Tailgate Camera

[jsmith948]

Have a 2011 F250 SB and Cougar 282 RES with the extended pin box
After reading the posts regarding tailgate damage when maneuvering, I am considering an aftermarket "V" type tailgate but do not want to lose the tailgate back-up camera (very handy when not towing)
Does anyone know of an aftermarket tailgate that accommodates the Camera?

[jbsmith]

Originally Posted by jsmith948

Does anyone know of an aftermarket tailgate that accommodates the Camera?

Why not just remove the camera from your stock tailgate handle and reinstall on the new one? If that won't work, check out http://pac-audio.com for possible options that meet your needs. They feature a lot of "no cut" products that plug into the factory harness. You may want to give them a call to help locate something that might work for you.

One nice feature of some of these aftermarket kits is that they allow you to turn on the back-up camera without putting the truck in reverse. The module for the new RAM navigation radios will even let you listen to the radio, etc while displaying the video from the camera. That's what we plan to do on our new truck for a rear view/backup camera when trailering. You may find something similar for Ford.

These cameras are electrically very simple and should only have a video line and a power/ground lead. When you put the truck in reverse, it sends 12V to the camera. So...any aftermarket camera, e.g. those mounted in a license plate frame, should be easy to "splice" into your factory wiring.

[jsmith948]

Thanks for the help, I hadn't thought about the license frame mount - I like that Idea as the camera would work with the tailgate down - I'll check that out.

[jbsmith]

Originally Posted by jsmith948

Thanks for the help, I hadn't thought about the license frame mount - I like that Idea as the camera would work with the tailgate down - I'll check that out.

That's what we did with our SUV and bumper pull. I could see the ball and perfectly align the hitch without assistance. I'd still do some research to make sure splicing into the existing wiring will work.

[Johnnyfry]

I have a 318 SAB and mounted a camera on the cargo light just above the rear window. It gives a great view for hooking up. You did not say if you have a trailer or a 5er, but it sure is a great location for a 5er.

I can line up the pin box without straining my neck.

John

[jsmith948]

There's another great idea! Isn't this forum great?
We do pull a fifth wheel - mounting the camera there just might work
Thank you, everyone, for the ideas