campers and doing a video that would make $40.

I'd be interested to see how other camera's stack up. I bought one (Auto-Vox off Amazon) last year and it worked for the most part. Just go tired of the disconnected signal and I didn't really want to setup the wire that I could send out of the cab for better connection. The one thing the after market camera's won't have that I was mostly doing this whole project for is the integrated transparent trailer stuff. Not a great idea for a video unless you got time and money to spare. haha

I just go this working today by the way and love it! Next time I take the trailer out I'll post a pick of it.

I don't have a camera on the rear of my trailer. I just don't see the need for it. If it came wired and ready to go ... I would probably use it becasue why not, but I don't and haven't had an issue.

Post the part # though, I'm curious.

Part number for the camera I believe is the same camera for the rear tailgate backup camera. GMC Sierra SLT 2023 - Part #84676845

 

[Andy]

Just ordered the first part of the kit from C-RAD Car Tech link that Tim has for GM trucks via Ebay. He has the cables and GM cameras (two types depending on truck year). Well less than half the price of the factory kit.
You have to program the trailer dimensions and a on the road calibration to give you the factory back up guidance lines.
The camera has to be installed at the proper height which is about the same as the tailgate camera.
This guy installed the factory camera

same as the kit.
Now will have to wait for the snow to melt.