Hi there, as you can tell from my post count I am new to the forums, but I have done a substantial amount of research regarding upgrading the audio system in my 2008 Limited 4Runner. After reading the posts here re: back up cameras and then looking at my own car, I have no idea where you could install a camera. The area above the license plate is not recessed and there is no way that I can see to route the camera wires through the license plate lights. The area by the trailer hitch seems appropriate, but I feel like there would be problems trying to keep the camera low-profile as well as safe from any sort of off-road travel. Has anyone installed a rear view camera that has some insight/pictures to share? Would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

Mine is wired under the car and through the hole where the spare tire crank goes. I know that's probably not very helpful for you, because it would look weird with the back hatch open, but the under the car thing might not be a bad idea for you, and then out right on top of the hitch with the camera flush inside the back bumper? There would be some cutting involved...

Funny you should ask...I just recently installed a Boyo license plate camera on my Urban Runner. Running the wire was kind of a pain in the neck, but not too bad. Like you, I was trying to run the wire through the license plate light openings, but I couldn't get it to work. I ended up drilling a small hole underneath the license plate for the wire. When the camera is installed, the hole is not visible. I used some silicon on the inside of the rear hatch to seal the hole to prevent moisture from entering. I don't have any install pics, but I could get some pics of the finished installation, if you think that they would help.

Here's a link to the camera that I have. It's pretty decent, and does the job well.

http://boyovta.com/products/vtl200c.html

I ended up running the wire from the license plate to the frame channel on the rear hatch (driver's side). There is a rubber wire harness that goes from the rear hatch to the body of the truck. I added the camera wire to this wire harness to transition from the rear hatch to the body of the truck. This will get you to the headliner near the rear dome light. I went from here, to the frame channel inside the truck, on the driver's side. I ended up running along the top edge of the quarter window (driver's side) to the rear seatbelt on the driver's side. I went down towards the floorboard from here, and made it into the wiring channel on the driver's side rear passenger floorboard area. From here, it was a straight shot forward to the dash. Hopefully, that will all make sense. If not, let me know, and I can see what I can do about getting some pics.

I did it at the factory location, used a small hand saw to cut a notch in the plastic and routed the wire thru the existing black rubber at the top hinge. Then I took the cargo area mirror off and routed the wire via the drivers side, past the door sills and into the dashboard.

careful .... if u unplug the control unit in the hatch, you'll have to reset all the windows ... (similar to pulling the battery relearning windows AUTO procedure)

Out of curiosity, where is the factory location for the backup camera?

I have a Kenwood DDX 814 with a backup cam mounted up by the rear wing, between the wing and the rear hatch pointed down. It's easy to run the wire up into the area and the cam is not visible unless you go looking for it. The angle is nice too since I can see the back bumper and behind me.

PM Kevin (darkie3495)

• Kenwood DNX8120
• Kenwood Backup Camera

Dec 09 / Jan 10 / Feb 10 T4ROTM - darkie3495
Dec 09 / Jan 10 / Feb 10 T4ROTM - darkie3495

That sounds like an awesome place for it!

highspeed: you wouldnt happen to have any pictures of the camera mounted as well as the wiring from the exterior to the inside of the truck?

here is where i mounted mine (factory location). I've since redid it to tuck it in a bit more (sorry no updated pics).

Great pic darkie. Did you insert a rubber grommet for the hole you drilled into the exterior?

This is how I mounted mine inside the cargo roof for now...thinking of mounting it on the License plate frame or somewhere back there like Darkie's..but I really dunno if I want to drill a hole and go through that hassle. I can see very well with it on the insde and through the window..see pics.

Pretty sneaky place for a camera. I like that mounting location, maybe even a little better than the one I have on the license plate frame. I'll leave mine for now, until something happens to it, then I may re-think it. I wasn't sure if I would even use a backup camera, but I've since used it several times, and it works like a charm.

running the wires up through the factory boot isn't all that hard. sorry my rig is a bit dirty... just finished a 2500 mile road trip with the family.

From 4Runner

From 4Runner

Man I am jealous of that mounting position! I have to wait until I can re-work the back end of my truck before I can do that, but I really like that! Nice job.