side view camera

Tim Cullins · April 28

My side view camera only work when pulling a trailer...is there a way to make the side view camera work without pulling the trailer?

davester · April 28

If that's how your owners manual describes how it works, then I believe some people have put in a trailer plug so it tricks the truck into thinking a trailer is connected (not just the physical plug, but also w some connections [ie, resistors] so the truck senses that trailer lights are there).

Tim Cullins · April 29

Thanks I’ll try it!

Tim Cullins · April 29

Ok that didn't work ,you know if you have to jump it some kind of way?

davester · April 29

Yes, the plug has to make the truck think the lights are there, that's how the truck "knows" a trailer is attached. So the plug would need to have some resistors (of the correct size/watts) for the running lights and brake/turn signals.

PBNB · May 1

I got my cameras to come on all the time... with turn signals.

Sort of a result of the Diode Dynamics C1R that I am running in the hitch. It is plugged into the 7 pin system. The truck thinks I have a trailer connected.

I am using this C1R since I am blocking my 3rd brake light with my rooftop tent.

Here is a link:

https://www.diodedynamics.com/hitchmount-led-pod-reverse-kit.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqOqHooGdMTtAsBhB2fa6UxZovj80P1trAmT1Ph9d4AwNLdR6hv

StingerZ16 · May 1

Is there some sort of disadvantage to having the cameras on when not towing?

What about the truck thinking there is a trailer attached?

My Hyundai cameras come on when turn signals on. Towing or not.

Why would GM not do this too?

StingerZ16 · May 1

29 minutes ago, PBNB said:

Here is a link:

https://www.diodedynamics.com/hitchmount-led-pod-reverse-kit.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqOqHooGdMTtAsBhB2fa6UxZovj80P1trAmT1Ph9d4AwNLdR6hv

This is a cool idea. Seems a bit complicated (and expensive) just to get cameras to turn on.

How much trouble is it to remove so you can use hitch to actually tow?

PBNB · May 1

Removal of the C1R takes about 1 minute. It just unplugs and there is a cap that goes over the connector to keep the dirt out.

The main wiring loom that comes with the unit stays put.

I have my pin lock holding the unit in-place and so no one can steal it.

I just unlock the pin, and slide the C1R out and unplug it. Then I slide my hitch into the receiver and pin it.

It couldn't get easier and the light is super bright as aa back up light and brake light.

The same thing could be done with those tailgate strip lights and I think the truck would see them as a trailer as well. Any light that sits on the 7 pin connector should trigger the truck to think a trailer is connected.

Sort of like this link:

https://www.actiontrucks.com/product-detail/RCS78849/multi-function-led?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22638002763&gbraid=0AAAAADnotY3_v0jtgfK-hp22MFl7amrLK

Another side affect is that the rear cross traffic alert gets turned off as well. So the truck doesn't slam on the brakes when backing up and it sees something.