Putting in a new stereo this weekend and I plan to add a backup camera on the spoiler.

I want the camera so I can see my boat while backing up and riding down the road if I want to.

My plan for wiring is having the camera get its power from the running light instead of reverse light.

On the stereo I want to take the 12v from the amp signal wire and add a switch to it that would sent the 12v to the radio when on.

So yes, I would have to hit the switch to back up but I could also just hit the switch anytime to see if my cushions are blowing around etc.

The camera is a bit adjustable so I'm thinking I could aim it down to hook up the boat and then back up to watch the boat. Don't care much about the camera otherwise and actually find it quite annoying in my truck.

Wiring that way should work, correct? Not an expert.

Thanks!

I saw this on an FB group:
Anytime Backup Camera

The camera doesn't are where the power is coming from and the draw is very minimal.

If you wanted to make the camera come on with the reverse lights or when you hit the switch it can be done with a little extra work.

You'd just need to wire in the switch as normal, and add in a wire that taps into the reverse light wire with a 10 amp diode in it. The diode will let current flow only in one direction and keep your reverse lights from coming on when you hit the switch.

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So I ended up putting in two cameras.

One is the run of the mill license plate frame. Everything nice and neat, through the boot.

When I started to look at the work involved in doing a nice neat install for a camera on top of the spoiler I changed my mind. Initial install would be one thing, but if it failed from the weather it would be another huge job to replace it.

What I did was put the connections on a plug by the tail light access panel.

I am going to epoxy a strong magnet on top of the spoiler. Then epoxy another magnet to the camera mount. I can now plug in the camera, crack the rear window for the cord and sit the camera up nice and high to watch my boat.

Set up is two minutes and the camera won't be in the weather all the time.

If it dies, replacing it will take 5 minutes.

As for wiring,

Both cameras are powered by the head units amp signal.

I did not put in any switch. I also did not hook up the reverse signal to the HU.

The main back up camera will not come on automatically in reverse which I am happy about.

Through the touch screen I can see the view from either camera in just two taps.