Regarding the backup camera on the tailgate...

Having a backup camera is amazing, but there's a huge design flaw having it on the tailgate handle. When the tailgate is down, the camera points at the bumper.

When I've had to haul large cargo that requires me to have the tailgate down, those are the times when I've actually needed the backup camera the most. Makes sense, doesn't it?

I've looked at where the camera is mounted on the tailgate handle, and it looks to me like it wouldn't have been too difficult to implement a way to tilt, rotate, or otherwise adjust the position/orientation of the camera so that when the tailgate is parallel to the ground, the camera can be adjusted to still face back away from the vehicle.

Do you think it would be possible to implement a mod that could do this?

 

Me, I'd buy a Pop-n-Lock, then re-locate the camera to the bumper.

 

why not mount the camera to your liscense plate and then replace the handle with one form a 05-08?

i have 2 cameras for this very reason, the factory one and an alpine on the liscense plate

 

That sounds like it would work, but I wouldn't have a clue how to do such a thing. Where exactly on or around the license plate would it go?

 

This guy put an Eclipse BEC-105 camera in the license plate light... pretty slick

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/832238

 

I was wondering the same thing the other day after a run to the Depot. I'm sure any qualified stereo shop can do a quick rewire for you if you're not inclined to do it yourself.

 

I suppose I should have mentioned that I'm broke. I can't pay anyone to do this, and I can't afford an additional camera. I was really just thinking there should be some way to modify its existing housing in the handle so it can be pivoted or adjusted in some way. Even if it's beyond my abilities, I was still curious to find out.

Anybody know how to safely remove the camera or tailgate handle so that I can take a closer look?

 

Mirror on your tag? Must say I can see my tag real well with the tail gate down.

 

Definitely something that truck makers should look at, I think most factory backup cameras are located in generally the same place, I think. Luckily I never have a need to leave me tailgate gate down when hauling. Camera for me comes most in handy when backing up to my boat trailer.

 

At first I had no idea what you were talking about. Then I realized... oh. It's a joke. Heh. Well everything would be upside down if I did that XD

 

I think the camera is quite handy. I'm even considering doing the camera mod which involves installing a switch so the camera can be turned on at any time. Looks easy enough, and more importantly... affordable.

 

I just got a backup camera on Amazon for $25.00. shouldnt be too expensive for ya.

 

Really? That's all it is? Hmmmm... I did get an eBay gift card for $25. Maybe I can find one there. Are there any particular cameras I should avoid? I will, after all, be looking for cheap stuff. I don't want something total junk... just affordable.

Also... do you think it'd be possible to obtain a camera from another source, such as gutting a webcam?

 

going to upgrade my stereo system to a Kenwood, was thinking about installing a second camera on the front bumper looking not strait down, but tilted down a bit, reason,,,, although most of the time i do a walk around before going into a questionable area, it would be pretty cool to be able to look down the hill as i start down it. theres always that point where ya just cant see over the hood when you start do go down it....... what do you guys think?

 

Old thread, I know.... came across it when I was looking up information about the same issue. I've been wanting to install a second camera on my plate or on my bumper for the same issue. The only thing I was really curious about.... is there somewhere you can buy a plug that will fit the Toyota harness? most of the cheaper cameras I see around just have RCA style plugs. I'm not looking to get fancy with both cameras hooked up at the same time or anything. If I know I'm hauling something with the tailgate down I've got no problem crawling under the bumper to unplug one and plug in another, but it seems silly to pay $200 for a plug&play camera when there's a ton of $20-30 camera around that would be perfect if it wasn't for the different connectors.

Wonder if the Tacoma and Tundra cameras use the same plug, just to double my searching options on ebay.

 

Asked that question in another camera thread but got no definitive answer. Wanted to put a BU camea in my trailer and connect to to the connector on the truck. Good luck finding a camera to just plug and play.

 

I maybe mistaken but I believe the Tacoma camera is a 5 volt camera that maybe an issue easy enough to check. If it is doable why not use your your dummy plug and buy the terminals to wire your aftermarket camera.

 

One nice thing about it's current location is being able to see the trailer hitch when hooking up.