Bed Camera

**dagst1** · 10-28-2021, 12:38 PM

As the season is winding down time to look into some improvements/upgrades in this case a bed camera. I just can not see the hitch to hook up. My previous truck was a bit older and a long bed and I could see the 5th wheel just fine but this truck just can not see it which makes for some rather "spirited" exchanges with the wife as she tries asset. So I/we are thinking a bed camera.

I have a call into the local gm dealer about adding the factory one but it may be quite a job - still waiting. So doing some research i found a few aftermarket ones the have a toggle switch to go between the tailgate camera and the one on the third brake light.

So my question is has anyone added some kind of camera system to help see the 5th wheel on a short bed truck? If so what did you use and where did you get it and how was it to install? As my truck is still under factory warranty do not know if incorporating a aftermarket camera to the factory system will affect the warranty.

**DavisK** · 10-28-2021, 03:55 PM

I created this about 3 years ago. I used a project box, a cheap wireless backup camera with night vision, a pair of strong magnets, a 7 prong connector and a piece of scrap pvc coated composite 2x2. I wired the battery terminals from the connector to the camera. I measured the the angle of my pin box and cut the supports for the magnets from the 2x2.

To use it I plug the cable from the camper into the connector so the camper's battery powers the camera, stick the magnets to the underside of the pin box and plug the wireless monitor inside the truck. I can align the truck with the pin and tell when the jaws of the hitch lock.

Russb · 10-28-2021, 04:40 PM

This is what I use with my TT, Swift Hitch available at Amazon.

**mark5w** · 10-28-2021, 05:31 PM

I just purchased a back up camera system for the truck, truck bed and back of rv.
The bed camera is an eyeball camera that will be installed in the front rail of the bed.
I'll let you know how it works out when completed.

**Lloyd** · 10-28-2021, 06:43 PM

This is what I have used for years. Just stick it in the center of the hitch. Telescope it up, look in the rear view mirror, center it and back under your trailer. It will get pushed off into the bed of the truck.
https://www.amazon.com/Bastex-Magnet...08SJY7L7L&th=1

**dagst1** · 10-29-2021, 09:44 AM

Thanks guys great ideas.

PatriotCruiser · 11-06-2021, 02:58 PM

one question is do you put the back seat down when you hook up? Also you can try hooking up to your fifth wheel than looking in the rearview mirror have someone pot a small piece of tape on the back window that lines up with your hitch. good luck

**dagst1** · 11-06-2021, 09:55 PM

My back seat does not fold down the bottom lifts/folds up. I also have a sliding rear window that the frame does not help. I can get it about 99% of the time but I was used to seeing the hitch with the other truck - 08 Gmc 2500HD with long bed.

All good suggestions just not sure which way I will go yet.

660catman · 11-07-2021, 06:14 AM

Following this. I have a 13 Sierra 2500HD and have a roll up cover that blocks the sight line to the hitch when rolled up. I can’t see past that but have never had issue with lining up side to side. I use the tailgate “V” for that. For me it’s the height. At home I have marked a level on side of camper where camper needs to sit to hookup. Can’t use it camping because of various terrain.

**Lloyd** · 11-07-2021, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 660catman

Following this. I have a 13 Sierra 2500HD and have a roll up cover that blocks the sight line to the hitch when rolled up. I can’t see past that but have never had issue with lining up side to side. I use the tailgate “V” for that. For me it’s the height. At home I have marked a level on side of camper where camper needs to sit to hookup. Can’t use it camping because of various terrain.

I would think you could use two of those telescoping magnets to accomplish that?
One on the back bumper, and one on the trailer hitch. You would just have to mark them to where you wanted them telescoped out to.

660catman · 11-07-2021, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lloyd

I would think you could use two of those telescoping magnets to accomplish that?
One on the back bumper, and one on the trailer hitch. You would just have to mark them to where you wanted them telescoped out to.

Actually you just made me think of something. I could use one and place it in front of tailgate and in the centre. Extend it to just less than height of hitch. If I just topple it, I’m good for height.

**dagst1** · 11-08-2021, 07:58 AM

My last truck had the "V" tailgate but they are not available for the one I have now.

**Lloyd** · 11-08-2021, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 660catman

Actually you just made me think of something. I could use one and place it in front of tailgate and in the centre. Extend it to just less than height of hitch. If I just topple it, I’m good for height.

Do you have a tt or a 5th wheel?

660catman · 11-08-2021, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lloyd

Do you have a tt or a 5th wheel?

Fifth. I had no issue when I had my TT as I had a rear camera on tailgate. I have a truck without a camera now.

**Lloyd** · 11-08-2021, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 660catman

Fifth. I had no issue when I had my TT as I had a rear camera on tailgate. I have a truck without a camera now.

I thought I remembered you had a 5th wheel now, but it's not in your sig. and that's why I asked. Kind of threw me off.

Thinking you had a tt was why I suggested using two of them.

660catman · 11-08-2021, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lloyd

I thought I remembered you had a 5th wheel now, but it's not in your sig. and that's why I asked. Kind of threw me off.

Thinking you had a tt was why I suggested using two of them.

Yeah, it’s not a Crossroads model either but I still follow this forum as so many things are relevant across the RV manufacturers.

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