Use back-up camera to monitor trailer

[Jackseric]

I have a little 1000 lbs utility trailer that I only tow a dozen times a year. It occurred to me that it would be nice to be able to flip on the back-up camera while going down the road to get a quick check on the trailer/load. I used to pull it with a GMC Acadia, and I could barely see the edges of the trailer while driving. I suspect it's going to be worse in my new Sierra.

 

Does this make sense? Is something like this possible?

[Zebrafive]

It is possible. The backup camera is powered by the backup lights feed. You need to find where it is hooked in and find a way to power it.

 

I would use a relay. Connect the backup camera power feed across the normally closed terminals. Connect a 12 volt feed to the normally open terminal. When the relay is activated, the camera will be powered. Just make sure you have the camera connected to terminal 30, so you feed the camera and not the backup lights.

[Sobit]

Hey keep us posted on how works out. Would be interested in how works

[Jackseric]

It is possible. The backup camera is powered by the backup lights feed. You need to find where it is hooked in and find a way to power it.

 

I would use a relay. Connect the backup camera power feed across the normally closed terminals. Connect a 12 volt feed to the normally open terminal. When the relay is activated, the camera will be powered. Just make sure you have the camera connected to terminal 30, so you feed the camera and not the backup lights.

 

I think there must be something else involved as well. I haven't had time to test yet, but I think you might be right about the power supply for the camera being tied to the backup lights. I think there is another connection that needs to be made however. Something somewhere tells the in-dash video screen to switch to the camera source when you hit reverse. I am not sure what that is or even where to look to find it...

 

I did the free mod to link the relays between the cargo light and reverse lights. (BTW, I love the extra light and you can't beat free!) So now I can power the camera on by flipping the cargo light switch on. Now I just need to figure out the video thing and I think we'll be in action!

[Zebrafive]

 

I think there must be something else involved as well. I haven't had time to test yet, but I think you might be right about the power supply for the camera being tied to the backup lights. I think there is another connection that needs to be made however. Something somewhere tells the in-dash video screen to switch to the camera source when you hit reverse. I am not sure what that is or even where to look to find it...

 

I did the free mod to link the relays between the cargo light and reverse lights. (BTW, I love the extra light and you can't beat free!) So now I can power the camera on by flipping the cargo light switch on. Now I just need to figure out the video thing and I think we'll be in action!

 

I am not sure about an in dash screen, but for the review mirror, the screen activates when it gets a video signal. It should be easy to test.

[joe mandeville]

The Dodge Charger with the Police Package has a button on the dash screen that allows viewing what's behind the vehicle while driving. So this feature does exist.