How to install a backup camera? Backup camera installation is straightforward, and you can do it yourself if you’re even just a little handy. Despite the slight differences between each vehicle, installing a backup camera is pretty much the same no matter what you drive. You need to:
- Connect the video cable from the camera to the front video screen
- Power the camera
- Make a good grounding connection
To do this, you can view what is behind you by mounting a tiny camera to the outside of your car. Here is how to go about it. Keep reading.
Choose Your Equipment
Finding the right equipment may be challenging due to the abundance of devices available online and wide price ranges. The most popular methods for mounting rearview cameras are using the supplied bracket or using your license plate. A screen may be added somewhere else, or your aftermarket head unit may display the footage. In the latter scenario, kits will include a separate monitor or a rearview mirror screen to cover your factory mirror.
This article will explain how to install a product despite the wide variety available on the market.
Tools You Will Need
You must gather the components and tools you’ll need, just like with most installations. The majority of these tools are probably already in your home, but here are the ones you’ll need to complete the task safely even though most of them are already there.
- Safety Gear: Glasses and Gloves
- Wire Strippers
- Wire Cutters
- Multimeter
- Electrical Tape
- Trim Removal Tool
- Philips or Flathead Screwdriver
- Soldering Iron
- Drill with assorted bits
- Posi-tap or other electrical connectors
- Cable Ties
- Socket Set
- Rearview Camera System
These tools will apply to most vehicles, though not all. Torx or Hex bits may be required to gain access because European vehicles use security bits to prevent tampering from the outside.
Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
Disconnect the battery’s ground cable and make sure the car has no power before performing any maintenance on it. A lack of electricity or serious injuries could result from failing to do this.
Wear the appropriate protective gear; the last thing you want to do is endanger yourself or the new equipment you just purchased.
Mount the Hardware & Complete the Wiring
Here are the details:
- Mount the video monitor
Install the video monitor on your front windshield first using a suction cup. The included 12 to 24 volt adaptor can be used to power the video monitor.
- Determine the best route for the camera cable
The camera itself must be connected to one of your vehicle’s reverse tail lights. Choose the best path for the camera cable to take to get inside your car from your license plate.
- Find your vehicles reverse tail light power cables
Find the cables and then identify the positive and negative wires. When the driver puts the car in reverse, the camera will turn on automatically thanks to the connection to the tail light.
- Connect positive and negative wires together
The red wire of the camera should be connected to the positive wire using a snap lock. Afterward, carry out the same procedure with the negative and black camera wires.
- Slide the camera on top of the license plate
Slide the camera onto your license plate after unscrewing it, pressing firmly to anchor it to the plate. Reattach your license plate to the car, and if necessary, adjust the camera angle.
- Tidy any loose wiring in your trunk with lining
Turn on the video monitor inside the car and test your backup camera after all the loose wiring has been tucked away.
Mounting Options
When selecting a parking camera, there are many features to take into account. For our purposes, let’s stick to the factors that directly affect installation. The mounting of the camera is the most crucial of these.
There are several ways to mount a rearview camera, but these are the most common:
- Bracket mounts. A bracket mount is the most versatile option since you can position it anywhere on the back of your truck. On the other hand, installing a bracket can mean drilling into your vehicle. You will have two holes in the body if you ultimately decide against using your backup camera.
- Flush mounts. Although it has a flatter design and the mount is integrated into the camera, a flush mount camera is similar to a bracket mount. The idea is to keep as low of a profile as possible.
- License plate mounts. License plate-mounted cameras can be integrated into the frame of your license plate or attached to the top of your plate. These mounts aren’t terribly versatile, but they’re easy to installsince they attach to your existing license plate bolts.
- OEM mounts. Rearview cameras are a feature that can be added to some truck models. In that case, you can frequently locate a mount designed specifically for a specific vehicle that is ideal for your truck.
Wired Vs. Wireless Parking Cameras
The camera’s wired or wireless nature should also be taken into account when planning an installation. Let’s look more closely because each has specific advantages and disadvantages.
Wired Cameras
The main benefit of a wired camera is that they typically offer better picture quality. Despite how advanced wireless technology has become, twisted copper wire still outperforms it.
Another good reason to choose a wired camera is that the connection is more stable, whereas wireless cameras can produce static when subjected to interference. Given the nature of Murphy’s Law, you will inevitably lose your wireless signal just as you put your truck into reverse.
Finally, wired cameras usually offer more features. Simply put, because the technology has been around for a lot longer, manufacturers are more familiar with it. Because of this, most high-end cameras have a wired design.
That said, wired parking camera installation can be challenging. If you’re not comfortable with running wires through your truck, you’ll need to hire a professional to do the job for you. The price shouldn’t be outrageously high, but it should account for an hour or two of skilled labor.
Similarly, the cameras themselves are often more expensive than wireless cameras, mostly due to the quality differential. But it’s worth remembering if the cost is a major concern.
Wireless Cameras
Conversely, the main benefit of a wireless rearview camera is that they’re easy to install. Because you don’t have to run any wires, a lot of the headache is removed from the equation.
Remember that from this standpoint, the mounting style is equally crucial. A wired camera with a license plate mount is not much more challenging to install than a wireless camera with a mounting bracket.
Wireless cameras are also more affordable. There is significant overlap, so this is not a general rule. A wireless camera, however, typically costs less when compared to a wired camera.
On the downside, wireless backup cameras are typically lower quality and are subject to interference. You might occasionally need to change a battery as well, depending on the design.
FAQs
Can You Install a Backup Camera Yourself?
The simplest choice for the automotive DIY’er is a wireless camera, since there is no need to drill holes and splice wires. It takes more work to connect a wired camera because wires must be run through the vehicle and a hole may need to be cut or another flush mounting point created for the camera.
Can I Install a Backup Camera on a Car That Doesn’t Have One?
If your car has an infotainment screen but lacks a rearview camera, you can purchase an aftermarket retrofit for $50 to $600. It may take some time and some DIY know-how to hardwire a rearview camera. CR suggests if you have any doubts, consider professional installation.
Is Adding a Backup Camera Worth It?
Backup cameras can significantly reduce your chances of getting into an accident while reversing. In all brand-new cars, SUVs, and trucks, the backup camera is a required safety feature. Any older vehicle can be equipped with an aftermarket backup camera.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Backup Camera?
Cameras cost $150 to $400 for vehicles with screens already installed. Count on $400-$600 for labor. Of course, there will be extra costs if your car doesn’t have a screen: $150–200 for a screen alone and $500–1,500 for a new head unit with a screen.
Summary: How to Install a Backup Camera?
After verifying that the new system works, you can reassemble the car to make it look original again. Now is the time to put back any trim pieces you removed earlier.
They usually install without a hitch, but because there is another wire running underneath, they can be annoying. Use zip ties to keep everything in place as you tuck the new wires behind the inside-running existing wires. After the trim is reinstalled, you are ready to drive!
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