Adding a second Reverse Camera?

When the tailgate is open, the reverse camera view is basically useless. I decided to install a second reverse camera so that I can see what's in the back of my truck when the tail gate is open.

I think this is a very common scenario, not only for Tundra owners, for any truck having the reverse camera in the tailgate.

I haven't seen may people talking about this. What you think?

This is how it looks:

 

I kinda like it! Do you have it on a switch to just take over the factory camera or a separate screen or aftermarket head unit?

 

That's a great idea!

 

Initially I wanted to use a switch similar to the Anytime Backup Camera system. But I ended by making it automatically using magnetic switch to change the video signal when the tailgate is open. This magnetic switch is the same switch you normally see on home alarm systems to detect when doors or windows are open. I temporarily used a plastic one with NC/NO terminals. I ordered a replacement made of alloy with embedded wires and sealed, for better look and durability. The new camera takes over the factory camera view automatically when the tailgate is open.

 

I installed this and I like it a lot, I can also change the angle and see my bed which helps when hauling loose stuff. In the third pic you can see the camera perched up on my third brake light.

 

Looks great!

 

For those interested I uploaded the first part of the DIY video for the second backup camera.




I will upload the second part soon.

 

That’s awesome. How long did it take for you to install completely?

 

Hello! It took me around 2 hrs. approx.. I will upload the second part next week that has all the details for the wiring setup. It still working as expected without issues.

 

This is how it looks.

 

Is there one intergrated that is made for our trucks like this design?
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_212FL...4yPFjBEpXWwA-1-fIcfPkMIjRAe206iIaAomPEALw_wcB

 

really cool idea and execution!

 

In case someone interested to see more about this install.. Here is the second part.
https://youtu.be/Okuo0kqx1VI

 

I haven't seen any so far

 

Total workaround solution, BUT, Evil Manufacturing makes a 3rd break light replacement, AND, they make a separate dual-camera module that sits where one of the lights would sit. it would work

https://www.evilmanufacturing.com/lights/dirt-kartel-2007-toyota-tundra-3rd-brake-light-mount
https://www.evilmanufacturing.com/lights/evil-offroad-3rd-brake-light-dual-camera-system

 

That's slick cause it's 2 cameras and I can get reverse recording.

But does it fit a Tundra?

 

You would have to get both the brake light replacement and the camera module but I would assume it should work. As I read the product page the camera should fit in the same space as a Baja S2 light

This is for a ford and they have a picture of one of the lights replaced with the camera module.

@texasrho83 has one of their brake light kits installed https://www.tundras.com/threads/wha...5-gen-tundra-today.713/page-2369#post-2720484

 

Wonder how that would/wouldn’t be affected by my tonneau cover when the gate is closed (most of the time). Neat idea.

 

Here's the thread I posted on it

 

I did this with a separate 2nd back camera that I can switch on combined with a Front/ rear camera. I used a automatic master slaver that switches from OEM back camera to my own back camera when I activate it. Still need to get the proper switch but the foglight one I had has to do it for now

 

As usual my skills show that I can’t seem to get things centered and straight, but here is the outcome regardless:

 

I have a license plate camera that works with the gate down. I wired mine via a FRAC switch through a PYLE AV switch. I also have a front cam in the grill that's switched independently via the FRAC. The switch is wired into the glove box & can be set to a few different modes. I have to switch between the 2 rear cams manually, but the switch holds settings, and will allow display of up to 4 cams if I need another in the future.
My wife prefers the standard tailgate camera most of the time & this makes accessing either one pretty easy (though not automatic).