Trailer Backup Camera Switching?

I just bought my first Tacoma: a 2015 4.0 v6 4x4 that I'll to use to tow my R-Pod around. I intend to install a reverse camera on the camper. Is there a way to easily switch between the Taco's reverse camera and the camper's? Better yet, is there a way for it to recognize when the camper's hooked up and switch automatically? I'd really like to use the camper's camera in conjunction with the console display and not have to use a separate display for it. Would I need to replace the head unit or does the stock unit come with two camera inputs, or is there another way around it? Am I in over my head? Should I have all this done professionally? Thanks for any help yall can offer!

 

Why not just hook up the camera from the camper to a switch so you can turn it on whenever its needed

 

My (very simple) solution was to install a WiFi camera to my RV (access power for camera from rear clearance light, camera is on when parking lights are on). I can then see whats behind on my cell phone or tablet. No complex wiring. - FWIW

 

I can see the appeal of being able to switch between them, but I think I'd go this way. That'd let you keep an eye on the hitch for when you have to back through a turn and you're never quite sure how sharply you can take it.

 

Might involve some extra wiring to run, but there are a few threads on here about adding a front camera to the truck. You could use that harness, to provide your trailer cam a place to plug in & use the existing screen. Subd' for your solution.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/anytime-front-and-rear-camera-mod.542285/

 

You need to think about how you're going to get the trailer camera signal to the truck. If you utilize 1 of the terminals in the 7 way connector, and you hook that trailer onto someone else's truck, it will likely blow the camera when you put 12V to the signal output. A better option would be to have a separate wiring connector just for the camera. To make things really simple, you could make it so you unplug the truck camera and plug in the trailer camera.

 

Just reading thru this thread & wanted to chime in...while you can just unplug the factory camera & plug in another one, keep in mind that Toyota factory backup cameras are 6 volt, not 12 volt. So if you were to go this route & just unplug one and plug the other one in, be sure that the camera you get can safely run on 6 volts; otherwise you'll burn the camera out (we actually did a test in my shop a couple years ago for the heck of it...ran a 12V camera on 6V, and after about 4 hours of use, the picture started getting grainy, and got progressively worse until it got so bad that the display resembled something like what you would see if your camera is caked in mud). Only a few companies offer cameras that can run on 6 volts. Let me know if you have any other questions - I've had a lot of dealings with the factory cameras on Tacoma's & Tundra's and other Toyota's for quite a few years.

 

So, with that in mind then, if you use an aftermarket camera on the trailer, wire the trailer camera +12v power to the reverse terminal in the 7 way connector on the trailer and wire the video signal to the connector that plugs into the factory Taco camera wiring connector.

 

Absolutely! That also opens a lot more doors for camera styles, as there are a lot more 12 volt cameras than there are those that are compatible with Toyota's 6 volt system.