2014-2021 Front/Rear Anytime Camera Mod - FRAC Harness

Also, I didn’t need to remove my grill to mount/run the camera cable…it takes some hand contortion, but I pushed the hood latch open and slid my hand down to thread the nut on my camera and route line/zip ties along the way. For reference I have the 2017 TRD Pro style grill, so I think this would vary by front grill type as to access.

Didn’t remove my shift knob or that part of the center console either…just opened the 2 12v outlets and put my thumbs in to pull that piece straight back/out…then can take off the a/c control panel and work up to the head unit…3 part/piece panel system.

If you go through the bottom nipple on the passenger side large wire harness grommet, you can also avoid removing that passenger footwell plastic interior panel, as you can access that spot where the wire comes through with it still in place. Removing the interior panel above the glove box makes it much easier to pull the wire/cable across once through the firewall on the passenger side.

 

Thank you for the heads up. I planed on watching the video a few more times before I do it.

I'm still trying to figure out where I am going to put the camera. The grill on the Limited doesn't lend itself to this well.

 

Yeah, I would think down on the last horizontal row between the grill surround is about it unless there’s a way to get the camera you bought to fit in the emblem.

 

It might be there. Not sure yet. Only held it up to the grille for a couple minutes the other day.

The emblem is out of the question. Truck is a 2020 and has the TSS. So them emblem is a radar antenna.

I’ve also seen some post that they mounted it in the bumper. I’m not sure if I want it that low, but I do like the fact I’d be able to remove the grille without having more wires attached it.

Thanks for the input.

 

Found the home for the camera. Just under and to the driver's side of the emblem.

Found a screw on the back of the grille just in the right place.

 

I dressed the wires so the camera disconnect is up by the connector for the TSS. This way when I remove the grille, I'll have easy access to the connector.

I had some loom kicking around and covered the wires on the truck side and secured them under the radiator support and into the engine bay near the passenger headlight.

Then it started to rain. So more on this subject tomorrow.

 

Good to see how everyone does theirs; thanks for the pics

 

Success!!! Well... mostly.

Running the wires through the truck turned out more difficult than I had anticipated. Bit ultimately was happy with the results.

I did however have to reach out to Lou because I apparently am unable to follow simple instructions. I inverted the connector position of the connectors on the back of the head unit. This gave confusing results.

Thankfully, customer service saved the day!

Lou responded to my question quickly and showed me the error in my ways.

Now for the "mostly" succeded issue.

Once I figured out I had the connectors wrong and fixed that issue, my wife asked me to run an errand. I told he let me just pop these connectors into the center console and I'll be done.

Well... haste is never a good thing. I ended up putting them about 1/2" low and the shifter bezel interferes with the connectors.

Not a huge issue. I will just have to make up a filler panel to mount the connectors. Still... I'm mad at myself for screwing up the one aspect of this install that actually cuts into the truck.

This is where they ended up.



All in all I'm very happy with the mod. Visibility up front it great (I forgot to grab a picture of the forward view, I'll try and post one tomorrow).

Thanks again to Lou for excellent customer service.

 

Finally going to install my camera this weekend. Reading through the instructions (which I should have done earlier!) I realized the VIM switch doesn't have any function for the cameras, this is correct? If so, would it hurt anything to not install the VIM switch? I have no use for the HU GPS, as I always use my phone. If the camera functions work fine without it, it would save me some work for something I will not use. Just want to confirm this first.

Edit: Also, is there an 'easy' location to pull the illumination + and - from for the switches?

 

I hate double posting, but just bumping these questions.

Edit: Should have read the instructions again, doh. Step 8: "8. Your FRAC Harness includes a Green 2-wire VIM switch line. If you don’t want or need the VIM function, these wires can be soldered together and tucked behind the dash. If you want to use the VIM function connect both the VIM switch lines to the 2-position VIM Switch. The green VIM switch lines can be connected to either switch terminal. "

Also did some more searching and it looks like you can tap into almost any switch for the illumination +/-. I'm on the fence on doing that as I'm not a huge fan of messing with the original wiring, may just skip that part as well.

 

I don't know about the illumination, but my understanding is you can skip the VIM switch as long as you connect those two wires together that would have led to and from the vim switch. That's what I plan to do, if/ when I ever get around to installing my kit that I've had for months

 

That's what I ended up doing. The camera I bought (

210° FOV Front/Backup Camera, Adjustable Lens OEM Mini Style, Screw-Free Easy Install, Side/Rear View Camera, Certified IP69 Waterproof, 0.005Lux Low Light, 12/24V SUV/Pickup Truck/RV/Van/Camper/Bus

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QQPC2KP?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details) has all of the connections (video, power, ground) on the end instead of near the camera, so I only have to run the one extension out of the cab and everything else is in the cab. Soldered everything up and put the switch and camera grounds to one extension and used the passenger side footwell ground. Ran out of light but ran a quick test and everything works. I didn't do the illumination on the switch, BUT I didn't realize there's an indicator light when you have the F/R selected, nice! Supposed to rain all day so I might just have to install the HU, climate controls and passenger airbag back and finish the rest later (I swapped out the radio surround at the same time).

 

Hey everyone.

I’m wondering where those of you with the 1794 grill are mounting your camera. I’ve got a 2018, and the Toyota emblem is solid due to the TSS sensor, and the grill slats don’t seem to lend themselves to camera mounting.

Where did you mount yours?

 

I think I’ve seen some on here before where they’ve mounted just off-center (orange circle—see also post #1775 above). If it were me, I’d look to see if it was possible to notch out part of the thin line grate with a dremel and fit the camera in the green circle (assuming you could partially notch without compromising the integrity of the thin line grate).

 

How did you actually mount the camera?

 

Gotta read the manual! Lol. Glad you figured it out. And you are correct, any illumination tap will work. You can also tie illumination to 12v and ground if you don’t need it to dim.

 

Sorry for the slow response. I used one of the screws (circled) already on the back of the grille next to to the emblem/TSS.
I didn't like the idea of cutting the grille if I didn't have to.

Hope the picture helps.

 

I saw way back in this post, a few people asking about multi camera setups and the like, and was wondering if anyone has used FRAC to do so, or if there is still consideration to produce this version.
I want to replicate the Multi Terrain Monitor like on the 3rd gen Tundras. I find the front side views helpful on narrow trails with steep drop offs. Front, rear, front left, front right, and also rear left and rear right for blind spot while towing. So six cameras. I'm not an engineer by any means and don't know if it's possible, but as a user, a kit that is simple to use AND is modular to add as many inputs and switches that you want, is what I'm salivating for.

Inputs aside, the MTM has the neat split screen view. Is that inherent in the display, or something that is to do with the video input switcher? That is icing on the cake for my dream DIY 6 camera setup.

My personal opinion is, with more and more vehicles coming out with blind spot and 360 view camera systems, just adding a front camera isn't enough to meet modern standards and expectations anymore. Or maybe it's just my use case but between towing and trails, these cameras add a lot of safety to my trips especially since I go solo.

 

That is what I am looking for. Not sure why this is not a kit somewhere with all the wheeling everyone does

 

PAC has a 4 video input switcher. You could daisy chain two and have 7 inputs. The hard part is switching all of those.

One alternative might be a DC security system which can display all at once or cycle through. Or even an AC system w inverter, probably not significant current draw. Just hard to see on a 10” or smaller screen, you really want a 12-17” display for that stuff.

A simple push button and two PAC’s could work with one extra device to cycle. I will hunt for one of those. 6 buttons would be a lot and having to depress the current one to switch to a new one would be annoying.

ETA: an 8 position rotary switch might be the best UI. 1= off / auto then 2-7 are LF, F, RF, RR, R, LR and 8 is all? Or maybe if you solve for split screen then an separate override to turn on camera when not in reverse and then pick 6 individually w two spots for all 3 front and all 3 rear. Lots of complexity, I can see how a purpose built kit would be nice.

my bro in law has something similar for horse hauling but it’s wireless and has a dedicated screen and it’s completely independent. Works reasonable well to see the horses while driving.

 

I have a rotary switch but that is awkward turning past all the ones not needed to the one needed. This is good info

 

That’s alright I appreciate your taking the time. Do you find any oddities with the camera and thus your view being off-center?

 

View is off center, but not a lot. The ability to see almost straight down in front of this truck is invaluable.

I'll try to remember to grab a picture of the forward view later.

 

Finally remembered to grab a picture. Hope this illustrates the off center view well enough.

Apologies for the dust and dog hair.

 

I think you might be looking for something similar to this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/304491342064?autorefresh=true

Although it's only a 4 camera, the host/box does the splicing for the 360 degree view.

Ever since I put in my FRAC (and love it), I've been trying to find the "right" connector/DVR type thing... and no, I do NOT want to buy a dashcam to clog up my front view. Yes it would be cheaper, but I'll take cleaner over cheaper. Like you, I'm no electrical engineer. But I'm dangerous, and a unicorn hunter so I'll keep looking for that perfect fit/item.

 

My wife bought that kit for me before I got the FRAC. Product looked nice, but instructions and the almost complete lack of any reviews that weren't either obviously staged or were just first impressions was unsettling. There were a few worked for a short while and then died reviews, it was enough to make me nervous about cutting such a system into my truck.

 

I couldn’t agree more. The lack of these types of systems being more prevalent and mainstream makes me not even want to try. Tempted, but probably not worth the price or hassle.

I love the functionality the FRAC gives me, and I don’t haul jack except in the bed, nor go mud-puddin’, so I’m good.

 

The FRAC is great. Would I love a full 360 for this truck? Sure. But for my needs being able to see in front of this thing is invaluable. Plus, having the ablility to use either camera at will is bonus. Matter of fact, one things I use it for the most is when I find a pull through parking space, I can watch the rear camera as I pull through and place my rear bumper right on the line.

Parking lots around me tend to have fairly short spaces, so I can minimize the amount I stick out.

 

I've got my FRAC harness enroute. I need to get some wiring to extend to my planned button location. What gauge wires do you recommend?

 

I had the same question when I put mine in as well. Here is what Lou had to say on the matter.