@TundraTex's FRAC harness (Front/Rear Anytime Camera) Install/Review

3/4" I believe. I used a 1/4" drill bit then used a step bit to get to the size.

 

The detachable part of my cam harness wasn't long enough to reach the boot. I guess there's some variation in the supplied parts.

 

Mine wasn't long enough either. Plus I want it near the grill so that if the grill has to ever come off the connnector is close enough.

 

Yes, I would have to snake it back through the hole if I need to remove the grill.. In a sense it's good because it prevents me from buying a new grill..


Don't get me wrong, it's a 20 second procedure. The connector fits the hole snuggly and feels great going through.

 

That's good thinkin right there.

 

@BlueBottle I have the same camera as you, and wanted to clarify first prior to installation. You had mentioned soldering the power wire to extend it into the cab, however all I need to do is connect the 2 wires in the pic, and run the RCA cable through the grommet, is that correct?

 

Yes exactly. Solder those two red wires. Then you will connect the other side behind the radio to the frac harness. I believe it says camera 12v on the wire. @TundraTex can confirm what it says on his harness.

 

Connect it to the FRAC harness red wire with the spade connector. It's labeled FCam+.

 

@BlueBottle @TundraTex
Was going to do my install when it hit me. I've wanted to get rid of my chrome air vents, and silver Nav HD Accent around the HU since I've had my Princess so now might be the perfect opportunity while I had everything out. If I'm not mistaken the Nav HD Accent piece is held in place with clips, but do you guys know if there are any bolts as well, and do you think it would be worth the extra time? Figured since you all had already yanked everything you might have some input. Thx guys.

 

I never actually paid attention to the accent piece as a separate part of the HU. But it's only 4 bolts to pull the HU out so it's probably worth it to do it that way.

Start at the bottom of the center stack below the HU. The power adapter panel and the heat/AC control panel are both held in place with only clips. They are separate panels but are interlocked so they usually come out together. Once the AC panel is out you can access the 4 10mm bolts securing the HU in place. The HU also has a couple clips at the top so you have to give it a little tug (straight out) once the bolts are removed.

Hope that helps.

 

@Skippy yup just like @TundraTex said. Might as well do it as one project.

 

Has anyone found a camera with wide enough angle that it shows the bumper. Have a pro grill and would like to be able to get within inches of walls, not just a foot.

 

Or maybe not possible to see the bumper due to design of the grill?

 

Look at my pictures. You can see the bumper on mine.

 

@BlueBottle Very nive write up. It’s because of write up’s like these that make me consider doing what you just did. This is a very sweet mod. I would love the ability to allow my front seat passengers to mess w/ the nav while I drive. And The front camera could help a lot too. Thank you.

@TundraTex When can I get one of these harnesses? I know there’s a waiting list and I’d like to be on it for ASAP as you get more in stock.

 

Actually, you can order one now. I ordered more parts and have them on hand to build as people order. This reduces the wait time. I'm building up some orders this weekend and will be shipping next week. Go to post #1 of the FRAC "taking orders" thread to get ordering instructions.

 

can someone post some pics of the grommet in the engine bay you pass the wire through? I'm seeing more than one.

also has anyone considered mounting the switches just below the armrest? not sure how to take the center console apart for access.

 

got it thanks!

 

Getting ready to start this install.

Do I have to power the front camera with the FRAC harness? It would be easier to power it to a switched fuse in the engine bay.

 

He provides a lead on the harness. I would use that.

 

what he said

 

Why? Then I have to route the power wire from the camera through the fire wall. I already ran the RCA wire through the firewall a month ago and left the 12VDC wires in the engine bay.

My question is more if the camera selector button relies on the front camera being powered to the frac harness or not. I guess I'll find out soon.

 

I believe it does. I'm not sure how you would utilize the camera otherwise with the FRAC.

I'm not an electrician in any way by any means either....I'm just remembering how I installed my camera and FRAC. Doesn't seem that it would work without being connected to the actual FRAC.

 

The front camera could always be powered when the engine is running. The camera selector switch just changes which camera is shown on the screen.

 

Oh the reason why I said that is so the camera is only powered when in use. With switched ignition it will always be on when the truck is on. But it should still work if that's the answer your looking for.

 

@TundraTex toy definitely need to answer his question. I'm not wrapping around my mind exactly what @Stig is trying to ask.


and this is my weakest link in vehicles....electrical

 

Just tested it, camera can be powered externally from the harness.

 

It can but then it's always on. I think it'll burn out quickly, don't think they're designed for that. My av cable had a little red (hot) pigtail coming out each end. That's what I used to power the cam attaching it to the red wire in the frac harness. It works great.

 

Not sure how the camera will burn out if it's on while I'm driving, but if that red wire coming out of the yellow RCA connector will power the camera then I might take out the head unit and do that. I didn't realize that additional red wire could power the camera, since it already has a pos and neg wire near the camera. *Edit, I see post 97 details how to do it.

I did blow the 2 amp fuse, even after testing it multiple times before I put everything back together. How many amps is the harness supposed to draw? The closest fuse I had at the time was a 7.5 so I put that in there for now.