FRAC 3rd Camera (Bed or Trailer) Video Switch Module Now Available!

I'm interrupting your normally scheduled program to announce a couple of updates for the FRAC Harness products.

1. Starting next week, the 2020+ FRAC harness kits will include illumination wires that can be used to power the OEM-Style Camera switch backlighting. The instructions and manuals should be updated this weekend. And the kicker... the price will remain the same as it has been since the first production unit was sold.

EDIT: 20 FEB 2023

2. The 3rd Camera Video Switch Module (VSM) is now available on the FRAC Website! It requires no switches and I have reduced the price nearly 60% from the original design.

2. A revised FRAC Trailer Video Kit is in the works! I figured out a way to simplify the design (LOVE THE KISS PRINCIPLE). This update will eliminate the need for the additional trailer cam switch and will reduce the kit cost by at least 20% - probably more. I've tested the prototype and have identified my parts suppliers. So hopefully my supply chain woes are behind me and those that have been waiting for the kit will be able to buy one before Spring!

Carry on!

 

For those interested, here's a bit more detail on the FRAC Video Switch Module (VSM). The VSM will automatically detect when the Trailer Video is present and it will display whenever the shifter is placed in reverse or the rear video is selected on the FRAC cam select switch. Most RV trailers come "Pre-wired" for a rear camera. Which really means that there is a camera mount/housing installed and there is a power line coming from the running lights circuit. So to power the camera on and off you just need to have your parking lights on.

This eliminates the need for the extra Trailer Cam switch from my previous design and simplifies operation. I'm pretty happy how this turned out.

Here's a preview of the Quick Reference Installation Diagram:

 

I would be very interested in this! Do you know of any wireless trailer cameras that have the video out? That was my problem when looking - they all seem to come with their own wireless video screen receiver. I'd love to ditch the spare screen and use the head unit instead.

 

I haven't installed a wireless but there are a few different choices on Amazon. Search for "wireless camera transmitter receiver"

Ideally You want something with at least 200mw of transmit power to overcome the signal blockage from an RV Trailer and truck body. The good think about Amazon is you can buy it and then test to see if it works out. If not, then returns are pretty easy.

 

These are my problem- all the wireless ones (which vast majority of newer RVs are designed for) come with their own LCD screen - and that LCD screen unit IS the receiver. None of them have what I would want: a small receiver box with an RCA video cable out. Your system would work great with a small wireless receiver box with a video out. But I cant find anything like that.

As you said: many travel trailers are prewired for power (just flip on the lights). But I've not seen many that have a hardwire for camera to run all the way up to the tow vehicle (which would require another plug aside from the normal 7pin).

 

Check out this set on Amazon... https://amzn.to/3ZKcpeD. There are others out there as well but this is an example of what is available.

 

At last! The Trailer Video Switch Module (VSM) is now available on the FRAC Website! It requires no switches and I was able to reduce the price nearly 60% from the original design. It's now $28, Down from the original price of $65. I have plenty in stock.

 

The next step will be planning out an installation video showing how to mod the RV.

 

I'm super excited about this! 2 questions though:

I don't have a trailer, but would it be possible to utilize the VIM as a "cargo cam"? i.e. use it as a camera to overlook the cargo in the bed?

Is there a way to also tie the cargo camera into a DVR as a rear dashcam without having the video show on the actual display?

 

1. You don't need a trailer. The VSM (Not VIM) can add any additional rear camera, however and wherever you choose to install it. As an example, one customer is using a VSM and a bed cam to provide a useful rear view when the tailgate is down. Using a reed switch on the tailgate to control the power to the bed-cam, the VSM will switch to the bed-cam automatically whenever the tailgate is down.

2. This can definitely be done, but it depends on how you want to use it and it would be a little more complex installation. The FRAC VSM was designed to provide and "either/or" rear camera view to be displayed on the head unit without the need for additional switches. However, you could connect a DVR in-line downstream of the cargo camera video and utilize a separate switch to control a video relay between the DVR output and the VSM. The video would always record on the DVR as long as the camera was powered, but the relay would stop the video from getting to the VSM unless you turned it on with the extra switch. The OEM tailgate cam would then work as normal with the FRAC and you could simultaneously record the bed-cam without having to display it. Of course you could also enable the bed-cam relay and use the trailer function as designed as well as for video playback on your head unit from the DVR in case you ever wanted to play back recorded DVR video in your truck.

Hope that makes sense.