Backup camera on a 2005 – Pro install service?

[Iron Chef]

I'm planning for a head unit upgrade, with a backup camera to boot. I can install the head unit myself just fine, but the camera is another matter.

I looked up Youtube and old posts on this process, so I know what the steps are and what's involved, but I don't trust myself to do it well the first time. It would probably take me an full day (or more) to work through all the details, and the risk of something going wrong is pretty high. So I'd rather pay a professional to get it done well.

Best Buy has such a service, but I have no idea of their quality of work.

Does anyone have any recommendations? Would a dealership do it for a reasonable price? I'm in the SF Bay Area. (I'll post in the NorCal forum for more area-specific recommendations, depending on what responses I get here).

And is $100-$150 a reasonable expectation for the labor cost?

 

[Tironeous]

Best Buy does a fine job. They did my dads truck and it works great.

Honestly, if you’re confident installing the radio the camera isn’t that bad. Takes a little patience to snake the wire through the grommet at the rear hatch but doable.

A bar stye camera that just attaches to the license plate bolts makes it easy too. I used these two videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHORKUqlEM4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9iRSuh3vAM&feature=youtu.be

 

[importman]

I agree with Tironeous. If you can do the head unit you can do the camera. It's a little tedious but nothing overwhelming. I installed this one and I've been very pleased with it.
Amazon.com: NATIKA Backup/Front View Camera,IP69K Waterproof Great Night Vision HD and Super Wide Angle Metal OEM Style Reverse Rear View Backup Camera for Cars Pickup Trucks SUVs RVs Vans (Black): Car Electronics

 

[UrbanRunner651]

I was in the same boat.
Decided to have BB do mine a while back since it was free with the purchase of the unit. The tech called me to say the camera I supplied wouldn't really work with our tailgate design. He offered to upgrade me to one in stock that would and at no extra charge. Also took the extra effort to clean up my existing wire routing from my head unit to the subs I had done and made everything invisible with the camera wire.

 

[Iron Chef]

Appreciate all your inputs! I'm leaning toward BB now - just need to call up a specific BB team and gauge their experience working with 4runners (if any).

For those encouraging me to do it myself, I appreciate the vote of confidence. I can probably pull it off, but it'd take me a LOT longer than a pro, and one small un-caught mistake could lead to huge headaches. I'd rather pay a competent professional and get that peace of mind.

I honestly would rather pay a small privately-owned Toyota shop (that has experience with such installs) rather than a corporation like BB, but since BB specializes in this service, they look like my best bet so far.

 

[L8Shift]

I did an install on a 07 Sport, with a Pioneer head unit.

Install the camera wiring from the hatch forward.
Silicone spray the conduit to make things way easier.

The rear emblem trim piece, and key switch would need to be entirely removed, to mount the camera (like OEM). Also, a little bit of dremeling to run the wiring.

Good time to replace the tail gate button switch, clean out the inside of the hatch, lube the lock mechanism, if needed. etc.

Just run the wiring along the other harnesses (tape) to avoid the wire getting damaged.

I used a camera from.. Backup Camera for 03-15 Toyota 4Runner. Their gear is top notch. (After a couple years, the camera is as good as new on our Taco)

Do it! :becky:

 

[riverwolf]

OP, another easy DIY option is to go with one of the wireless transmitter kits...typically around $15 on Amazon. If you have a tow hitch, get a receiver cover and flush mount a camera in it. Place the wireless transmitter in the jack storage area behind the drivers taillight and voila...no need to fish wiring from the back to the front. If you pick a camera with a disconnect close to the camera end, you could easily remove it in the event you actually need to tow something. Just another way to skin the cat.

 

[caeavesrsx-s]

one small un-caught mistake could lead to huge headaches. I'd rather pay a competent professional and get that peace of mind.

.

This! I ran mine and didn't realize the cable was in the path of the window. Had to make a decision. Pull the damn thing all the way back out or cut the wire and solder it back together. I chose the snip. Soldering six tiny wires was a pain but not as much as running that all back out of the hatch again.

 

[PePe_Silvia]

I was in the same boat.
Decided to have BB do mine a while back since it was free with the purchase of the unit. The tech called me to say the camera I supplied wouldn't really work with our tailgate design. He offered to upgrade me to one in stock that would and at no extra charge. Also took the extra effort to clean up my existing wire routing from my head unit to the subs I had done and made everything invisible with the camera wire.

Just curious, are you in Minneapolis? I'm in the area and would love to use the BB you used!