Auxiliary Accessory Trailer Camera

[sgreene1963]

On 2/22/2020 at 10:13 AM, Cool J said:

I have a 37'8" Fifth wheel and installed my camera cabling going underneath my RV. I removed the cable from the camera and was able to slide it into 1/2" non-metallic Liquidetight Flexible Conduit from HD to prevent any abrasions under the RV. I was able to fish the cable from the fifth wheel hitch between the bottom floor of the bedroom and the plastic exterior sheeting all the way to the front battery compartment. My RV had several screws that hold this material up and was able to remove them to drop this plastic sheeting down just enough to fish the cable through between the bottom metal floor joists which run parallel with the RV. I then ran the cable through the battery compartment into my propane compartment (drivers side) and followed the rubber propane line where it exits that compartment outside and under the RV. I then ty-wrapped to the conduit along the propane gas line from the front to just past the rear axles and then used 3/4" cable clamps and attached using the existing removable fasteners holding up the coroplast. I used the stick on cable ties to run the cable up to the camera which is mounted slightly higher than the camera on the trucks tailgate. Once this was done I had 3-4' of extra cable at the fifth wheel hitch. Run everything from front to rear with out securing to the RV; then start securing your cabling from the rear back to the front so all your excess cable ends up at the fifth wheel hitch.

 

The problem you will run into is how to connect the video connector to the bumper plug and still be able to make turns. Having the cable at the fifth wheel hitch allows you to make turns both directions all to way to jack knife position without having to unplug your video cable. I taped the video cable to the trailer plug cable to take up the excess cable laying in the bed. I was able to fish a velcro cable tie through the hinge on the Pro Tailgate drop down step to hold the video cable where it goes up and over the top of the tailgate and down to the bumper. I also insulated the cable from the velcro to the bumper using 3/8" copper pipe insulation to protect the paint along with 2-6" suction cups used for boat tarps to hold the video cable as it goes down the outside of the tailgate to the bumper.

 

This sounds like a lot, but wasn't all that difficult and was able to complete in 4 hrs.

 

[sgreene1963]

On 2/22/2020 at 10:13 AM, Cool J said:

I have a 37'8" Fifth wheel and installed my camera cabling going underneath my RV. I removed the cable from the camera and was able to slide it into 1/2" non-metallic Liquidetight Flexible Conduit from HD to prevent any abrasions under the RV. I was able to fish the cable from the fifth wheel hitch between the bottom floor of the bedroom and the plastic exterior sheeting all the way to the front battery compartment. My RV had several screws that hold this material up and was able to remove them to drop this plastic sheeting down just enough to fish the cable through between the bottom metal floor joists which run parallel with the RV. I then ran the cable through the battery compartment into my propane compartment (drivers side) and followed the rubber propane line where it exits that compartment outside and under the RV. I then ty-wrapped to the conduit along the propane gas line from the front to just past the rear axles and then used 3/4" cable clamps and attached using the existing removable fasteners holding up the coroplast. I used the stick on cable ties to run the cable up to the camera which is mounted slightly higher than the camera on the trucks tailgate. Once this was done I had 3-4' of extra cable at the fifth wheel hitch. Run everything from front to rear with out securing to the RV; then start securing your cabling from the rear back to the front so all your excess cable ends up at the fifth wheel hitch.

 

The problem you will run into is how to connect the video connector to the bumper plug and still be able to make turns. Having the cable at the fifth wheel hitch allows you to make turns both directions all to way to jack knife position without having to unplug your video cable. I taped the video cable to the trailer plug cable to take up the excess cable laying in the bed. I was able to fish a velcro cable tie through the hinge on the Pro Tailgate drop down step to hold the video cable where it goes up and over the top of the tailgate and down to the bumper. I also insulated the cable from the velcro to the bumper using 3/8" copper pipe insulation to protect the paint along with 2-6" suction cups used for boat tarps to hold the video cable as it goes down the outside of the tailgate to the bumper.

 

This sounds like a lot, but wasn't all that difficult and was able to complete in 4 hrs.

 

[sgreene1963]

On 2/22/2020 at 10:13 AM, Cool J said:

I have a 37'8" Fifth wheel and installed my camera cabling going underneath my RV. I removed the cable from the camera and was able to slide it into 1/2" non-metallic Liquidetight Flexible Conduit from HD to prevent any abrasions under the RV. I was able to fish the cable from the fifth wheel hitch between the bottom floor of the bedroom and the plastic exterior sheeting all the way to the front battery compartment. My RV had several screws that hold this material up and was able to remove them to drop this plastic sheeting down just enough to fish the cable through between the bottom metal floor joists which run parallel with the RV. I then ran the cable through the battery compartment into my propane compartment (drivers side) and followed the rubber propane line where it exits that compartment outside and under the RV. I then ty-wrapped to the conduit along the propane gas line from the front to just past the rear axles and then used 3/4" cable clamps and attached using the existing removable fasteners holding up the coroplast. I used the stick on cable ties to run the cable up to the camera which is mounted slightly higher than the camera on the trucks tailgate. Once this was done I had 3-4' of extra cable at the fifth wheel hitch. Run everything from front to rear with out securing to the RV; then start securing your cabling from the rear back to the front so all your excess cable ends up at the fifth wheel hitch.

 

The problem you will run into is how to connect the video connector to the bumper plug and still be able to make turns. Having the cable at the fifth wheel hitch allows you to make turns both directions all to way to jack knife position without having to unplug your video cable. I taped the video cable to the trailer plug cable to take up the excess cable laying in the bed. I was able to fish a velcro cable tie through the hinge on the Pro Tailgate drop down step to hold the video cable where it goes up and over the top of the tailgate and down to the bumper. I also insulated the cable from the velcro to the bumper using 3/8" copper pipe insulation to protect the paint along with 2-6" suction cups used for boat tarps to hold the video cable as it goes down the outside of the tailgate to the bumper.

 

This sounds like a lot, but wasn't all that difficult and was able to complete in 4 hrs.

 

On 2/22/2020 at 10:13 AM, Cool J said:

I have a 37'8" Fifth wheel and installed my camera cabling going underneath my RV. I removed the cable from the camera and was able to slide it into 1/2" non-metallic Liquidetight Flexible Conduit from HD to prevent any abrasions under the RV. I was able to fish the cable from the fifth wheel hitch between the bottom floor of the bedroom and the plastic exterior sheeting all the way to the front battery compartment. My RV had several screws that hold this material up and was able to remove them to drop this plastic sheeting down just enough to fish the cable through between the bottom metal floor joists which run parallel with the RV. I then ran the cable through the battery compartment into my propane compartment (drivers side) and followed the rubber propane line where it exits that compartment outside and under the RV. I then ty-wrapped to the conduit along the propane gas line from the front to just past the rear axles and then used 3/4" cable clamps and attached using the existing removable fasteners holding up the coroplast. I used the stick on cable ties to run the cable up to the camera which is mounted slightly higher than the camera on the trucks tailgate. Once this was done I had 3-4' of extra cable at the fifth wheel hitch. Run everything from front to rear with out securing to the RV; then start securing your cabling from the rear back to the front so all your excess cable ends up at the fifth wheel hitch.

 

The problem you will run into is how to connect the video connector to the bumper plug and still be able to make turns. Having the cable at the fifth wheel hitch allows you to make turns both directions all to way to jack knife position without having to unplug your video cable. I taped the video cable to the trailer plug cable to take up the excess cable laying in the bed. I was able to fish a velcro cable tie through the hinge on the Pro Tailgate drop down step to hold the video cable where it goes up and over the top of the tailgate and down to the bumper. I also insulated the cable from the velcro to the bumper using 3/8" copper pipe insulation to protect the paint along with 2-6" suction cups used for boat tarps to hold the video cable as it goes down the outside of the tailgate to the bumper.

 

This sounds like a lot, but wasn't all that difficult and was able to complete in 4 hrs.

Nice setup you have and considering copying what you've done.  Just wondering: 1) Why not run inside underbelly?  Was that more difficult and time consuming?  2) GM recommends the low mounting position.  After using it would you say that that this position is the optional position or would a higher position give better visibility.  I'm not concerned about the invisible camera as my 40' 5th wheel is too long for that function.  The Furrion on it now is mounted up  high on the back cap and I'm thinking about mounting this one just above the back glass.  Thanks

[kf9yr]

Chuck
 
Your pictures have the answer to a lot cheaper solution!
I googled the # that I could read on the exposed camera that you have in one of your pictures and it comes up as: 'Parking Reverse Rear View Backup Camera For 2019 Chevrolet Equinox'
A lot cheaper: https://www.ebay.com/itm/23390514-Parking-Reverse-Rear-View-Backup-Camera-For-2019-Chevrolet-Equinox-/254413806610
With a couple of the cables that you sourced from Pasternack and I  should be able to fab an enclosure/mount with a little bit of design and 3-D printing 
I'm gonna give it a shot
 
Thanks,
John

Have you had any luck with this camera?


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[Gecko50]

16 hours ago, kf9yr said:

 

 

Have you had any luck with this camera?


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The only thing I would think is the focal and angle of that camera and the elevation where it mounts on the Equinox tail end. The reverse camera for our trucks is set as to the width and focal view. But hey its a good start. 

Another thing is the camera plug that goes into the bed connector. Its not available as many people have found. You you still need to find a source of the bed camera connector. This would probably work really well for those that have canopies on the PU bed.

 

 

Chuck

[kf9yr]

I was able to purchase the Equinox camera and a Fakra cable.

When I plug it in the truck recognizes there is a trailer camera plugged in but the video is just black.

I’ve tried both the interior camera port and the exterior camera port.

Not sure if this is a camera incompatibility but I will search if there could be a fuse problem.


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[Roger F]

On 1/30/2020 at 6:29 PM, XY74 said:

I have the camera and no truck yet.  Just ordered the truck last week, ordered the camera separately based on the info found here and another thread.  (THANKS for that, $200 cheaper!)  My trailer is 22" longer than what the owner's manual says for maximum length, hoping it will still work for transparent trailer.  If not, it will be great to just see anything back there.  

 

The camera cable seems to be well protected.  I am not sure why they are so adamant about routing it over the top, shouldn't be too hard to protect it underneath.  

What is the physical dimension of the base of the camera...I am trying to figure out if I can mount one or not.

Thanks

 

Roger

[ShogunKC]

On 10/17/2020 at 10:08 AM, Gecko50 said:

But my GN trailer is 48 feet and the 59 foot camera cable was short (I also planned slack in the truck bed). I contacted Derek in sales at Pasternack and we came up with a cable. Now the new extension cable is abut 3/16 inch thick and very susceptible to damages.  So you WILL have to sheath the cable for protection. Remember this is on the camera end of the cable routing. In my trailer I have a1/2 electrical EMT conduit which will protect the cable really well. 

One thing to add is I used a Scotch 133 rubber vulcanizing tape 1 layer and 1 to 2 layers of Scotch 33+ tape to fill the void on the camera ball where the camera enters the plastic ball.

 

Chuck

 

My GN horse trailer is about the same length as your trailer. Going to do some measurements this week to confirm the length of the extension that I'll need. Just wanted to confirm a couple of things:

 

1. The extension goes between the camera and the old cable, correct?

2. You ordered a cable with a Black FAKRA Jack to FAKRA Plug. 

 

Does this look like the correct cable from the website? https://www.pasternack.com/showProduct.aspx?SEName=fakra-jack-fakra-plug-lmr100-cable-assembly-pe3w08444&ProductID=

 

Thanks!

 

[Gecko50]

35 minutes ago, ShogunKC said:

 

My GN horse trailer is about the same length as your trailer. Going to do some measurements this week to confirm the length of the extension that I'll need. Just wanted to confirm a couple of things:

 

1. The extension goes between the camera and the old cable, correct?

2. You ordered a cable with a Black FAKRA Jack to FAKRA Plug. 

 

Does this look like the correct cable from the website? https://www.pasternack.com/showProduct.aspx?SEName=fakra-jack-fakra-plug-lmr100-cable-assembly-pe3w08444&ProductID=

 

Thanks!

 

Take a look at my photo make up on the cameras and cables from Pasternack. The very last picture appears to have the same part number for a 20 foot cable. Also yes you take the existing cable off from the camera and add in the extenions new cable between the camera and the existing GM cable end. https://photos.app.goo.gl/d2UVb4djaqf3ashL9

 

Chuck

[bsmall1564]

57 minutes ago, Gecko50 said:

Take a look at my photo make up on the cameras and cables from Pasternack. The very last picture appears to have the same part number for a 20 foot cable. Also yes you take the existing cable off from the camera and add in the extenions new cable between the camera and the existing GM cable end. https://photos.app.goo.gl/d2UVb4djaqf3ashL9

 

Chuck

Chuck, would it be safe to say that you can open the camera up and does the video coax just plugs into the camera and is easy to plug and unplug?  The reason I’m asking I’m considering doing this when I route my wire. I just wanted to make sure it’s a simple procedure if I opened up the camera. 

Thank you,

Bill S. 

Edited March 2, 2021 by bsmall1564
Spelling

[ShogunKC]

Found this Fakra cable on Amazon - no details about the coax though. Would this work?

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PHW5SBP/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_DE8H0MEYZAMBV1SVQ0EW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[ShogunKC]

On 2/15/2021 at 6:54 PM, kf9yr said:

I was able to purchase the Equinox camera and a Fakra cable.

When I plug it in the truck recognizes there is a trailer camera plugged in but the video is just black.

I’ve tried both the interior camera port and the exterior camera port.

Not sure if this is a camera incompatibility but I will search if there could be a fuse problem.
 

Just curious if you've made any progress with this. 

[kf9yr]

I just ordered the GM Trailer Accessory camera assembly yesterday. I received an order confirmation email yesterday but no ship date.

I will plug it in when it arrives and I’ll find out if the blank screen problem I’m having is because of a blown fuse, etc or if the Equinox camera doesn’t work with the truck.

Of course the Equinox camera may be defective as I bought it from eBay...

Either way, I have a few trailers that could use a backup camera.

I’ll post here after the new one arrives with the results.


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[ShogunKC]

1 hour ago, kf9yr said:

I will plug it in when it arrives and I’ll find out if the blank screen problem I’m having is because of a blown fuse, etc or if the Equinox camera doesn’t work with the truck.

Of course the Equinox camera may be defective as I bought it from eBay...

I was looking up that part number and that camera seems to be used on more than just the Equinox. Looking forward to your next update after you receive the OEM camera. 

 

Does that camera seem to be weatherproof or does it need to be in a separate housing?

 

I'm in the same boat, would love to have cameras on both of my horse trailers - inside and outside. 

 

 

[kf9yr]

I was looking up that part number and that camera seems to be used on more than just the Equinox. Looking forward to your next update after you receive the OEM camera. 
 
Does that camera seem to be weatherproof or does it need to be in a separate housing?
 
I'm in the same boat, would love to have cameras on both of my horse trailers - inside and outside. 
 
 

The camera does not look waterproof. I think it would need to be installed in a housing.

On the other hand it is much less expensive for the interior if I can get it to work.




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