Backup camera - where to mount?

[gbraden]

I am wanting to get a backup camera setup for my '03. Actually I want to have 2 cameras installed; one on rear of my pickup (for use when not towing) and one on the rear of my 5th-wheel (for when it is hooked-up).
I now have a Garmin GPS mounted between the steering wheel and the radio. That location and mounting works well for me. I am thinking of replacing the current GPS with the Garmin RV760 GPS with wireless backup camera. I have some questions:
1. Where would you mount the camera at rear of the truck? I am thinking of 3 locations and wonder what you folks think or maybe you have other suggestions:
A. Mount the camera in a plate that slides into the otherwise unused trailer hitch tube. That location is in the center of truck and 21" above ground.
B. Mount the camera at top of license plate. That would be in center of truck and approx. 33" above ground.
C. Mount the camera one side of the other of the license plate. That would be about 8" off-center and approx. 29" above ground.

2. I have similar questions about where to mount a camera at the rear of my 5th-wheel. Should it be down near the bumper level or near the top? Also, any suggestions on where to run the wiring from the camera location to near the front of the trailer?

This is something I would like to have professionally installed. Where would you look for an installer? Hopefully, I can get someone to come to my house for the trailer install.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Glenn

 

[BarryG]

Personally I would use the top of the license plate. It is centered and a bit more protected than the hitch option. Also if you ever want or need to use the hitch you wont have to remove it and would be helpful in hooking up a trailer to that hitch. As far as the trailer camera tough for me to say for sure it would depend on the viewing angle of up high. You would think you would have a much wider field of view but it would also be what 10 feet off the ground which might negate that option. I think it would be easy enough if the trailer camera has to be wired to unspool some cable hook it up and try in both spots then decide. As far as running the cable to the front I would think running from the front underneath along a frame rail or something inside some wire loom. Using the bumper as the mounting point you wouldn't have wire going up the backside of the trailer.
Install I would check with some local car audio places.

 

[TurboDiesel03]

I have mine mounted at the top of my license plate. Works good for hooking up the trailer.

 

[Prairie Dog]

The Rostra b/u camera like Geno's sells has provisions for two camera's. It replaces the rear view mirror and it a quality unit.
I've been very happy with mine.

 

[crispyboy]

I have a Magellan Roadmate 1700 with the back up camera. Mine is mounted to the top of the license plate. It works ok, sort of better than nothing as I think the camera could be better but it does help with hooking up my bumper pulls solo. Much easier than having a helper.
The best places for backup camera's seem to be higher up on the tailgate near the handle. This gives a much better view of the area behind the truck especially when hooking up.
As far as a camera on the back of a trailer it seems that I have seen most all of them up high. I would also want something that could be activated while driving down the road to check traffic behind you.

 

[PWong]

The Rostra b/u camera like Geno's sells has provisions for two camera's. It replaces the rear view mirror and it a quality unit.
I've been very happy with mine.

How to hide the wiring harness that runs to the rear view mirror inside the cab???

 

[BarryG]

Run the wire up behind the A pillar then under the headliner across to the mirror and have it drop down right at the rear of the mirror. Then you should only have a few inches of wire showing between the mirror and headliner. The a pillar cover should snap off and then push it up under the headliner. At least on my 01 there is no problem pushing a wire up under the headliner without removing it.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Run the wire up behind the A pillar then under the headliner across to the mirror and have it drop down right at the rear of the mirror. Then you should only have a few inches of wire showing between the mirror and headliner. The a pillar cover should snap off and then push it up under the headliner. At least on my 01 there is no problem pushing a wire up under the headliner without removing it.

Exactly. It's easy to hide the wire behind the headliner by just tucking it under it but you'll also wan't to run it down the pillar and behind the kick panel - both will have to be removed (easy).