Remove Tailgate, Keep Camera?

[Jackson223]

We're considering removing the tailgate on our 2020 Silverado 2500HD and replacing it with a set-up that includes a bed cap and a tailgate that is hinged at the top of the cap and extends down to the floor of the bed (kind of like a Tahoe or Suburban arrangement).  We have the HD camera and advanced trailering system (but not the surround camera system) and we'd like to keep the camera(s) relatively intact.  Is it possible to remove the whole camera assembly from the tailgate and remount it somehow?  Or are there other options worth considering?  Thanks for any ideas.

[sdelam]

Probably easier to just get a universal one like the one someone posted a while back. 

 

https://camera-source.com/automotive-cams/gm-oe-fit/2019-gm-1500-w-360-view-relocation-kit-with-camera-included.html

[hkyfsh]

Yep.  I have that one coming today.  Ill post an update once I have it setup.

[hkyfsh]

Here is a picture of the referenced auxiliary camera.  Very easy install.   Once I had it installed, all other cameras on the 360 system work as expected.

 

[blamkin86]

I've got my camper on now - which means my tailgate has been removed. This morning I took the wiring harness out, and the part number is 84679994 - looks like a custom order and it's $90.

 

https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-parts/gm-f-harness-84679994

 

Certainly if you're uncomfortable with the mechanics of disassembling your tailgate, paying $200 for the extension is reasonable.

https://camera-source.com/automotive-cams/gm-oe-fit/2019-gm-relocation-kit-for-factory-tailgate-camera.html

 

If you go this route, you'll have to harvest just the camera from the tailgate; that's not too hard. There's some 5" square plastic block off plates to pull out. Once you've gained access, you'll have to unclip the harness, and remove the plastic bit holding the tailgate buttons and camera - then just take the camera out with a small torx bit.

 

However you decide to put the camera back, when you remove the tailgate, you'll have an exposed wiring connector under the bed of your truck - I'm going to tape up all the open ends, and plug it back into the factory harness. Don't just unplug the connector and walk away - you're asking for electric troubles.

 

More later...

[blamkin86]

Two more things:

1) Don't expect to use a razor blade to harvest the camera wire from the loom. This new cloth electrical tape they're using is incredible. I had to start on one end and unravel to the other. Took some time.

2) the camera wire itself is just about 10' long.... I'm going to try my best to just find that wire.

[blamkin86]

Here's the camera part number: 84676845

 

https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-parts/gm-f-camera-84676845

 

Problem with this one is, the connector comes out the back. Makes it really hard to mount without a housing.

 

I'm going to look for another camera with the same connector that comes out the side. This one looks just like the one I took out of my ford.