Get camera + wires out of SuperDuty tailgate? (Camera Source fix is $496)

[john.]

Get camera + wires out of SuperDuty tailgate? (Camera Source fix is $496)

Hi all

So my main question is – how difficult is it to fish the stock Ford SuperDuty tailgate reverse camera + camera wires out of the actual tailgate?
(that has the tailgate ladder in it)
I am assuming the 2020 would be similar to the 2019.
Google did not provide any info so far.

The story:

About to get our brand new, custom ordered 2020 SuperDuty F350, and then get our Hallmark pop up truck camper. The pop up truck camper will *always* be in the truck, and we have no need to ever use the truck as an actual pickup truck.

The tailgate will always be stored by us. It will never get used. I know I simply unplug the harnesses under the truck when removing the tailgate.

The truck has 360 view, so not just any camera will do, according to Camera Source (only a very few of their cameras are compatible with 360 view camera system, as per their website)

In terms of a rear view camera to be mounted on the rear bumper of the Hallmark pop up truck camper – – – we have two choices.

#1 – I could fish the camera out of the tailgate. I am told it is quite difficult, especially as our tailgate will have the built in ladder…..

#2 I pay almost $500 USD including shipping to me (ouch!) to get the specific Camera Source. I’ll paste the info they emailed me:

“We have a kit that plugs to the single coax and the back under the bumper and comes up automatically in reverse. Here is the link to CS-FTRSK-17SDRC”

https://camera-source.com/automotive-cams/ford-oe-fit/2017-super-duty-w-360-view-relocation-kit-camera-included.html

The third option is that I get the $200 Camera Source option, but that is not automatic… every time I use it I’d have to hit the AUX button, and that is a pain. 🙁
I dont want to have to do that. I’ll quote the email they send me:

“…. However, it will not come on automatically in reverse. We have a mini universal camera that would connect to the AUX connector up under the spare tire. ….. When in reverse, push the AUX button to view this camera feed. Here is the link to CS-FTRSKLP-17SD-TRL”
https://camera-source.com/automotive-cams/ford-oe-fit/2017-super-duty-w-360-view-mini-universal-trailer-cam.html

So to repeat my main question – how difficult is it to fish the stock Ford SuperDuty tailgate reverse camera + camera wires out of the actual tailgate?
(that has the tailgate ladder in it)
I am assuming the 2020 would be similar to the 2019.

Pic of some random Hallmark attached. I think the camera will end up on the rear side of the Hallmark’s bumper…. just to the right of the ladder that is removed when underway.

Thanks!

J.

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[john.]

Update: I *think* I will likely go with this solution…. to be determined.
New info that I just learned today is below.

So i think I will buy a new, OEM Ford tailgate camera from Ford – identical to what is in my forthcoming F350 SuperDuty. (just the camera alone)

¿ Anyone have any rough idea what the camera alone may cost?
Ford can’t price it without the VIN of my forthcoming vehicle, as they need the VIN to ensure I get the exact correct part.

and

Camera Source can sell me a 14 foot harness for $99 – This plugs directly into the Ford OEM camera and also plugs into the connector under the bumper.

My RV manufacturer will make a small metal box, put this camera in it, and mount that on the rear bumper of the camper, for no extra charge (as Hallmark is awesome)

This solution has the advantages of: being the exact same camera as Ford uses…. so zero compatibility issues, and it should look good…. and also hopefully cheaper than the $459 plug and play option Camera Source offers.

Also I get to leave the stock camera in the tailgate… and at some point down the road I will be very happy to have not ripped the original camera out of the tailgate. 🙂

and… Anyone have a lead on buying legit OEM parts from Ford, at a good price?
(so i can get the camera from them)
or should i just take my chances and walk into my local Ford dealership?

Thanks!

J.

[Chris]

I was doing a little research for you. A couple of things – one…is may be possible that Ford has an option on this that allows for another camera to be installed and attached to the back of the camper or in/on the camper as desired. I’m currently trying to order a 2020 2500 Silverado and it has a special trailer camera option to add a camera that can be put in a trailer/camper and one on the back – then toggle on the main screen. If your Ford has something like that – make sure and ask the dealer for that camera. GM puts them in the glove box when you buy and the owner has to set them up. Second…I looked at service data for the F250 and F350 on the camera. I can only see 2019. One word of caution I have is “IF” your truck has the 360 view camera system, you will have to get the rear camera CALIBRATED by a dealer for the rest of the camera’s to work right. It will seriously goof the system. If you don’t have the 360, I think you are good to unplug it from the gate and then try to hang it on the camper. This is what I see from the service manual on the 2019 based on certain options AFTER the camera is removed and installed on the gate which would impact what you are doing:

All vehicles

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Vehicles equipped with a high mounted stoplamp mounted camera

Using a diagnostic scan tool, following the on screen instructions for the LIN New Module Initialization-BCM configure the BCM .
Vehicles equipped with rear only parking aid camera

Using a diagnostic scan tool, following the on screen instructions for the LIN New Module Initialization-BCM configure the BCM .
Vehicles equipped with 360° cameras only

Using a diagnostic scan tool, following the on screen instructions for the LIN New Module Initialization-IPMB configure the IPMB .
Align the 360° cameras.
Refer to: 360 Degree View Camera Alignment (413-13B Parking Aid – Vehicles With: Parking Aid Camera, Removal and Installation) .
Vehicles equipped with 360° camera and Trailer Reverse Guidance

Using a diagnostic scan tool, following the on screen instructions for the LIN New Module Initialization-IPMB configure the IPMB .
Align the 360° cameras.
Refer to: 360 Degree View Camera Alignment (413-13B Parking Aid – Vehicles With: Parking Aid Camera, Removal and Installation) .

[john.]

Thanks much. 🙂

I believe my current plan is to just buy a OEM Ford tailgate camera, and a $99 snake from Camera Source… and Hallmark will mount the camera in a little metal box on the top side of the Hallmark bumper, and then it’ll just appear (slightly out of alignment with the side cameras in both 360 view, and will work as a stock backup camera. so easiest and no button pushing to use. cool.

J.

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