I tried searching for info on this but couldn't find exactly what I was looking for, so I figured I'd post my experiences and share some pictures. I had a backup cam in my last vehicle and loved it. When I picked up the T4R a week ago, it didn't have one... and decided I didn't want to live without the backup camera. I ordered a Parrot ASTEROID Smart and will be installing that in a few days. I ordered a Sony XA-R800C Rearview Camera off Amazon (great price!) and wanted to get to work installing it right away, even if I couldn't view the fruits of my labor until I got the head unit installed.
I wanted a bird's eye view, as I find the view preferable to bumper mount or license plate mount. That meant installing the camera under the spoiler. The ideal mount point was on the black plastic trim under the rear wiper assembly.
I marked the spot on the trim that corresponded to the center of the vehicle, and removed the trim. Removal wasn't hard--just use a trim removal tool from Harbor Freight or similar, and pop it off straight downward.
I used a 1/2" drill bit to make the hole for the foam grommet included with the camera for the camera cord. I then pre-drilled holes for the camera mounting bracket.
Then, I removed the four rubber grommets to uncover the 10mm spoiler mount bolts and unscrewed them. In addition to these bolts, the spoiler is held on by four plastic clips (I did not know this!!). It takes some bravery to just yank and pull it off. Removing the spoiler is necessary to fish the camera wire through the grommets that pass into the rear hatch itself.
Fishing the camera wire through this rubber tube was probably the most annoying part of this process. I tried a snake at first and found it was about to damage the existing wiring, so I just manipulated the rubber tube and forced it through.
Then, I just fished the camera wire down the rear pillar to the tire jack panel. Remember to untwist the grocery bag hook and remove the phillips screw underneath. Used some zip ties to secure the wire, and she's installed! I really like the way it came out. The camera doesn't interfere with the rear glass going up/down, and on the other end, the rear wiper clears the camera with no interference either.
I will reserve another post for details on tapping power, reverse light, installing signal box, and a relay/switch for manual camera activation.
I wanted a bird's eye view, as I find the view preferable to bumper mount or license plate mount. That meant installing the camera under the spoiler. The ideal mount point was on the black plastic trim under the rear wiper assembly.
I marked the spot on the trim that corresponded to the center of the vehicle, and removed the trim. Removal wasn't hard--just use a trim removal tool from Harbor Freight or similar, and pop it off straight downward.
I used a 1/2" drill bit to make the hole for the foam grommet included with the camera for the camera cord. I then pre-drilled holes for the camera mounting bracket.
Then, I removed the four rubber grommets to uncover the 10mm spoiler mount bolts and unscrewed them. In addition to these bolts, the spoiler is held on by four plastic clips (I did not know this!!). It takes some bravery to just yank and pull it off. Removing the spoiler is necessary to fish the camera wire through the grommets that pass into the rear hatch itself.
Fishing the camera wire through this rubber tube was probably the most annoying part of this process. I tried a snake at first and found it was about to damage the existing wiring, so I just manipulated the rubber tube and forced it through.
Then, I just fished the camera wire down the rear pillar to the tire jack panel. Remember to untwist the grocery bag hook and remove the phillips screw underneath. Used some zip ties to secure the wire, and she's installed! I really like the way it came out. The camera doesn't interfere with the rear glass going up/down, and on the other end, the rear wiper clears the camera with no interference either.
I will reserve another post for details on tapping power, reverse light, installing signal box, and a relay/switch for manual camera activation.
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